Fortnite answers player demands in latest updates

Fortnite fans had a lot to say about recent changes and now Epic Games have responded.

Rejoice Fortnite fans! Epic Games have answered players’ demands and given us an update for the people.

Just days after the Mounted Turret was introduced in Battle Royal, players voiced concerns on the overpowered item and it has been given a nerf.

It will now be easier to land shots on people sitting in the turret, particularly while front on, while spawn rates have been reduced from 1.79 per cent to 0.915 per cent.

However Epic Games can’t please everybody and some unhappy fans want the item to be removed from the game all together.

Fortnite needs to get rid of the turret and the dynamites.. smh🤦🏻‍♂️

— HoodedMist (@caleb44796581) November 27, 2018

The other big winner in the update is shotguns, particularly the pump shotgun that is now available in Epic and Legendary rarities.

As reported last week by Eric Williamson, design lead for Epic Games, shotguns have received a buff, with the minimum damage increased to at least 3 pellets worth, even if only 1-2 pellets hit.

The upcoming 6.31 update will include a Pump Shotgun rebalance to improve effectiveness: damage will increase in close quarters and range will be reduced slightly. Additionally, ALL shotguns will have a minimum damage of 3 pellets (even if only 1 or 2 hit).

— Eric Williamson (@erwil9) November 20, 2018

Epic games hope this will rebalance the shotgun weapons, after players blew up at less effective shots doing basically no damage. The maximum damage for pump shotguns has also been raised and will do more damage in close range and less at far range.

FORTNITE IS BECOMING FUN AGAIN!!! They nerfed the turret and brung 1 pumping back!!!

— Jxlow (@Jxlow7) November 27, 2018

In other changes, stink bombs have been added to supply drop spawns, while the double-barrel shotgun will no longer be found as floor loot.

The glider redeploy feature has received further nerfs after the previous update, with the in air speed of the redeploy now slower. This means you will be an easier target while gliding in-game.

And much to the delight of fans the gifting system is finally enabled, meaning you will be able to send purchased cosmetic items, like skins and emotes, to friends. However, this addition will only be available for one week, before being removed from the game.

Epic games have released a new Limited Time Mode, replacing Food Fight and the Wild West with the new team mode with respawns enabled.

Two teams of 20 will fight, with players re-entering the fray with their entire inventory five seconds after dying (minus some ammo and materials). The first team to notch 100 kills will earn that coveted Victory Royale.

SEASON 7 THEORY UPDATE

*Warning, potential spoilers ahead*

Data miners have dug into the v6.31 update and found data that seems to confirm theories that season 7 will turn parts of the map into a winter wonderland ahead of Christmas.

This theory came about after eagle eyed fans noticed what appeared to be a snowstorm approaching the map.

Sound files have been added to the game, for when players either walk or run on snow, while other files suggest snow and even blizzards may be on their way. Other features that could be added include icy fog, a new snowy texture, snow flakes and even frosty breath animation for when characters are in snow affected areas. Files on a new castle addition to the map have also been noticed, but it is unclear what this means at the moment.

The lead up to season 7 so far seems to be much more relaxed than previous seasons, which have been dominated by in-game ‘storyline’ events, like the meteor strike, rocket launch and purple cube saga.

MORE PLAYERS

The player base of Fortnite has reached new heights, with a 60 per cent increase since June taking the number to 200 million. The game continues to be extremely profitable, with Epic Games now valued at more than $15 billion.

After recently winning the Golden Joystick game of the year, Fortnite has now received 4 nominations for The Game Awards 2018. Fortnite has been nominated for Best Ongoing Game, Best Mobile Game, Best Esports Game and Best Multiplayer Game and stands a good chance to win, given the winner is decided by popular vote.

Continue the conversation with Wilson Smith at @wilson_smithDT