Fortnite’s latest update introduced a controversial mechanic change that significantly alters how healing items function in mid-air. As of this week, players can no longer activate healing items like minis or big pots while airborne. This adjustment impacts not only casual gameplay but also high-pressure scenarios where movement-based healing previously gave players a critical edge. The one exception? The Chug Jug.
Epic Blocks Aerial Healing: What Changed
Despite the tag being added to certain items to block using consumables whilst jumping/falling (something that cannot be done on accident reasonably), someone at Epic have confirmed its a bug over on Reddit. https://t.co/qcuCkZC6Z8 pic.twitter.com/FtVQecW83I
— AllyJax (@AllyJax_) July 18, 2025
Initially suspected to be a bug, leaker confirmed that Epic added a gameplay tag titled GameplayAction.Player.BlockWhenFalling, which restricts healing while in the air. The deliberate naming strongly suggests this is an intentional mechanic update. Before this change, players could sprint-jump or bunny hop into a slide and begin healing in the air to reposition quickly. This strategy saved crucial milliseconds, especially during fights when a split-second shield gain could change the tide.
Why the Chug Jug Is Now the Best Healing Item
Chug Jugs stand out in this new meta because they’re not affected by the BlockWhenFalling tag. Players can still initiate healing with a Chug Jug mid-air, continue while sliding, and even move with mobility items like Shockwaves. Unlike big pots and minis, which now require you to fully land before use, the Chug Jug lets you optimize every moment during disengagements and resets.
On top of that, the Chug Jug provides a full 200 HP/Shield in one item and doesn’t get discarded if interrupted, making it incredibly efficient. With movement-based healing options cut back, the ability to drink while moving with a Chug Jug gives it unmatched utility in the current healing pool.
Where to a Get Chug Jug in Chapter 5 Season 3
The most reliable source for Chug Jugs is S-tier crates, which become available after reaching S-rank hero status. These crates often include not just a Chug Jug, but also mythic weapons like the Bass Boost Gloves and top-tier loot. Bosses like Daggo and Core sometimes drop Chug Jugs too, although their drops aren’t guaranteed. Overlord Spires may also contain them. The combination of high healing potential and flexible usage makes chasing S-tier crates more rewarding than ever.
A new boon added this season—allowing sprinting while healing—now plays a larger role as well. While it doesn’t bring back full in-air healing, it does enable quick transitions into slides after jumping, mimicking older mechanics. Still, it doesn’t match the versatility the Chug Jug retains.
Why This Update Matters to Competitive Play
Healing speed can make or break a fight. Being able to hit 50 shield during a push gives you a fighting chance. Without in-air healing, enemies can now close gaps more easily, forcing you into fights without shields or health. Chug Jugs allow you to start healing instantly, reposition faster, and avoid getting overwhelmed. If you’re under pressure, healing delays become even more punishing. The Chug Jug’s unique ability to bypass these delays makes it vital in both casual and competitive settings.
Tutorial: How to use the chug jug
byu/LemonCarlito inFortNiteBR
As things stand, the Chug Jug is not just viable—it’s the go-to healing item for players looking to stay mobile under fire. Whether it remains untouched in future patches or gets aligned with other healing items is yet to be seen, but for now, it’s a top-tier choice.
