As Chapter 7 Season 2 of Fortnite heads to a close next month, Epic Games just dropped some major changes to the gameplay of the fan-favorite Zero Build mode to get player feedback. Centered mainly around player mobility, the new additions and tweaks make it easier to get in the action, survive whilst in it, and even escape when necessary. These new changes come simultaneously with the launch of an Overwatch collaboration, for those who missed that.
Starting with the mobility changes, players can now sprint continuously when having their Pickaxe equipped. This means you can charge into battle or try and escape it without delay or a cooldown, but at the cost of not having a weapon at the ready. For those times when you lose your footing, players no longer die from fall damage, but can have their HP and shields fully broken down to just 1 health point remaining. This allows you to push through a harsh fall, but makes you incredibly vulnerable if others are nearby.
On the topic of falling, players can now glide freely when falling from heights by redeploying their glider, one of the most requested Fortnite features for years. Whilst you’re using your glider, you can even cut it to drop to the ground earlier, but at the risk of taking fall damage! These changes combined allow players to be more versatile with their movements, getting around faster and freer but with more risks to consider.
As for combat and loadout changes, players now start every match with a grey pistol, a mini shield potion and a new Pocket Item. This new mechanic allows players to keep a rechargeable tool for the duration of the match that appears in place of the build button, with the three current Pocket Items available to players being Shockwave Grenades, Med Mist Grenades or Shield Bubbles. Your equipped Pocket Item can be swapped at any vending machine for 50 Gold. Finally, eliminations now recharge the player’s overshield, making them less vulnerable after getting in a fight.
Today’s changes mark a considerable revamp to how players can engage with Fortnite Zero Build, and generally serve the purpose of allowing players to do things faster. From cutting your glider early and jumping an enemy with your pistol, to fleeing the scene with no weapon equipped and gliding from the edge of a cliff, it’s now easier to get in and get out of battles in Zero Build.
Time will tell which of these tweaks Epic Games decides to keep as Fortnite evolves in future seasons. We’ll be sure to report on it all right here at GameObserver, so stay tuned for more.
