Patch 5.3 of Fortnite brought with it numerous features, many of which are indubitably enjoyed by players of the popular battle royale title. These updated features include the Score Royale limited-time mode (LTM) and the Rift-To-Go item, but some other features managed to sneak in, such as the ability to thank the bus driver. Another shocking feature players have noticed is that rifts are now sending down lightning strikes, which has led to plenty of speculation as to why.
It’s worth mentioning that Fortnite players have noticed two important aspects of this phenomenon, namely that these strikes are focused on the desert portion of the map and leave a scorched marking of where it strikes. Before diving into what these lightning strikes could mean, check it out in action below:
One of the more prominent theories, based on a similar lightning pattern in Save the World mode, is that this is a promotion for Save the World going free-to-play by the end of the season. It makes a lot of sense, but for some players who are solely interested in the battle royale mode, this reveal would be a bit underwhelming.
Another theory likes these lightning strikes to the meteors that fell to the map, thereby suggesting a map change could be set to occur soon in the southeast part of the map. However, since Tomato Town has recently become Tomato Temple, it doesn’t seem likely two map changes would be occurring back-to-back. With Epic Games, however, anything is possible.
The last - and arguably most popular theory - is that these lightning strikes are a herald for an upcoming Thor LTM. Considering Thanos had his own LTM known as the Infinity Gauntlet mode and the heavy Norse influence on this game, it would make the most sense. It could also connect to longstanding theories of some impending Ragnarok for the battle island.
Nevertheless, Epic Games has yet to weigh in, so this is all speculation. As soon as more is revealed about these lightning strikes, check back here for those details. But, for now, Fortnite players may want to watch their step in the southeast desert region.
Fortnite is currently available in early access for iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, with an Android beta currently taking place.
Source: Loot Lake - Twitter
