Fortnite update v7.20 is right around the corner, with developer Epic Games slowly revealing some of the content set to release alongside it. Potentially chief among the new changes coming is the legendary scoped revolver that promises players perfect accuracy. However, it appears the developer is also shaking up the meta with a key change to the glider redeploy feature.

For those unaware, Fortnite previously tested glider redeploy in all game modes and it was pretty divisive. While some were fine with the feature, many also thought it gave players too much mobility and resulted in uneven gameplay. Now, Epic Games has decided to balance this feature by turning it into an in-game item that can be found alongside other loot, "in a form that can be balanced and iterated upon." In this way, Epic states, it can manipulate different levels of the feature such as height, speed, drop chance, as well as create some tension for inventory slots.

Notably, Fortnite is also applying this change to the large team modes such as Soaring 50s and Team Rumble. In these modes, players will drop from the Battle Bus with a glider redeploy item with 50 charges, meaning in modes with respawns active and other high-demand battles, there is an initial limit on redeploy uses. Of course, 50 charges should be enough, but this will not likely apply to all cases.

Outside of the aforementioned scenario, the item will take up an inventory slot but can be found from all normal loot sources. Activating glider redeploy hasn't changed, as the charge will automatically be deducted when the player pulls out their glider. Once all the charges are used, the item disappears, but using launch pads, Rifts-to-Go, or respawning will not consume a charge.

Taking all of this into consideration, it's hard to see how the community will react. Glider redeploy was contentious before and likely remains the same, but perhaps this method will be able to shore some of that up. Having to sacrifice a weapon or health/shield item for a movement ability forces choices onto the player, whereas before everyone simply had a very useful way to close ground on an opponent. No matter what, Epic Games made it clear it is going to be watching this feature closely and will likely make any necessary changes following the release of update 7.20.

Fortnite is out now in early access for Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

Source: Epic Games