The patch 7.40 brings significant changes to the rules of Fortnite. Alongside numerous balance adjustments and a free Battle Pass, Fortnite even alters the fundamental principles of the online shooter.
These are the significant changes in Fortnite: In the patch notes for 7.40, Epic made it clear today that it’s addressing the core of the game and implementing profound changes to the standard mode:
- Players who now eliminate opponents regain 50 health or shield points
- When opponents die, they drop 50/50/50 materials
- Overall, there are only 500 materials of each type, so wood, stone, and iron (previously 999)
- Additionally, players will now be able to gather materials 40% faster
These are the new rules for the standard mode and not just for individual tournaments or limited-time modes. This is the “New Normal.”
Epic states that they have adopted the parameters of the “Pop-Up Cups” because these rules have led to engaging battles in tournaments and rewarded risky play.
Fortnite becomes more aggressive, riskier, faster
What’s behind this: These are drastic changes that apparently reward a more aggressive play style.
Previously, players like pro “Tfue” complained that playing “aggressively” in Fortnite was ineffective. With the new rule, players benefit from healing upon kills and can gather resources more quickly after using them in a fight or “build-off.”
Overall, players will now spend significantly less time mining materials with their pickaxe.
This change is likely Epic’s response to criticism that players have been avoiding fights for too long.
This is how Fortnite is stepping up: It is noticeable how Epic is suddenly speeding up, particularly in a situation where they would normally slow down. Until now, the end phases of a season have been rather quiet and characterized by surrounding events. But as season 7 comes to an end, Epic is ramping up:
- Today, Epic addressed many “nagging issues” like overpowered weapons (Desert Eagle, Rocket Launcher) or the intrusive zipline
- they are making the Season 8 Battle Pass available for free if players complete enough challenges – aiming to boost player engagement as season 7 comes to a close
- additionally, there’s a special skin that costs €20 but also offers V-Bucks worth €20, if players actively play Fortnite and complete challenges
This final sprint is particularly interesting, because season 7 lasts even two weeks longer than usual. Yet instead of a “dead time,” Epic is apparently pushing forward.
Fans say: Thank you Apex!
Why is Fortnite doing this? The popular sentiment in the forums today and in the past days is that Fortnite is directly responding to the competition from Apex Legends, which has emerged seemingly out of nowhere and created a stir in the last 10 days.
Some players even thank Apex for motivating Epic to step up their game.
When we at MeinMMO asked in a survey why players now prefer Apex, 32% cited the reason “It is a BR shooter without building.”
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