Latest Fortnite update brings major balance changes

Latest Fortnite update brings major balance changes
David Luff Updated on by

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It might be time to adjust your go-to loadout, as the latest Fortnite update has brought us some major balance changes. Although the main focus of update v29.10 was in the LEGO Fortnite game mode, some key differences will be felt in Battle Royale.

This includes greater health for some of the Olympian boss gods, changes to what they drop, and also how FlowBerry Fizz works. However, the main changes to pay attention to have to be the weapon updates!

artemis huntress dmr fortnite
Image via Epic Games

Battle Royal balance adjustments

If you’re going to get involved in the mayhem of Battle Royale in Fortnite, it’s important to know what your loadout can do. Regular balance adjustments can keep the Fortnite gameplay fresh and fair, with March 26 bringing the latest iteration of this.

As revealed on the official @FortniteStatus account on X (formerly Twitter), the following changes have been made with update v29.10:

  • Snipers don’t drop as frequently, and no longer drop as Uncommon or Rare.
  • The Drum Gun’s damage and fire rate is increased.
  • Huntress DMR’s damage and projectile speed is increased.
  • Chain of Hades damage has been increased when pulling targets.
  • Frenzy Auto Shotgun’s max effective range is lowered.

Although not included in any form of patch notes, the following details have also been revealed by data miners and supplied by @HYPEX:

  • Reaper Sniper & DMR’s bullets now have less bullet drop and faster speed
  • Hades’ Chains hookshot damage increased from 30 to 40
  • Enforcer AR’s damage and headshot damage multiplier increased

The most eye-catching change has to be to snipers. Less bullet drop and faster speed will be seen as a massive buff to a weapon that already proves divisive. However, they won’t be as abundant an item, with less frequent drops and only of Epic and Legendary rarity.

With Midas’ Drum Gun returning to the game, it only seems fair all the Drum Gun’s get a boost! They had felt quite underpowered, with increased damage and fire rate swiftly sorting that issue out.

Improving the Huntress DMR could see it preferred to snipers as a long-range weapon. As with the sniper, it will have less bullet drop and increased speed. However, it also has a damage boost, taking it to another level.

The Chain of Hades has been a serious disappointment since its introduction. Hopefully, the increased damage will make it a more viable weapon and lead to some top-level melee battles.

As most people’s favourite variety of shotgun, it’s unsurprising to see the Frenzy Auto Shotgun given a little nerf. However, the lowered range for maximum effectiveness shouldn’t change its usefulness in your loadout.

Check out our Fortnite weapons tier list to make sure you’re carrying the best around. You can also find out how to turn on aim assist to help improve your accuracy when using a controller!