It may seem like Epic Games is releasing new items and modes for Fortnite Battle Royale at a rapid pace and with little time for play testing, but the latest video update from the developer confirms that is not the case. In the video, Systems Designer Eric Williamson explains why the recently announced jetpack item was delayed, as well as giving players a few things to look forward to in the future.
When Fortnite Battle Royale teased a new jetpack item, players were both intrigued and concerned at the prospect of increased mobility in the mode. A jetpack can upset the balance in the game if it becomes too much of an advantage, or it can be a dud if it doesn’t function properly. In Epic Games’ testing, the developer found that the jetpack wasn’t working exactly as the team wanted and so they are taking some extra time to get it right.
After the initial jetpack tease some were curious whether this would be a cosmetic item or a fully functioning jetpack, and based on Epic Games’ comments it sounds like it is the latter. If it was just a jetpack cosmetic, the development team would not be spending time playtesting and balancing the item to work in the Fortnite Battle Royale mode.
Other highlights from the development video include the introduction of loot llamas around the map. Llamas are a key piece of iconography in Fortnite’s Save the World mode – they are essentially the game’s loot boxes – and now they are making their way into Battle Royale. As Williamson explains, loot llamas will function like treasure chests and supply drops, but presumably, they will have a higher chance of giving rare gear.
And finally, Epic Games is taking the smoke grenade out of the loot drop rotation for Fortnite after seeing a decrease in player use. When first introduced smoke grenades seemed like a useful item, but as the loot pool in Fortnite Battle Royale has grown to include things like impulse grenades, disco bombs, crossbows, and chug jugs, there simply isn’t enough inventory space to justify carrying a smoke grenade. Fortnite is all about offense, and smoke grenades are a passive item.
Unfortunately, the developer update does not say when the jetpack might officially launch, but it doesn’t sound like it will be with next week’s 3.3 updates. It’s better that Epic Games get the item right and make sure it is balanced, especially considering Fortnite’s high profile on Twitch right now. Anything perceived as unfair is likely to mar an otherwise successful last few months.
Fortnite Battle Royale is available for free on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
