Epic Games has given Fortnite fans a massive update with the recent release of Season 3. Both the ‘Battle Royale’ and ‘Save the World’ gameplay modes have added plenty of new features — and removed some old ones, as well. These changes have resulted in both positive and negative reactions from fans.
Regardless of how fans feel, these changes are here to stay. So, here’s everything you need to know about how Season 3 has changed the playing field.
What’s Changed?
Possibly the biggest change is the newfound ability to continuous build. Previously, players had to click every time they needed to build. Now, building is as simple as a click and hold of a button, which means players can build much faster than before. Players can now also build through most objects, instead of having to find a clear, open space to construct. Both of these changes have given rise to new strategies, which we will discuss later.
Another change that benefits everyone is the ability to see the Battle Bus path before the match starts. This change allows players to better plan their landing point and route well in advance. On top of that, we found a subtle but fun hack. Top players may have already noticed, but players can continue moving for up to ten seconds after a match ends. This gives players a chance to celebrate their Victory Royale with some smooth moves.
Weapon Drops
Season 3 has also added an entirely new weapon, the Hand Cannon. Probably best compared to the shotgun in terms of damage, the weapon also has a much longer range and a relatively fast reload time. However, this new addition can only be found as an Epic or a Legendary, which means your chances of finding one is not high.
Another new weapon that Fortnite added is the brand new Hunting Rifle. This fantastic weapon is a combination of nearly all the weapons in the game. With a slow reload time best compared to the Pump Shotgun, and damage that is even higher than the Hand Cannon, this weapon changes the game. It may not have a scope, but it has a greater zoom than weapons like the Scar or SMG.
Coming in Uncommon (green) and Rare (blue) rarities, the rifle has to reload in between each shot. That means it’s better suited for long-range fights rather than close-range ones, which is where the Hand Cannon shines.
This was not the only change made to the weapons field. The crossbow changed its coloring and the drop frequency for pistols has changed also. (That’s why you see so many blue and green pistols now.) Another big change is grenade damage. Previously, a single hit from a grenade could knock a player out. Now, grenades no longer do the same damage.
Everyone Can Be a Pro Builder
Several changes to the building field have made it easier for less experienced players to erect massive towers on par with Fortnite‘s best players. As a result, we’ve seen new building techniques become widespread, such as speed building to get higher than a fellow player in a match.
Players are also creating quick towers with launch pads to stay outside of the eye of the storm for longer than previously possible. If you haven’t already been doing this, try clicking and holding down the button to quickly build cover and get an edge on your enemies.
The ability to build through objects is another subtle change that brought with it a new strategy. Players can now create traps exciting and unexpected places, from chests within trucks to hidden caves. Beware any unopened chest, and take a second to scout out the possibility that someone has already visited that spot.
Stop Getting Stuck in Close-Range Fights
Although Impulse Grenades aren’t the newest addition to the game, one new strategy that has been discovered is the ability to use them on yourself as well as on enemies. If you prefer taking potshots at your enemies from hundreds of meters away, get out of a shotgun battle by throwing an Impulse Grenade on the ground and speeding away. Stuck in a storm? No launch pad? Just throw a couple Impulse Grenades down.
Now, this hack does take a little bit of practice, but once you master it, you’ll have an edge on any other player. If you need help getting used to this difficult weapon, simply try using it on other players. Once you discover the right throwing angle to move them in a certain direction, propelling yourself across the map becomes an easy feat.
Using the New Weapons
Although the double-pump strategy that was ever so popular in Season 2 was removed, there is a workaround that allows you to still utilize the shotgun to a greater effect. The shotgun makes up for its long reload time with an ultra-powerful shot. If you speed up the reload time, you’ll gain an edge in close-range fights that just might save you.
Now, this method is nowhere near as effective as it once was.Many players have opted to try double tactical, double AR, and even double Hand Cannon — if you are lucky enough to get your hands on two of those mighty weapons. So just how you do it?
- Equip two Pump Shotguns.
- Shoot with your first Pump Shotgun.
- Swap to the second Shotgun and wait for the sound (this means the cooldown is over).
- Shoot with your second Pump Shotgun.
- Switch back to your first Pump Shotgun, and repeat the process.
Now, get out there, and get your next Victory Royale!
