The introduction of the Explosive Repeater Rifle and Rail Gun in Chapter 6 has raised concerns about the viability of Fortnite cars. These weapons can penetrate vehicles, with the Rail Gun dealing significant damage and the Explosive Repeater offering splash damage and a rapid fire rate.
Why Fortnite Cars Still Hold Value in Fortnite
Many players treat cars as an impenetrable force, only to be eliminated when their vehicle is destroyed. However, cars offer more than just protection. Their primary advantage lies in mobility and avoiding poor engagements. The Hollow Twister AR, a powerful assault rifle, can quickly melt opponents caught off guard. Cars allow players to navigate fights more safely, reducing the risk of being instantly eliminated by a well-aimed AR burst.
While the Rail Gun and Explosive Repeater can pose a threat, the key is timely exits. The Rail Gun has a charge-up time, offering a brief warning, while the Repeater’s splash damage is manageable. Taking one or two shots before exiting a vehicle is far less dangerous than getting instantly deleted by a Hollow Twister AR in open combat.
Best Strategies for Using Cars in Fortnite
To maximize effectiveness and minimize risks when using cars, consider the following strategies:
- Exit Strategically: If an opponent fires a Rail Gun or Repeater, exit the vehicle and use it as cover.
- Fight Back: The Hollow Twister AR outperforms the Repeater in most engagements. Use it aggressively once out of the car.
- Positioning Matters: Avoid driving in open areas without cover nearby. Navigating close to buildings, natural terrain, or structures provides escape options.
- Use Shockwaves for Escape: If caught in a bad position, Shockwave Grenades or movement items like the Void Mask or Kinetic Blade offer quick repositioning.
- Squad Considerations: In squad matches, avoid piling all four players into a single vehicle, as splash damage affects all occupants. Spreading out in multiple cars is a more effective strategy.
How to Counter the Rail Gun and Explosive Repeater Rifle
While cars remain useful, dealing with the Rail Gun and Explosive Repeater Rifle requires a smart approach. The Rail Gun’s charge-up animation provides a crucial warning before the shot is fired. Paying attention to this signal allows for a quick exit or repositioning before taking significant damage. While the Rail Gun can shoot through vehicles, avoiding predictable movement patterns makes it harder for opponents to land shots.
The Explosive Repeater Rifle, on the other hand, has a rapid fire rate and splash damage, making it a direct counter to cars. However, it still requires multiple shots to be effective, and its projectiles can be dodged by repositioning quickly. If taking repeater shots, exit the vehicle on the opposite side to use it as cover and return fire with a Hollow Twister AR, which outperforms the repeater in sustained engagements. Players using the repeater tend to continue firing rather than switching weapons, creating an opportunity for aggressive counterplay.
For squad players, the risk is even greater. If all four squad members are inside a single vehicle, the splash damage applies to everyone, effectively multiplying the opponent’s damage output. To minimize this risk, squads should split into separate vehicles when possible or position themselves so that at least some teammates can avoid incoming fire. Shield bubbles can provide a temporary counter to these weapons, blocking damage entirely for a short duration. However, relying solely on shield bubbles is not recommended, as it takes up an inventory slot that could be used for more versatile items like Shockwave Grenades or healing.
