The Fortnitemares update introduced significant map changes. Reckless Railways was replaced by a new POI called Freaky Fields. Though it isn’t identical to Fatal Fields from the past, it shares a similar vibe. The Halloween theming in this POI is well-executed, adding a festive atmosphere. In the main house, players can fight a jigsaw boss who, when defeated, drops loot, including a new Mythic bomb item. This location doesn’t seem to have the Marvel Avengers chest anymore, which might affect gameplay strategy for those looking to acquire important items like the jetpack. However, the POI still offers a fun, thematic experience.
New Bosses and Loot in Brawlers Battlegrounds
Grand Glacier, Restored Reels, and Brawlers Battlegrounds also received Halloween-themed map updates. Though the layouts remain the same, cosmetic changes and new NPCs enhance the gameplay experience. Some NPCs now sell items like the Pumpkin Launcher and the Chainsaw. Additionally, a new boss in Brawlers Battlegrounds drops the Pumpkin Launcher and the Wood Stake Shotgun, the only way to acquire this weapon in the larger map. To obtain the Wood Stake Shotgun in Fortnitemares, players must defeat this boss.
Grim Gate and the Witches Broom (Fortnitemares Update)
Grim Gate in the Underworld area now features red water instead of green. Though the visuals have changed, the area functions the same as before. The Witches Broom was unvaulted and provides decent mobility by allowing players to glide through the air. However, with current mobility options like the War Machine hover jets, shockwaves, and Iron Man boots, it may not be the best choice for getting around the map. Some players may experience glitches when switching between the Witches Broom and the jetpack.
New Saw Bombs and Chainsaw Melee Weapon
Saw bombs were added in the update, deploying small bombs that lock onto nearby players before exploding. This item fits the Halloween theme but may not shift the meta significantly. The Chainsaw, a new melee weapon, deals considerable damage at close range. While it offers some mobility options, it may not rival the more efficient options in the current season. Jetpacks, for instance, allow players to avoid chainsaw attacks by staying airborne.
Wood Stake Shotgun and High-Skill Gameplay
The Wood Stake Shotgun has returned to Fortnitemares, obtainable only from the boss in Brawlers Battlegrounds. Unlike typical shotguns, it fires a single slug instead of a spread, making it a high-risk, high-reward weapon. Players with good aim will benefit from its powerful shots, but missing can result in no damage at all. The shotgun’s all-or-nothing nature makes it challenging in fast-paced encounters, especially when facing players equipped with jetpacks.
Jigsaw Challenges and High-Risk Bounties
The Jigsaw challenges were introduced as high-risk bounty-like missions. Upon accepting the challenge, players must eliminate their target within a set time or face elimination from the match. In solo modes, failing the challenge results in instant elimination, while in team modes, players are only knocked out and can be revived. These challenges are designed to be chaotic and fast-paced, fitting well within the Halloween theme. Though high-risk, completing the challenge rewards players with decent loot.
Vaulted Items and Gameplay Changes
The Sherry Claws were vaulted in this update, likely to make room for other mobility items like the Witches Broom and Chainsaw. While some players might miss the Sherry Claws, the current mobility options, including shockwaves and jetpacks, overshadow the claws. The Fortnitemares update also reintroduced the Horde Rush LTM, where players battle waves of zombies.
Several changes were made to the Reload loot pool, with Halloween-themed items added. The Wood Stake Shotgun and Witches Broom now appear in Reload, offering players mobility options. The Sideways Rifle and Minigun were also added, while the Prime Shotgun and Double Barrel Shotgun were vaulted. In Reload mode, the Witches Broom may prove more useful than in Battle Royale due to its ability to recharge over time.