Fortnite: Battle Royale’s New Limited Time Mode Tests Weapon Features

Epic Games is looking into weapon changes for Fortnite: Battle Royale and has worked on an interesting way to test them before launch. It’s launched a new limited time mode called Shooting Test #1 which will look at first shot accuracy on weapons. Though this feature already exists, it will be changing in some interesting ways.

For instance, first shot accuracy will be indicated by a red glow on one’s reticle. It applies when standing still and aiming, not hip-firing. This can also apply when aim spread is at peak accuracy aka if you haven’t fired the gun recently. Other changes include headshot critical damage being reduced for all weapons (though shotguns saw the biggest reduction from 250 percent to 150 percent damage).

Damage fall-off is also a thing and you’ll see 100 percent of damage dealt up to a fixed range, which can decreased to 70 percent depending on the weapon. Check out the overall notes below for more information. As for how long the event would last, Epic hasn’t confirmed the same. There will be more tests in the future though so stay tuned.

Weapons now have first-shot accuracy, indicated by a red glow on the reticle. This is applied when:

• Standing still
• Aiming (not hip-firing)
• Aim spread is at peak accuracy (basically, if you haven’t fired recently. It is different per weapon)

Headshot critical hits have been reduced:

• Shotguns are now 150% damage (was 250%).
• All other weapons with headshot crits are now 200% damage (was 250%).

Damage fall-off has been introduced for some weapons: 

• Damage applies at 100% to a fixed range.
• Fall-off begins at different ranges (depending on the weapon), and decreases to 70% damage.
• Sniper Rifles, Rocket/Grenade Launchers, and Shotguns are unaffected.

Other balance adjustments: 

• Semi-Auto Sniper has had its damage increased to 75/78 (from 63/66).
• Scoped Assault Rifle has had its damage increased to 25/26 (from 23/24).
• +2 Base damage to all SMGs.