Fortnite’s squad size is about to get bigger. According to a leak from HYPEX, one of the most reliable sources for Fortnite information, Epic Games is actively developing a five-player squad mode internally called Quints. This would mark the first time in Fortnite Battle Royale’s history that teams could exceed the current four-player maximum, potentially revolutionizing how millions of players approach teamwork, strategy, and coordination.
The leak surfaced on December 3, 2024, when HYPEX posted a brief but impactful statement on social media confirming that five-player squads are in the works. The news spread rapidly across Reddit, TikTok, and gaming communities worldwide, sparking intense speculation about when this mode might launch and how it will fundamentally change Fortnite’s competitive landscape. While Epic Games hasn’t officially confirmed the feature, HYPEX has an established track record of accurate Fortnite leaks, making this development highly credible.
What Are Quints in Fortnite
Quints refers to the proposed five-player squad mode, following the naming convention Epic has used for other team sizes. Currently, Fortnite Battle Royale supports Solo (one player), Duos (two players), Trios (three players), and Squads (four players). Adding a fifth option would complete the progression, though the community is already debating what to actually call it.
Some players have jokingly suggested that Epic should rename the current four-player Squads mode to Quads and use Squads for the five-player variant, since squad literally means a small group typically of five or more. However, changing terminology that’s been established for years would likely create massive confusion, so Quints seems to be the most logical designation despite sounding slightly awkward to many players.
How This Changes Squad Dynamics
Adding just one more player to a squad might seem like a minor adjustment, but the strategic implications are enormous. In competitive Fortnite, teams are carefully structured with specific roles including In-Game Leader (IGL), Fragger (eliminations specialist), Tarper (builds defensive structures), and Support Player (carries healing items and provides backup). With four players, every role is tightly defined and teams must make difficult choices about their composition.
Five-player squads introduce unprecedented flexibility. Teams could run multiple fraggers for aggressive pushes, dedicate one player exclusively to scouting and rotation planning, or assign someone to focus purely on resource gathering and material management. The extra player also means more firepower in late-game fights where positioning and suppressive fire can make the difference between victory and elimination. Defensive strategies become stronger too, as holding a position with five players covering different angles is significantly easier than with four.
The Social Problem It Solves
Beyond competitive implications, Quints solves a genuine social problem that Fortnite players encounter constantly. Friend groups rarely come in perfect sets of two or four. How many times have you had five friends online wanting to play together, only to have someone left out because squads max at four players? This frustrating situation forces friend groups to split up, rotate players between matches, or convince someone to sit out entirely.
With five-player squads, those awkward conversations disappear. Groups can play together without exclusion, making Fortnite more accessible and enjoyable for casual players who just want to hang out with friends. This social aspect shouldn’t be underestimated, as Fortnite’s massive success stems partly from being a platform where people connect and socialize, not just a competitive shooter. Removing barriers to group play aligns perfectly with Epic’s vision of Fortnite as a social metaverse experience.
What About Lobby Balance
One legitimate concern players have raised is how five-player squads affect lobby balance and matchmaking. Fortnite Battle Royale lobbies typically hold 100 players. With four-player squads, that means 25 teams competing. With five-player squads, you’d have exactly 20 teams, which could significantly change pacing and encounter frequency throughout matches.
Fewer teams means potentially less action in the early game as landing spots spread out more. However, it also means each remaining team late-game represents a larger threat with more firepower and resources. Epic would need to carefully tune storm circles, loot distribution, and possibly even map design to accommodate this shift. The question is whether Epic launches Quints as a separate permanent mode alongside existing options, or rotates it as a Limited Time Mode to test community reception before committing fully.
The History of Fortnite Squad Sizes
Fortnite launched in 2017 with Solo and Squad modes, with Squads originally supporting up to four players. Duos was added shortly after due to popular demand, creating the duo partnership dynamic that’s become a cornerstone of competitive Fortnite. Trios came later and was initially a Limited Time Mode before Epic recognized its competitive potential and made it permanent.
Interestingly, there have been experimental larger team modes throughout Fortnite’s history. The beloved 50v50 mode pitted two massive teams against each other in chaotic warfare. Team Rumble supports large teams in respawn-enabled combat. Earlier leaks even suggested Epic tested six-player squads for the fast-paced Blitz Royale mode, though that never materialized publicly. The fact that Epic continues experimenting with team sizes shows they understand variety in social configurations keeps the game fresh and accommodates different playstyles.
When Could Quints Launch
HYPEX’s leak confirms Quints is in development but doesn’t specify a timeline. Given that Fortnite is currently in Chapter 6 Season 1, Epic could introduce the mode as a mid-season update to reinvigorate player interest. Alternatively, they might save it as a major feature for the next season launch to drive engagement and headlines.
Epic’s approach to new modes varies wildly. Sometimes they shadow-drop features with minimal announcement, while other times they build weeks of hype through teasers. The Ballistic mode, Fortnite’s new 5v5 tactical FPS experience launching December 11, 2024, received significant promotional buildup. Whether Quints gets similar treatment or arrives quietly as a playlist option remains to be seen. Most community speculation points to sometime in early 2025 as a realistic window if development is already underway.
Community Reactions
The Fortnite community’s response to the Quints leak has been overwhelmingly positive, with some reservations. Casual players are ecstatic about finally being able to include all their friends in one squad. Content creators see opportunities for new collaborative videos and squad compositions they can experiment with. Competitive players are intrigued by the strategic depth five-player teams could introduce, though some worry it might make tournaments too chaotic.
The Reddit thread discussing the leak generated hundreds of comments, with many players sharing stories about being the fifth person left out of squad games. Others suggested bringing back massive team modes like 20v20v20v20v20 if Epic is already experimenting with different team sizes. A few skeptics questioned whether Quints would fragment the player base across too many playlists, potentially increasing matchmaking times, especially in less populated regions.
What Epic Needs to Get Right
For Quints to succeed, Epic needs to nail several crucial elements. Voice chat becomes even more important with five players coordinating simultaneously, so communication tools need to work flawlessly. UI elements showing teammate positions, health, and shields must remain clear despite the extra player. Revive mechanics might need adjustment since having four teammates able to revive could make teams nearly impossible to fully eliminate.
Loot economy is another consideration. Five players need sufficient weapons, shields, and materials from landing locations. Epic might need to increase floor loot spawn rates or adjust chest distribution to prevent teams from cannibalizing each other’s equipment. The storm timing and circle sizes that work for 25 four-player teams might feel too slow or too fast for 20 five-player teams. These balance details will likely require extensive testing and iteration before Quints feels as polished as existing modes.
FAQs
Is Fortnite really getting 5-player squads?
According to reliable leaker HYPEX, Epic Games is currently working on a five-player squad mode called Quints. However, Epic has not officially confirmed this feature yet, and no release date has been announced.
What will the 5-player mode be called?
The mode is internally referred to as Quints, following the naming pattern of Duos, Trios, and Squads. Some community members have jokingly suggested other names, but Quints appears to be the most likely official designation.
When will Quints mode launch in Fortnite?
There’s no official release date yet. Since the mode is reportedly still in development, it could launch as a mid-season update in early 2025 or potentially as a major feature for a future season. Epic hasn’t provided any timeline.
Will Quints replace the current Squad mode?
Almost certainly not. Epic will likely add Quints as an additional playlist option alongside existing Solo, Duos, Trios, and Squads modes. Players would choose which team size they prefer rather than being forced into five-player teams.
How many teams would be in a Quints lobby?
If lobbies remain at 100 players, Quints matches would have exactly 20 teams of five players each, compared to 25 teams in the current four-player Squad mode. This could change encounter frequency and pacing throughout matches.
Who is HYPEX and are they reliable?
HYPEX is one of the most established and accurate Fortnite leakers, with a long history of revealing features, collaborations, and content before official announcements. While no leaker is 100% accurate, HYPEX has an excellent track record that makes this leak highly credible.
Will Quints be permanent or a Limited Time Mode?
Unknown at this time. Epic might test Quints as a Limited Time Mode first to gather data and community feedback before making it permanent, or they could launch it directly as a permanent playlist alongside existing modes.
How would 5-player squads change competitive Fortnite?
Five-player squads would introduce more strategic flexibility, allowing teams to run multiple specialists in roles like fragging, building, and support. Late-game fights would involve more firepower and coordination, potentially making matches more intense and complex.
Conclusion
The addition of five-player squads to Fortnite represents more than just a minor playlist expansion. It’s a fundamental shift that addresses real social problems players face, opens up exciting strategic possibilities for competitive play, and demonstrates Epic’s commitment to keeping Fortnite fresh after seven years. While the mode hasn’t been officially confirmed and details remain scarce, HYPEX’s track record gives players legitimate reason to believe Quints is genuinely in development and could arrive sooner than later. Whether you’re a competitive grinder looking for new tactical depth or a casual player tired of leaving friends out of squad sessions, five-player teams have something to offer. The Fortnite community is clearly ready for this evolution, and if Epic executes the implementation properly, Quints could become as beloved and permanent as Duos and Trios before it. For now, players will have to wait patiently for official confirmation and hope that Epic is listening to the overwhelming positive response this leak has generated across the community.