Even though the “Battle Royale” mode of Fortnite is only a year old, there is a constant ebb and flow of weapons and equipment. Here is a selection of all the items that Epic has removed from the game, some of which are sorely missed.
People often tend to curse Epic for constantly adding new items, weapons, and other aids to Fortnite. After all, you only have five inventory slots available, which makes the choice relatively difficult.
It is often forgotten that there was a colorful mix of items that are no longer in the game, some of which are sorely missed.
Epic calls this “Vaulting”; an item is removed from Fortnite to be thoroughly revised, so it can make a glorious comeback. In the meantime, the item rests in the “Vault.”
We take a look back at all the toys that Epic gave us only to painfully snatch them away again.
The Zapotron – Buried on September 29, 2017
What exactly is the Zapotron? Most of you probably don’t know, but the Zapotron was actually in the game at the launch of Fortnite: Battle Royale, but was removed quite quickly.
Here’s what the Zapotron could do: Anyone taking a closer look at the features of the energy rifle might get an idea of why this weapon is no longer in the game. The Zapotron could be fired normally like an assault rifle or charge up to fire a massive energy ball that could even penetrate several enemies at once.
Here’s why the Zapotron disappeared: Unsurprisingly, Epic removed the Zapotron for “balance reasons.” Since then, there have been recurring rumors in the community about whether the weapon might make a triumphant comeback someday.
Is the Zapotron missed? Too few players got to enjoy the weapon. Most probably won’t even remember it.
The Submachine Gun – Buried on February 12, 2018
Here’s what the Submachine Gun could do: The standard SMG could fire quickly but was only effective at short distances, as the damage drop-off was quite noticeable. Additionally, the weapon dealt less damage compared to other SMGs.
Here’s why the Submachine Gun disappeared: At one time, three different variants of the submachine gun were bustling around in Fortnite: Battle Royale:
- The Standard Submachine Gun
- The Silenced Variant
- The Tactical SMG
The Tactical Submachine Gun was considered a valid close-range option despite the popular double pump tactic. While the silenced SMG at least still offered the advantage of being quiet when firing, nobody knew what to do with the Standard SMG.
The weapon was so unpopular that players often turned away in disgust and opted for the nearby white pistol instead.
Now the Submachine Gun is a beast: It returned in an altered form. With a new look and significantly more damage, the currently available variant shares only its name with the one from back then.
The weapon is now so good that it has taken away the spotlight from another contender. More on that later.
The Smoke Grenade – Buried on April 11, 2018
Here’s what the Smoke Grenade could do: The smoke grenade created a thick smoke through which players could not be seen. This circumstance could be used to escape a fight or to flank opponents. At least in theory.
Here’s why the Smoke Grenade disappeared: Although the smoke grenade was once regarded as THE means to elegantly avoid a fight, that expectation did not last long. If there was ever an item in Fortnite that was considered “okay,” it would be the smoke grenade.
The problem: There are simply too many better options for the limited inventory slots than the smoke grenade. Why escape a fight when you can just mow down the opponent?
Is the Smoke Grenade missed? Even though the grenade may have been helpful in certain situations, probably only very few players will miss it.
The Crossbow – Buried on May 01, 2018
Here’s what the Crossbow could do: The crossbow was introduced as a ranged weapon that looked particularly good on paper:
- The scope could be used to zoom
- The weapon shot nearly silently
- Crossbow ammunition was infinitely available
Here’s why the Crossbow disappeared: Although the crossbow is still an extremely cool concept weapon, players wanted more: A critical hit did not automatically lead to the enemy’s demise, for that, a bolt-action sniper rifle was needed.
With the hunting rifle, the semi-automatic sniper rifle, and the bolt-action sniper rifle being tough competitors for supremacy among the best long-range weapons, the crossbow ultimately had to give way. However, it is not out of the question that it will return.
Is the Crossbow missed? Even though there aren’t many, the weapon has its fans. If you are out there, I feel for you!
The Tactical Submachine Gun – Buried on June 27, 2018
Here’s what the Tactical Submachine Gun could do: While the first Submachine Gun was removed from the game, the Tactical Submachine Gun experienced its first heyday. A large magazine and high damage made the weapon one of the most popular options for close combat.
However, the weapon only became really exciting when Epic curtailed the double pump tactic. Because then a valid option disappeared. People had to resort to the Tactical SMG.
Here’s why the Tactical Submachine Gun disappeared: This brief period of fame can’t be taken away from the Tactical SMG, but it then encountered a problem: The Standard Submachine Gun was reworked and brought back into the game, while the silenced variant was buffed.
Suddenly, nobody wanted to play with the Tactical Submachine Gun anymore; it gathered dust in the basements of Tilted Towers. Epic removed the weapon in June – comeback uncertain.
Is the Tactical Submachine Gun missed? No, it has received a very solid alternative with the Standard SMG.
The Revolver – Buried on September 06, 2018
Here’s what the Revolver could do: If you got a revolver in your hands right after landing and were a good shot, you could clear out quite a few opponents. Critical hits could send unshielded enemies back to the lobby with a single shot.
Here’s why the Revolver disappeared: From the second minute of the game, you’d just be annoyed by the revolvers. Epic wanted to replace them with the rarer hand cannon, but that also worked only to a limited extent. In September 2018, the revolver was removed from the game. Its future is uncertain. The rarer hand cannons remain in the game.
Is the Revolver missed? No, just no.
The Drum Gun – Buried on September 11, 2018
Here’s what the Drum Gun could do: Aside from the nerf of the double pump, probably no weapon change was discussed as controversially as the removal of the Drum Gun. The weapon was extremely popular for many reasons:
- It could be used at both medium and close distances
- It had a huge magazine of 50 rounds
- It could be easily found
- and it could deal significant damage
Here’s why the Drum Gun disappeared: The reason for its removal is probably similar to the Zapotron in terms of balance. The Tommy Gun was too much of an all-round weapon, not a specific weapon for certain situations.
Is the Drum Gun missed? Epic only removed the weapon on September 11, and many players are already missing it. This is evidenced by the many sometimes heated discussions in the community. The fate of the “Tommy Gun” is uncertain.
However, it is not out of the question that Epic might bring the fan-favorite back in a changed form.
Noteworthy – Electric Traps
Here’s what the Electric Traps could do: The electric traps will probably only be familiar to veterans. With these, you could set a nasty trap for the enemy on walls or ceilings, depending on the trap type.
Here’s why the Electric Traps disappeared: Due to a significant disadvantage: They were very audible and therefore could only lure in a few victims. Epic removed the traps shortly after the release of the Battle Royale mode. Since then, it has been quiet.
Are the Electric Traps missed? Those who remember the noise these traps made will probably not shed a tear for them. However, the game could benefit from a bit more variety in traps.
One thing is for sure: Epic will continue to mix up the available items and weapons in the game in the future. Who knows who will be the next?
Which of the weapons presented here do you miss the most?
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