Fortnite Update: Shaking Up the Game

by Frank McDougall
in Action, News, Release
on 10 June 2024

Epic Games has just rolled out the latest update for Fortnite, and it’s causing quite a stir among players. While there are a few buffs, the majority of changes in this update lean towards nerfs, especially when it comes to cars. Let’s take a closer look at what this update has in store.

The nitro splash, a popular item in the game, has received a stack increase from 4 to 6. Additionally, the nitro energy now grants infinite stamina, making it a much more valuable resource for players. However, the damage caused by vehicle machine guns has been reduced from 30 to 27, and their fire rate has been decreased by 7%. The grenade launcher mounted on vehicles also saw a decrease in damage from 70 to 65.

The nitro gauntlets, known for their destructive power, have undergone a significant nerf. Their damage to builds has been reduced by 50%, and their air punch damage has been decreased from 70 to 50. Furthermore, the explosive bow’s damage to builds has been cut in half, going from 90/95/99/104 to 45/47/50/52.

On the brighter side, the tactical AR received a damage buff, with its damage range now moving from 19/20/21/22/23 to 20/21/22/23/24. The harbinger SMG also got some love in this update, with a 5% increase in fire rate and a 4% decrease in reload time.

These changes follow a series of hotfixes released before this update, which already saw some adjustments to cars. Notably, vehicle health in solos was reduced, and boss cars no longer regenerate health automatically. Players now deal more damage to vehicles with boom bolts, and the recharge time for nitro gauntlets has been increased. Additionally, the nitro shoulder bash now deals less damage to players.

The player community has had mixed reactions to these updates. While some players support the nerfing of cars, others are disappointed by the changes. The introduction of cars and vehicle modifications in Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 had brought excitement for many, but it seems the gameplay experience has shifted dramatically towards car-centric strategies. With this latest update, there is a possibility that players who were initially put off by the dominance of cars may find their way back to the game.

Overall, it’s clear that Epic Games is striving to maintain a balanced and enjoyable game environment. By ensuring that no single weapon or item is overwhelmingly powerful, they are creating a space that encourages a variety of strategies. Whether players embrace the changes or not, one thing is for certain: Fortnite continues to evolve with each update, keeping players engaged and eager to discover new ways to come out on top.

Additional facts:
– Besides the changes mentioned in the article, the latest Fortnite update also introduced a new weapon called the Dragon’s Breath Sniper Rifle. This weapon deals fire damage over time to both players and structures.
– Along with the update, Epic Games also implemented various bug fixes and performance improvements to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Important questions and answers:
1. What other changes were included in the latest Fortnite update?
– Apart from the vehicle-related adjustments, the update introduced a new weapon and included bug fixes and performance enhancements.

2. How has the player community responded to the update?
– The player community’s reactions have been mixed, with some players supporting the changes, especially regarding the nerfing of cars, while others are disappointed by them.

Key challenges and controversies:
1. Car-centric strategies: The introduction of cars and vehicle modifications in Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 sparked excitement for many players. However, some players felt that the gameplay experience had become too focused on cars, leading to a divided response within the community.

Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Balanced gameplay: By implementing changes that aim to prevent any single weapon or item from overpowering others, Epic Games is striving to maintain a balanced game environment.
– Variety of strategies: The updates encourage players to explore different strategies and playstyles, creating a diverse and engaging gameplay experience.

Disadvantages:
– Disappointment for some players: As with any update, some players may not be satisfied with the changes made, leading to disappointment and frustration.
– Shift in gameplay experience: The adjustment of vehicles and weapons may potentially disrupt the preferred playstyle of certain players who enjoyed the car-centric strategies.