Fortnite’s Chapter 6 Season 3 just delivered its first major balance patch, and the Outlaw Shotgun received several impactful changes. Epic increased the minimum pellet count from four to six. This means any hit under six pellets still deals damage as if six landed. Players now get more reliable outcomes on partial shots.
The patch also raised the weapon’s base damage by 6 to 8 points, depending on the weapon’s rarity. In addition, Epic boosted the weapon’s range and improved its damage falloff at medium and long distances. These changes increase performance without making the weapon feel overpowered. While it won’t work at long range, the improved range helps up close.
Max damage also increased by 20 points per rarity. The gold version now deals 180 damage with a perfect shot, meaning back-to-back headshots will knock out a full health opponent in Zero Build. The exotic Outlaw now starts at 131 base damage and caps out at 185, offering the strongest burst potential among all versions.
Players who used to avoid the Outlaw due to its inconsistency will now find it far more dependable. These changes help in close fights, especially indoors or when rushing buildings. The shotgun hits harder, and players no longer need perfect aim to land decent damage.
The only major weakness that remains is the small magazine size. It still holds only two shells. This limitation makes the weapon harder to use during squad fights or if third parties intervene. In solo, close-quarters situations, however, two solid shots from the Outlaw can end most encounters quickly.
Combat Agility Boon Adds a New Layer (Fortnite Season 3 Balance Update)
This season added the Combat Agility boon, which works well with weapons like the Outlaw. When players perform parkour actions—like mantling or sprint-jumping—the boon reloads some ammo into the active weapon. That minor reload can save time and provide a quick follow-up shot.
Players who unlock the S-tier version of the boon gain even more benefits. It refills ammo for weapons not currently equipped. For example, a player can fire both Outlaw shots, swap to Kill Switch Revolvers, use a parkour move, and then swap back to a reloaded shotgun.
This synergy makes the Outlaw far more viable in team matches, where reloading speed and shot timing matter. Players who use this boon effectively can maintain pressure while keeping their magazine full.
Base Boost Gloves Take a Hit
The same update delivered major changes to the Base Boost Gloves. Epic reduced structure damage from 2,000 to just 245. Some players still reported values of 490 due to a bug, but the intended cap remains 245. The team also shortened the blast duration from five seconds to four, and shrank the radius from 2.8 to 1.5 meters.
One subtle change reduced vertical mobility while increasing horizontal distance. Players still launch forward at a strong pace, but they gain less altitude when activating the gloves. This adjustment slightly lowers the item’s escape potential.
Are the Gloves Still Useful?
Despite the nerf, the Base Boost Gloves remain one of the most effective mobility tools. While the structure damage dropped significantly, the gloves still allow for quick repositioning. In Zero Build, they provide clean rotations and escape options in crowded zones.
Players focusing on building destruction will notice the difference. The gloves no longer erase structures instantly. However, they still perform well against deployed cover like port-a-bunkers due to the wave’s pathing. The gloves now require better positioning and timing but still hold value in both solo and team modes.
Fortnite Season 3 Balance Update
This update repositions the Outlaw Shotgun as a serious option in close-range fights. It rewards smart movement and timing, especially with the right boon. Meanwhile, the Base Boost Gloves lost some of their raw power, but their core utility remains. Players willing to adapt will continue to find success with both tools.
