Precisely because it is the most-used category of weapons in Fortnite, the balancing of shotguns must be rigorous.
Two weeks before the start of the FNCS, Epic Games are launching a second volley of nerfs for the Primal Shotgun. It is clear that the balance changes introduced in Patch 16.10 — even if they were a step in the right direction — were insufficient. The Primal Shotgun was far too dominant in post-landing skirmishes, and this didn't change later in the game. Too much damage, too quick of a fire rate, too much impact diameter.
As such, hefty changes are incoming.
Primal Shotgun Changes
- Damage: 57 -> 60 -> 63 -> 66/47 -> 50 -> 52 -> 55
- Fire Rate: 3.8 shots per second at all ranks
- Magazine Size: 12 at all ranks
- Reload Time: 3.9 / 3.8 / 3.6 / 3.4
This is indeed a massive nerf, with nearly 10 damage less at all ranks. The Primal Pump Shotgun should become much less impactful as a result, and leave a little more space for the Makeshift Pump Shotgun and the Classic Pump Shotgun.
Recycler Buff in the making
The all-new heavy weapon is struggling to find its place in the meta. As such, the Recycler's structural damage and absorption speed have been increased, which should increase its effectiveness in several areas.
Here's what you'll need to do for this week's set of Fortnite challenges.
