Fortnite Chapter 7 is live and Epic Games has laid out the gameplay changes players will see in the new season, from a new Simple Build option to a Self-Revive Device and a slate of new weapons. The developer confirmed that Chapter 7 arrives after the Zero Hour live event and a period of downtime, and our earlier coverage noted the season’s start date. See, Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1 will begin on November 30, Epic confirms story for the launch details.
One of the headline additions is Simple Build. Epic explains: “Similar to Simple Edit, Simple Build is an option in the settings (Game > Building) that makes learning how to build simpler. Turn on the setting, look in the direction you want to build, and just build.” That should shorten the learning curve for players who found traditional building finicky.
Reloads now remember progress. If a reload is interrupted because a player switches weapons or is otherwise stopped, returning to that weapon will continue reloading from where it left off rather than restarting the animation from zero. It is a small quality of life change that keeps firefights flowing. Seven new weapons join the loot pool this season: Iron Pump Shotgun, Twin Hammer Shotguns, Deadeye Assault Rifle, Holo Rush SMG, Vengeful Sniper Rifle, Arc-Lightning Gun and the Forsaken Vow Blade. Epic also brought back several familiar items including the All Terrain Kart, Enforcer AR, Tactical Pistol, Dual Micro SMGs, Shockwave Grenades and Clinger Grenades.
Movement options expand too. Wingsuits let players jump from high points and glide across the map, and new DBNO movement abilities let downed players roll, tumble down slopes, use ziplines and ascenders, enter a passenger seat, crawl or be thrown into the back of a Reboot Van while DBNO. If a player owns a Self-Revive Device they can revive themselves instead of waiting on a teammate. Epic also published a list of other small but meaningful changes, which include:
- More expressive hitmarkers
- Weapons in inventory now clearly display when they’re out of ammo
- Aiming down sights while jumping
- Characters won’t turn hostile so quickly when shot
- Improved Spectator mode (when you’re eliminated you’ll now spectate your nearest teammate)
- Emote Wheel overhaul – eight slots, improved sorting and filtering, a new Collections view
Epic has also confirmed that the Chapter 7 Season 1 Battle Pass includes The Bride from Kill Bill and Marty McFly from Back to the Future, and the opening trailer’s Battle Bus destruction means players now have to surf to the island until the vehicle is back in commission. For the full list of additions and a developer explanation of the changes, Epic’s update notes are available on the official site.
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