After the recent addition of Vending Machines and Guided Missiles, Fortnite Battle Royale is about to change further with the introduction of a portable fort in today’s update. While the item looks spectacular, some players have already voiced their concerns over possible adverse effects on the game’s appeal.
Port-a-Fort: a Base-Building Grenade
The Port-a-Fort is a portable fort of Epic rarity, used to Fortify yourself with the flick of a wrist, a bit like a pop-up tent. The portable fort is held and used like a military grenade, however, and it won’t give you much time to camp. Throw it and here is your master fort spawned within seconds. From the cinematic video released today, it looks like a heavy duty fort made of steel, which adds to its awesomeness, and fearsomeness.
Port-a-Fort: Uncertainties & Fears
Since not much is known about the item yet, many players have expressed their concerns over what they fear may change the unique gameplay appeal of Fortnite Battle Royale, that is, its ferocious and spectacular building feature. Some players are afraid it will give too much advantage to its lucky owner(s) and undermine the building feature that has made the game so phenomenal.
While the item looks impressive, it also displays weak wooden spots, such as a wooden door and a wooden stair case that will be blasted out in not time, especially if you happen to hold the new Guided Missile Launcher. Moreover, considering the impressive building skills of players who build aerial paths and protective covers just as they run, jump and breathe, the fort owner is still at risk of being dislodged in no time. Since the item is among the rare ones to be found on the map, it is unlikely to transform the overall building feature that makes Fortnite so unique and intense. The Port-a-Fort is actually more likely to provide special moments into the game, adding to the already rich gameplay experience without any trade-off involved.
Other Patch v3.5 Features
Today’s Patch introduces other features for the battle royale mode, including Replay, a new version of the 50×50 variant, as well as news skins/cosmetics.
Replay: With a suite of cinematic settings, you can now capture your most memorable moments, highlights and cinematics. Epic Games also states that “you will have an opportunity to win phenomenal prizes with the Replay system… very soon”.
50×50 v2: Two teams will clash in a updated 50v50 Limited Time Mode where you must rush to the frontline.