Fortnite Fans Divided Over New Changes

The recent Fortnite update made a couple of strange changes to the game or, more specifically, to a couple of guns in the game, and in the process, divided fans. Once upon a time, shotguns dominated the Fortnite meta, but not anymore. Right now, the close-range weapon of choice is the SMG. Despite this, one of the game's shotguns just got a major nerf that turns it from an average weapon to a pretty underwhelming gun to use. To balance this out, one of the worst guns in the game -- a shotgun -- has received a major nerf that makes it far more useable. Lastly, you may now find that one AR feels a bit different. 

When the game isn't promoting its latest crossover or making map changes, it's usually tweaking the game's weapons, and when needed, adding new ones or removing problematic/unpopular ones. To this end, three weapon changes have been made. One is to the Burst AR, which used to deal the same damage no matter the range, but now deals three less damage on mid-range and five less damage on long-range. The second change is to the Two-Shot, which now shoots its second shot 50 percent faster. And lastly, there are the puzzling changes to the Striker Pump, which has had its damage reduced, going from 103/108/114/120/126 to 91/96/102/108/114. 

NEW WEAPONS STATS

- Striker Pump damage reduced by 12 (From 103/108/114/120/126 to 91/96/102/108/114)
- Burst AR used to deal the same damage on all ranges, now it deals 3 less damage on mid range, and 5 less damage on long range
- The Two-Shot's second shot now fires 50% faster pic.twitter.com/ohFZNhXAVg

— HYPEX (@HYPEX) July 11, 2022

As noted, many players are completely divided over these changes, while others are confused. That said, this isn't the first time players have been divided and confused over weapon changes. 

striker pump ruined

— fitzy (@FitzyLeakz) July 11, 2022

What them want us to do? No scar, no combat smg, all the pumps are pure 💩

They want us to pickaxe??? Wtf

— vivi (@damnlalisaa) July 11, 2022

Why not just remove the 2 shot shotgun instead of buffing it. It’s the most shit gun in the game next to the charged smg

— Jamir force (@ForceJamir) July 11, 2022

Well maybe just live with it... Im tried of PlayStation kids getting in my switch lobbies and hitting me with aug cross map and killing me with two striker pump shots. This is a change that needed to be made.

— louise (@LoouiseSan) July 11, 2022

really good changes

— Max (@MaxgotdaPower) July 11, 2022

Fortnite is available for free via Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and mobile phones. For more coverage on the free-to-play battle royale game from Epic Games -- including not just the latest official updates and news, but the latest unofficial rumors, leaks, and speculation -- click here.

• Fortnite x Dead by Daylight Crossover Potentially in the Works
• Fortnite Leak Hints at Dragon Ball Crossover
• Fortnite Survey Asks About Potential Elden Ring, GTA Crossovers
  

As always, feel free to leave a comment or two letting us know what you think of these changes or, alternatively, let me know over on Twitter @Tyler_Fischer_. Did Epic Games do a good job with this new balance update?