The air crackled with anticipation as I dropped from the Battle Bus, the familiar rush of wind a prelude to the mayhem about to unfold. A desperate scramble for loot, the glint of metal in the distance, and then… a telltale *thump* that sent me skyward, propelled to safety by the grace of a Shockwave Grenade. For a brief, shining moment, it felt like old times in Fortnite, before they took away our favorite toy.
Shockwave Grenades have long been a fan-favorite in Fortnite, providing unmatched mobility and a quick escape from intense firefights. The community was understandably upset when Epic Games vaulted them, and it seems they heard the outcry. Prepare for a surprise: Shockwave Grenades are making a limited-time return.
Here’s what you need to know about their explosive comeback in Chapter 7 Season 1.
A Shock to the System: Grenades Return For A Limited Time
I was scrolling through X the other day when I saw some chatter about a strange glitch. Turns out, according to the Fortnite Status page, Shockwave Grenades were accidentally unvaulted during an update to Crash Pad Jrs. The developers quickly corrected their “mistake,” but the cat was already out of the bag; everyone wanted Shockwaves back.
The good news? Epic Games announced that Shockwave Grenades would be available during the Stick of Truth Power Hour on January 17, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET. Yes, you read that right – *one hour*. However, the post also hinted that Shockwaves will be back in a more permanent way in a February update, possibly around Valentine’s Day.
How Much Does Fortnite Make In A Year?
Fortnite’s revenue is a closely guarded secret, but estimates peg its annual earnings in the billions of USD. The game’s free-to-play model, combined with cosmetic purchases and Battle Pass subscriptions, makes it a money-printing machine. As an analogy, Fortnite’s financial performance is like a geyser, constantly erupting with cash. The equivalent of this much revenue can be estimated at around €9 Billion.
Why Did Fortnite Remove Shockwave Grenades?
The reasons behind vaulting items in Fortnite are varied. Sometimes it’s to test new metas, other times to introduce fresh items and keep the gameplay interesting. In the case of Shockwaves, it could be that Epic Games felt they were *too* prevalent, overshadowing other mobility options. This is a common frustration with long-running live-service games; sometimes change is necessary, even if it’s not popular.
For many players, Shockwaves are more than just an item; they’re a crucial part of their strategy. Crash Pad Jrs offer some of the same functionality, but they don’t provide the same instant burst of speed and maneuverability. To remove them feels like taking away a painter’s favorite brush.
What Are Players Saying About The Shockwave Return?
The reaction to the limited-time return has been mixed. Some players are excited to have Shockwaves back, even if only for an hour. Others feel it’s a tease, a Band-Aid solution to a problem that needs a more permanent fix. I read one player’s comment saying, “Movement is terrible, give us shocks back, please”.
Ultimately, the decision to temporarily bring back Shockwaves feels like a PR move. Will Epic Games listen to the feedback and make Shockwave Grenades a permanent fixture in Chapter 7? That remains to be seen.
Are you happy to see Shockwave Grenades return, even for a limited time, or do you think they should remain vaulted indefinitely?