Find out which weapons and myths have changed in today’s update.
Fortnite patch notes for the August 20 update
- The Sovereign Shotgun aims faster down the sights and fires faster.
- Captain America’s shield deals slightly less damage, requires more precision to target an enemy, and staggers more quickly when blocking damage.
- War Machine’s Arsenal missiles deal slightly less damage to buildings and take longer to reload.
War Machine’s Arsenal (Image credit: Epic Games)
First, the Fortnite patch notes state that the newly introduced Sovereign Shotgun has received an improvement to its aiming ability (ADS), including the weapon’s aiming speed and rate of fire. Previously, many players felt that the new Shotgun paled in comparison to the Gatekeeper. This change should at least make it somewhat more viable.
Next up is Captain America’s shield, a weapon that many felt was far too powerful this season. Critics stated that Epic Games had to make adjustments due to the difficulty of countering the weapons. Captain America’s shield does less damage and players cannot throw it as easily. In addition, attacks on shield wielders stagger more quickly, putting the wielder in a more vulnerable position.
Finally, the Mythic War Machine’s Arsenal Missiles do less damage to buildings and take longer to reload. Those who use the Arsenal Missiles can abuse this aspect of the weapon by pressuring enemies hiding in buildings. However, it’s not as easy to exploit this aspect of the weapon anymore.
Competitive Fortnite tournaments are missing Shockwave Grenades (Battle Royale only) and War Machines Arsenal
While competitive players can’t wait for the jetpack drop from Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4, they’ll have to make do with the disappearance of the War Machine’s arsenal for now. Epic Games explained in its Fortnite patch notes post that the new Mythic has been removed from tournaments. Additionally, Shockwave Grenades will no longer appear in Battle Royale tournaments.
It’s unclear what else will change, but Epic seems ready and willing to nerf and buff weapons based on player feedback. We’ll have to see what other adjustments are made as Chapter 5, Season 4 progresses.
