Epic has announced on Reddit and Twitter that changes will be made to the hated pump shotguns and shotguns. Epic also addressed the players’ criticism that traps in Fortnite: Battle Royale are now useless – and is making traps even deadlier than before.
If you were to ask players which weapon is the most annoying and powerful in the game, many would probably name the pump shotgun without hesitation. Due to its high critical damage multiplier, the pump shotgun can take down opponents from the right range, even with full shields, in one shot.
Epic has apparently gathered feedback for several months, as the shotguns and pump shotguns were significantly nerfed last night in a surprise move.
How significantly were the shotguns nerfed? The damage reductions will definitely lead to the fact that you will never again be able to take down an opponent with full shields in one shot:
- Pump Shotgun
- Critical damage multiplier reduced from 2.5 to 2.0
- Damage reduced from 90/95 to 80/85
- Tactical Shotgun
- Critical damage multiplier reduced from 2.5 to 2.0
With a rare (blue) pump shotgun, you could deal up to 237 damage points with one shot before the update – now it’s only a maximum of 170. A notable difference, even though many players sarcastically note that the damage has only reduced from 9 to 8.
But not only have the shotguns been adjusted by Epic – traps have also been reworked.
Traps are now deadlier than ever before
The nerf from 125 to 75 damage points did not please many players. The traps are now considered too weak; no one would use them anymore. The data that Epic has gathered in the meantime seems to confirm these critical voices. Therefore, traps have now been buffed again.
Instead of the previous usual 125 damage points, traps now deal 150 damage. That’s quite a lot. Any player without full shields will be sent straight to the lobby. On Reddit, this change generated significant criticism almost simultaneously with the announcement.
The traps are now considered too strong; many feel that 100 damage points would be sufficient.
Fortnite: Jetpack will disappear in a few days
Are there any updates on the jetpack? The jetpack was planned from the beginning as a limited-time item. On Monday, June 11, the jetpack will disappear from Fortnite: Battle Royale. The time specified is 08:00 in the morning – however, without a time zone. German players will likely experience this at around 17:00.
Epic emphasizes, however, that the jetpack could make a comeback in the future. So, it doesn’t have to be a permanent farewell.
Robert says: The nerf of the shotguns is a step in the right direction, but it will have a negative side effect. After the nerf, players will switch to running around with two shotguns even more.
It cannot be in Epic’s interest for 40% of inventory capacity to be held by the same weapon. It is therefore likely that adjustments will be made here as well – after the current situation has been carefully evaluated.
And the traps? Are they not too strong now? Yes, they are. Just like with the exaggerated nerf to only 75 damage points – Epic is gathering data. They are testing different configurations to find the perfect value.
The traps will not stay this strong for long – have fun with them while you can!
What do you think of the changes? Understandable or not?
