In Fortnite: Battle Royale, the gliders can no longer be used multiple times. This has deadly consequences for all who had gotten used to it.
What was the deal with the gliders? Since the end of October, you could unpack your glider anytime in all game modes of Fortnite and safely glide to the ground if you fell somewhere.
This was especially well received by professionals, casual gamers found it rather annoying. Now Epic has removed the feature again.
How do the gliders work now? The gliders now have the same function as before the change with Patch 6.30: You use them to reach the ground safely at the beginning of the game. Additionally, you can use them again after using a rift or a launch pad. Otherwise, not.
Too much of a good thing
Player base divided: The new glider mechanic sparked controversial discussions for weeks. Some players loved it and enjoyed the new freedom and speed it brought to the game.
Other players hated the new gliders and felt that it completely disrupted the game mechanics of fall damage and the approaching storm circle. You no longer had to think much about escape and could happily run around the map and build huge fortresses without a escape point.
Why did Epic do this? These negative voices seem to have resonated with Epic as well, because in a statement, it was said that they were not transparent enough with the players and have now concluded to reset the gliders.
The innovation with the gliders seems to have disturbed the game balance too much.
Will the new glider be gone for good? In the modes “50vs50” and “Disco Domination“, the reusable gliders are supposed to remain.
Deadly consequences
Massive deaths due to falls: According to many statements in comments and on Reddit, the sudden change in the glider mechanic has led to an increase in deaths from falls in the game. Many players have internalized the new gameplay in recent weeks and were used to jumping fearlessly into the depths and opening the glider.
Storm and fall damage claim victims: As this is no longer possible, countless players smashed on the ground, thereby losing the chance for victory.
Others were ruthlessly caught off guard by the storm and burned in it because they spent too long looting and did not consider that they were not fast enough on foot to escape the storm.
It will take some time for everyone to get used to the new, old conditions and to plan sensible escape routes while building and looting again.
What do you think of Epic’s decision?
