Fortnite is no stranger to change, but its brand-new Chapter update has gone above and beyond. Much like its two predecessors, Fortnite's Chapter 4 update has changed the experience pretty significantly, bringing the battle royale to a new engine, giving players an entirely revamped map, and adding a plethora of content including characters, weapons, and vehicles.
For long-time fans of Fortnite, the Chapter 4 update won't come as much of a surprise, as these kind of large-scale refreshes have happened a few times before. But for those just getting into the game, this new update may seem overwhelming. A lot has changed, so newcomers may want a quick rundown on every gameplay feature added in Fortnite Chapter 4.
Every New Gameplay Mechanic in Fortnite Chapter 4
In Fortnite Chapter 3, Epic Games introduced a new sprinting and climbing system. By holding down the jump button, players could now grab onto a ledge and pull themselves up. Fortnite Chapter 4 improves on this traversal even further, adding the ability to mantle and vault over objects and scenery. Now when a player sprints into a fence, hedge, or other obstacle, they'll automatically leap over it, maintaining their momentum. Fortnite Chapter 4 also adds Dirt Bike vehicles to further help players traverse the new map. Players can shoot from these bikes while riding them, and perform stunts for extra XP. Players can also find a range of capture points across the map that will reward some decent loot if they hold out long enough.
As expected of any Fortnite update, a slew of new weapons have also been added to the game. Fortnite Chapter 4 not only brings back the classic SCAR assault rifle, it's also added a new weapon called the Red-Eye Assault Rifle, which acts as more of a marksman rifle with semi-auto fire. A fast-firing Tactical Pistol has also been added to the game alongside the Twin Mag SMG, which has a fun gimmick of being able to reload quickly. Two new shotguns are also present, being the Maven Auto Shotgun and the Thunder Shotgun, with the latter hitting harder but using double the ammo and having an extra-long reload between shots.
By far the most exciting new weapons are Fortnite Chapter 4's Shockwave Hammer and Ex-Caliber Rifle. The new Shockwave Hammer's primary attack has the player slam it down, launching opponents backward and destroying buildings in the way. Meanwhile, the secondary attack launches the player using it into the sky. The Ex-Caliber, on the other hand, fires a purple sword into opponents, which enlarges and explodes on impact for double the damage.
The biggest gameplay addition in Fortnite Chapter 4, is the new Augment system. During the course of a match, players will have the opportunity to upgrade themselves with an Augment. By pressing right on the D-Pad (for console users), players can choose from two Augments at a time, both being randomized. These Augments range from the ability to reload bows faster and regenerate arrows over time to gaining health and shields by hiding in a bush. If a player survives to the end of a match, they can have up to four Augments equipped at once. These new Augments have the potential to really turn the tide of a match, and their existence is sure to keep even die-hard Fortnite players on their toes.
Fortnite is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.