The recent update to Fortnite introduced a notable yet underreported change to the Fortnite Pump and Dump shotgun. One of my Twitch viewers initially pointed out the change, and even as of uploading this, the Fortnite Wiki had not reflected the updated damage values. However, in-game testing confirms a significant increase in damage output for this weapon.
Each shotgun rarity now features an approximate 10-point body damage increase. While the exact numbers vary slightly due to percentage scaling, the increase is clear. Additionally, the SMG component of the weapon now deals two more points of damage per rarity. For instance, the purple version now delivers 94 body damage with the shotgun and 15 with the SMG—up from 84 and 13. The gold version delivers 99 and 16, up from 88 and 14. The mythic variant from the Crime City Black Market now dishes out 104 body damage and 17 SMG damage, previously 92 and 15.
Interestingly, the current purple and gold versions outperform the previous mythic in damage output. That difference represents a considerable buff that could impact close-range engagements meaningfully.
Damage and Max Damage Changes Across Rarities (Fortnite Pump and Dump Shotgun)
This update didn’t just tweak base damage. The maximum damage has also been increased by 10 for each rarity tier. The mythic version now boasts a max shotgun damage of 160, up from 150. The legendary hits 155, and the purple reaches 150—matching the former mythic’s max output.
Even with its hybrid nature, the Fortnite Pump and Dump shotgun benefits from this increase because the weapon thrives in close-quarters. Players typically spray with the SMG while intermittently firing shotgun blasts. The modest two-point SMG buff per rarity might not sound massive, but it contributes noticeably during frantic gunfights. Every point matters when trading shots.
Reticle Accuracy, Structure Damage, and Handling
Another buff likely included in the patch involves weapon accuracy, though it remains unconfirmed through stats. A smaller reticle means more accurate shots, particularly critical for shotguns where pellet spread can decide an encounter. While players didn’t use this weapon extensively before, it does feel slightly more accurate. If the reticle has been tightened, players will land more pellets per shot, leading to increased effectiveness.
Structure damage was also improved, though this change holds more relevance in Build mode than in Zero Build. In Zero Build scenarios, the structural buff doesn’t have a major impact but could prove useful for players switching modes.
Is It Now the Best Shotgun Option?
Despite these improvements, the weapon still doesn’t top my personal tier list. The way the Fortnite Pump and Dump alters field of view during aiming affects my comfort and mobility. Close-range fights rely heavily on movement, and player often feel sluggish when wielding this shotgun. Because of this, many continue to prefer the Sentinel Pump.
However, if rumors prove true and Fortnite decides to vault the Sentinel Pump, the Pump and Dump shotgun is in a solid position to become the go-to shotgun. It’s already significantly stronger than before. For fans who previously enjoyed it, this update enhances the experience. For those on the fence, the weapon may now feel worthy of consistent use depending on its rarity.
If the loophole rotation eventually phases out the Sentinel Pump, the Pump and Dump’s recent buffs will play a pivotal role in shaping the new meta. For now, it’s a much-improved option that deserves consideration in any loadout.
