The Guided Missile, a weapon previously shelved due to player concerns about its power, has made its return to Fortnite. Epic Games initially removed the weapon from the Battle Royale mode after feedback indicated it was too dominant. However, plans were outlined for its reintroduction with significant adjustments.
“We’ve gotten a lot of feedback around the Guided Missile, in particular concerns over fairness and strength of the weapon,” Epic Games stated in a Reddit post at the time of its removal. “We share your concerns, so we’ve put the Guided Missile into the Vault while we figure out the next steps for its future.”
The updated Guided Missile functions quite differently from its original iteration. A Battle Royale update described the new version as “more of a scouting tool than a high damage threat.” This suggests a shift in its intended use, focusing on utility rather than offensive firepower.
The changes implemented in the patch significantly impact the Guided Missile’s performance. These include:
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Reduced Movement Speed: The missile now travels slower, making it easier for opponents to react.
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Decreased Turning Radius: Maneuvering the missile is more challenging, limiting its ability to make sharp turns and track targets effectively.
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Lowered Damage: The explosive impact of the missile has been weakened, reducing its potential to eliminate opponents quickly.
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Smaller Damage Radius: The area affected by the explosion is smaller, requiring more precise aiming for successful hits.
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Reduced Ammo Cap: The number of rockets a player can carry has been reduced to 12, limiting the overall effectiveness of the weapon in prolonged engagements.
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Improved Mouse and Keyboard Movement: Adjustments were made to improve the control scheme for mouse and keyboard users, bringing it closer to the experience of using a controller.
These changes collectively transform the Guided Missile from a high-damage, long-range weapon into a more strategic asset. While players may no longer be able to snipe enemies with explosive rockets as easily, the weapon can still be valuable for scouting enemy positions or finishing off weakened targets hiding behind cover.
Epic Games also made changes to other weapons around the same time. The SMG and compact SMG were introduced to Fortnite.
However, subsequent patches were implemented to balance these weapons, addressing concerns about their initial power. These adjustments included nerfs to accuracy, damage, range, and fire rate, ensuring a more balanced gameplay experience.
In conclusion, the Guided Missile’s return to Fortnite represents a significant shift in its role. No longer a dominant offensive weapon, it now serves as a tactical tool for scouting and strategic engagements. While its explosive sniping capabilities have been diminished, the weapon’s potential for revealing enemy positions and finishing off weakened targets remains. The changes to the Guided Missile, alongside adjustments to other weapons like the SMG, demonstrate Epic Games’ commitment to balancing gameplay and responding to player feedback.
