The screen flashed, and my heart sank. Another defeat. The kill-cam replay showed a player shredding my health bar with an SMG before I could even react—a weapon I’d dismissed as “underpowered” just days before. Seems Fortnite‘s latest hotfix had other ideas, and now the Golden Coast feels very different.
You’re not alone if you’ve been surprised by the latest changes in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1. Epic Games is shaking things up, and the new 39.40 patch is set to redefine the weapon meta. But what exactly does this mean for your gameplay? Let’s break it down.
SMGs Rise: From Zero to Hero in Chapter 7
Remember that dusty SMG sitting in the corner of your inventory? The one you always swapped out for an AR or shotgun? Those days are over. Epic Games has heard the community’s cries and is breathing new life into these close-quarters blasters.
According to Epic’s official announcement on X, the 39.40 patch isn’t just about SMGs. The update touches nearly every corner of the arsenal. Here’s a glimpse at the changes coming to Chapter 7 Season 1 weapons:
| Item | Buffs |
|---|---|
| Tactical Assault Rifle | Increased damage |
| Enforcer AR | Increased damage |
| Holo Rush SMG | Increased damage per shot, larger magazine, and faster handling time |
| Flex SMG | Increased damage, larger magazine, and faster handling time |
| Dual Micro SMGs | Increased damage, larger magazine, and faster handling time |
| Tactical Pistol | Increased damage, improved range, and faster ADS time. |
| Soveriegn Shotgun | Faster fire rate when aiming down sights. |
| Stealth Splash | Increased effect time and able to carry a bigger stack. |
| All-Terrain-Kart | Increased health |
The Holo Rush, Flex, and Dual Micro SMGs are now miniature buzzsaws in the right hands. With increased damage, larger magazines, and faster handling, they could become your new go-to for close-quarters combat. This concentrated effort from Epic suggests they’re aware of a balance issue, and are actively course-correcting.
Why Did Epic Buff the Tactical Pistol?
Think back to your last match. Did you overlook the Tactical Pistol? You might want to reconsider that. The Tactical Pistol is receiving a substantial buff, including increased damage, improved range, and faster ADS time. Its transformation is nothing short of a level-up, potentially elevating it from a reliable sidearm to a surprisingly potent primary weapon—especially in the early game.
The Tactical AR and Enforcer AR are also getting damage boosts. The goal? To close the gap with the Deadeye Assault Rifle, offering players more viable options. This is a welcome change, as the AR landscape felt a bit stale.
Is the Sovereign Shotgun Now Worth Using?
Let’s be honest: the Sovereign Shotgun has been collecting dust for many. The Iron Pump and Twin Hammer have dominated the shotgun meta. But the 39.40 patch aims to change that by making the Sovereign Shotgun snappier when aiming down sights. Will this be enough to challenge the throne? Time will tell, but it’s a step in the right direction.
The Stealth Splash, introduced in the 39.20 update, is also getting a boost. You can now carry more, and the effect lasts longer. This could lead to some interesting strategic plays. It’s like a ninja vanish trick, but in Fortnite.
Does Buffing the All-Terrain Kart Make Sense?
You’re cruising across the map with your squad when suddenly, BOOM! An RPG takes out your ride. No one wants that. Epic Games is increasing the health of All-Terrain Karts, which might make them slightly less fragile. This buff is probably aimed at improving squad mobility and survivability.
These changes are a jolt to the system, a deliberate attempt to shake up established playstyles and encourage experimentation. It’s like a chef tweaking the recipe, adding a dash of spice to keep things interesting. Are you ready to adapt and master the new meta?
These adjustments show how Epic actively uses data and community feedback to evolve Fortnite. It will be fascinating to see how these weapon changes affect player behavior, kill/death ratios, and overall enjoyment. The rebalancing act is a delicate one; over-buffing can be as detrimental as under-tuning. Whether these adjustments truly hit the mark remains to be seen, but the conversation it sparks among players and content creators is part of the fun.
What underused weapon do you think deserves a buff in the next update—and how might that change the way you play?