Fortnite recently implemented its first weapon balance update in Chapter 6 through a hotfix that went live earlier. This update includes significant changes to several weapons, aiming to improve gameplay balance. Key adjustments include nerfs to the Hollow Twister AR and buffs to weapons like the Oni Shotgun, Twinfire Auto Shotgun, and Surge Fire SMG. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these changes and their potential impact on gameplay.
Hollow Twister AR Nerf
The Hollow Twister AR now deals one less damage across all rarities compared to its previous stats. Additionally, the weapon’s spread increases while sprinting or falling. This means the crosshair widens during these actions, reducing accuracy. For instance, firing while jumping or using a shockwave makes it harder to land shots effectively. This nerf, though minor, primarily impacts scenarios where the weapon was already less effective, such as close-range spray situations during mobility actions.
Despite these adjustments, the Hollow Twister AR remains a strong choice. Its medium-to-long-range damage, high fire rate, and accuracy make it lethal in the right hands. While the nerf reduces damage by one point and slightly affects accuracy, these changes are unlikely to significantly alter its dominance. A more impactful nerf might have included reductions in fire rate or added recoil. Even with the current changes, the Hollow Twister AR continues to stand out as one of the best assault rifles.
Oni Shotgun Buff
The Oni Shotgun received a significant buff, making it a more viable option for players. Its damage increased by 10%, the headshot multiplier rose from 1.5 to 1.6, and the maximum damage cap saw a 15% increase. These changes enhance its consistency and overall damage output. The Oni Shotgun’s gameplay style closely resembles the Ranger Shotgun, known for its solid, consistent damage rather than burst potential.
The increased damage cap is particularly notable, as it allows the Oni Shotgun to deal more damage in scenarios where it previously felt limited. Players who already favored this weapon will likely find it even more appealing. However, the Oni Shotgun’s two-shot magazine and slower reload remain drawbacks. While these buffs make it stronger, players must still weigh the pros and cons compared to other shotguns, such as the Sentinel Pump. Those who prioritize consistent damage might prefer the Oni Shotgun, while others may stick with alternatives offering higher burst potential.
Twinfire Auto Shotgun and Surge Fire SMG Improvements
The Twinfire Auto Shotgun now reloads 8% faster, addressing a common concern among players. This change improves its usability but does not drastically alter its overall performance. Players already favoring the Twinfire Auto Shotgun will appreciate the faster reload time, though it may not attract new users.
The Surge Fire SMG received a notable buff to its starting fire rate. This weapon’s unique mechanic involves ramping up its fire rate over time, and the buff improves its weakest phase. The faster initial fire rate makes it more effective in early engagements, particularly off spawn. Players familiar with the Surge Fire SMG’s mechanics will find this change significant, as it smooths out the weapon’s performance curve. For those already using SMGs this season, this buff makes the Surge Fire SMG a more appealing choice.
Void Mask Nerf and Other Fortnite Weapon Changes
The Void Mask’s performance has been slightly nerfed. The Void Ball now travels slower and drops more due to a 30% increase in gravity. These changes reduce the item’s effective range and alter aiming dynamics. Despite these adjustments, the Void Mask remains a top-tier mobility item. Players must adapt to its revised mechanics, but its overall utility in traversing the map remains intact.
Additional updates in this Fortnite Weapon patch, include a fix for the Mythic Sentinel Pump, which now correctly deals 200 damage on a perfect shot. This adjustment restores the weapon’s intended capability, allowing it to one-shot fully shielded opponents in build mode. This fix does not significantly shift the meta but ensures consistency in the weapon’s performance.
In the OG Mode, chests and ammo boxes now have a 100% spawn rate, addressing loot scarcity issues. Ammo boxes drop more ammunition, slurp juices and traps spawn more frequently, and purple and gold weapons no longer appear as floor loot. These changes improve the OG Mode experience, particularly for players struggling to find sufficient resources.
