Fortnite: B.R.U.T.E. and Junk Rift Changes Incoming

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Fortnite: B.R.U.T.E. and Junk Rift Changes Incoming

The impact of the B.R.U.T.E. is one of the most extensively covered storylines in competitive Fortnite history. Never have we seen such an outcry from one community over the addition of a new vehicle. Both professional and casual players joined forces to start the #removethemech movement, which has picked up steam since the release of Fortnite Season X.

The gist of the community backlash is that the B.R.U.T.E. has no place in a game that relies heavily on the building aspect. The list of professional players actively campaigning against the B.R.U.T.E. is seemingly endless. From CourageJD to TimTheTatman and everyone in between, these players are looking for a resolution.

Making Changes

It seems as though the constant decision to make only minuscule changes to the B.R.U.T.E. has officially reached its boiling point. In a statement released by Epic, the developers are further diminishing the abilities of the B.R.U.T.E. A snippet of the release can be read below

Fortnite B.R.U.T.E. Mech Changes

Breaking Down the Changes

This is most certainly not what the competitive Fortnite community clamored for. The message of #removethemech is clear, and players no longer want the B.R.U.T.E. in the game. Nevertheless, Epic Games is first and foremost toning down the number of rockets that the B.R.U.T.E. can fire. This means that instead of having to defend against ten missiles, players will have to deal with just six. In addition to this, there is a fire rate reduction on the rockets, which strengthens a player’s ability to destroy or evade a B.R.U.T.E. that engages them in a fight.

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Epic Games has also toned down the explosion radius and the dash cooldown, which further gives players a chance to at least survive a battle against the B.R.U.T.E. One of the more interesting moves out of Epic Games is the removal of the material farming ability from inside the B.R.U.T.E. Prior to this change, B.R.U.T.Es could destroy structures and collect materials without having to exit the vehicle. Players must now exit the B.R.U.T.E. to collect the materials, but can still destroy structures with the stomp function.

Effect on Competitive Play

The implications that these changes have on the competitive scene is enormous. Professional players the world over were at a point of increasing frustration and lack of motivation. The reduction of professional trio scrims over the past few days are evidence of the frustration. Competitive players continue to criticize Epic Games from every angle in regards to the recent changes to Fortnite. The high that existed after the Fortnite World Cup quickly reduced to an all-time low. Although streamers and fans continued to play despite no action taken, the overall anger toward the game continued to build.

Junk Rift Change

Fortnite Junk Rift

Patch v10.10 unveiled a throwable item known as the Junk Rift. This item caused similar destruction to the B.R.U.T.E. but was somehow easier to use. The Epic Games statement informed players that the Junk Rift would no longer be available in arena playlists. Additionally, the item will not be available for use in this weekend’s Fortnite Championship Series. This almost ensures that endgames will play out as they should, with the top players making the best play possible.

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Looking Ahead

Not many people will be quick to praise Epic Games for these changes. It has taken quite some time for them to reach a decision on the B.R.U.T.E. specifically. When a community as active as Fortnite almost unanimously reaches a conclusion on an addition to the game, it is worth listening to. The amount of clips that came out of the B.R.U.T.E. is similar to that of the Infinity Sword in Season Seven. Regardless of how professional players feel, they can rest easy knowing that the B.R.U.T.E. is weaker and the Junk Rifts are not a concern in the short-term.

 

Stay tuned for our coverage of the Fortnite Champion Series each weekend on ESTNN.

Avatar of Matt Pryor
Matt Pryor
Matt is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University. He appreciates all esports titles but primarily focuses on Fortnite and Call of Duty. Matt continuously analyzes gameplay and plays the games himself to better understand in-game decisions by the best players in the world.