Fortnite down updates — Servers back up as new version adds Solid Snake skins, map features and LEGO additions

Balance changes in today’s update

As always, today’s update came with a slew of balance changes to Fortnite.

Epic’s patch notes said:

• The Enforcer AR has received a slight increase in bullet speed, damage, and headshot damage (and a reduction in bullet drop). This AR was lagging and needed a boost to compete with other weapon options.
• The Reaper Sniper Rifle has received a slight reduction in bullet speed (and an increase in bullet drop), as many Reaper snipes were too easy to land with little counterplay.
• The Hyper SMG has received an increase in overall accuracy via tightened bullet spread. Like the Enforcer AR, this SMG was lagging and needed a boost to compete with other weapon options.
• The Ballistic Shield has received a slight decrease in damage required to stagger the holder. This loadout option was often too powerful compared to others, especially in Zero Build.
• Storm circle speed, sprint speed, and Energy regeneration have been reverted to match the same speed from Chapter 4. These reverted speeds better fit the current ideal pace of Fortnite BR.

Solid Snake joins the battle royale

Metal Gear Solid icon Solid Snake became available in Fortnite today.

The new skin brings Snake’s legendary cardboard box to hide in as well as new missions to complete.

You can unlock the skin by completing the Big Bang Battle Pass missions.

Launch Pad added in LEGO Fortnite update

An all-new launch pad was added in today’s update, making traversal all the more compelling for players.

Describing the new addition, Epic Games said, “As fun as it is useful, the Launch Pad is a Toy you can build to get somewhere fast.

“Place a Launch Pad on the ground, jump on it, then deploy a Glider! (You can craft a Glider with a Level 3 Crafting Bench.) For some extra fun, try putting a Launch Pad on a Dynamic Foundation.”