What Weapons Can You Get in Fortnite? A Comprehensive Guide

Fortnite, the ever-evolving battle royale phenomenon, is known for its diverse and constantly shifting arsenal. From classic shotguns to futuristic energy weapons, the game offers a wide array of tools for players to secure that coveted Victory Royale. But, specifically, what weapons can you get in Fortnite? The answer is that you can find a variety of ranged and melee weapons across different rarities that provide unique strategic opportunities. Primarily, these weapons fall into categories like assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, SMGs, and pistols, with occasional unique items like rocket launchers and even melee options. The availability of specific weapons changes with each season and update, but this article will provide a broad overview of what you can typically expect to find. The core weapon types, along with the special items that appear occasionally, make Fortnite’s gameplay dynamic and constantly engaging. Let’s dive deeper.

Weapon Categories in Fortnite

Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are the workhorse weapons of Fortnite, providing a good balance between range, damage, and fire rate. They’re effective in mid-range engagements and are often the first choice for many players. Common variants like the standard AR are readily available, while high-tier Assault Rifles such as the SCAR (Special Combat Assault Rifle) are prized for their enhanced stats and consistent damage output. The MK-Seven Assault Rifle is another fan favorite. Different assault rifles may vary in recoil patterns and fire rates, encouraging players to try different versions and adapt their strategies.

Shotguns

Shotguns are all about close-quarters dominance. They are designed to deliver devastating damage at short range, and are often used in tight, intense situations. The Pump Shotgun, a Fortnite classic, is a slow-firing, high-damage powerhouse. The Tactical Shotgun offers a faster firing rate with slightly reduced damage per shot. Lever-Action Shotguns provide a different tactical approach, requiring a unique cadence to their usage. The Havoc Pump Shotgun, specifically its Mythic variant, has been known to have the capacity for one-shot eliminations.

Sniper Rifles

Sniper rifles are your long-range precision tools. Effective for taking down enemies from a distance, they reward accuracy and positioning. The Bolt Action Sniper Rifle is a classic sniper that delivers high damage at range, while other options like the Thermal Scoped Assault Rifle offer unique advantages, such as the ability to see through smoke. The Heavy Sniper Rifle is infamous for its powerful shots and potential to break builds.

Submachine Guns (SMGs)

SMGs are designed for close- to mid-range combat with a very high rate of fire, making them ideal for overwhelming opponents with a flurry of bullets. SMGs are often used to shred structures and to finish off opponents in close-quarter fights. The Compact SMG is a common example.

Pistols

Pistols serve as a common starting weapon and can be useful for early-game encounters. While not as powerful as other weapons, they can still be effective in skilled hands, and are always available.

Explosives

Explosive weapons like the Rocket Launcher and Quad Launcher are capable of dealing area-of-effect damage, making them useful for destroying structures and clearing out groups of enemies. These weapons are powerful but are typically more rare and must be used with care due to the limited ammunition.

Special and Unvaulted Items

Beyond the standard fare, Fortnite frequently introduces special items, often unvaulting classics from previous seasons. These can include powerful melee weapons like the Infinity Blade (previously removed due to its overpowered nature), or tactical tools like the Grappler and Boogie Bomb. Some items, like the Shopping Cart and All Terrain Kart (ATK), offer unique traversal and transport options. Traps like the Damage Trap also make a comeback occasionally, adding a bit of tactical complexity to the game.

Weapon Rarity and Power

Weapons in Fortnite are not created equal. They come in different rarities, each denoted by a distinct color:

• Common (Gray): Basic, widely available weapons.
• Uncommon (Green): Slightly improved stats compared to common weapons.
• Rare (Blue): More potent than the previous two tiers.
• Epic (Purple): High-powered weapons with better stats than Rare variants.
• Legendary (Orange/Gold): The most powerful base weapons, with the highest damage and accuracy.
• Mythic (Gold): Exclusive, usually extremely powerful weapons that are often tied to boss encounters.
• Exotic (Light Blue): Unique weapons with special properties or abilities, usually obtained by purchasing them from NPCs for gold bars.

Legendary weapons deal approximately 10% more damage than their Epic counterparts, making them highly sought after on the map. Mythic weapons, on the other hand, usually feature unique capabilities that go beyond just raw damage. While Exotic weapons aren’t always the most powerful in terms of raw stats, they offer unique features that can significantly influence your playstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many weapons are in the current version of Fortnite?

While the exact number of weapons fluctuates with updates, the current count typically hovers around 28 core weapons, supplemented by special and unvaulted items. It’s important to remember that availability will vary, and the game’s active weapon pool is constantly evolving.

2. What are the best weapons in Fortnite?

The ‘best’ weapons often depend on personal play style and the situation. However, consistently high-performing weapons include the SCAR (Assault Rifle), Pump Shotgun, Bolt Action Sniper Rifle, and Havoc Pump Shotgun (especially the Mythic variant).

3. What are the seven levels of weapon rarity in Fortnite?

The seven levels of weapon rarity are: Common (Gray), Uncommon (Green), Rare (Blue), Epic (Purple), Legendary (Orange/Gold), Mythic (Gold), and Exotic (Light Blue).

4. What was the most overpowered weapon ever in Fortnite?

Many players agree that the Infinity Blade was the most overpowered weapon in Fortnite history due to its exceptional power and mobility. The Combat Shotgun and Drum Gun are also frequently mentioned in this category.

5. Do legendary guns do more damage in Fortnite?

Yes, Legendary weapons do 10% more damage than all Epic Weapons. This makes them very desirable for players who want that extra edge in combat.

6. What is the best legendary weapon in Fortnite?

While there are numerous strong Legendary weapons, the Zapotron, Thermal Scoped Assault Rifle, and Burst Assault Rifle are frequently considered among the top picks.

7. Is the Infinity Blade still in Fortnite?

No, the Infinity Blade was removed from Fortnite following player feedback about its overpowered nature. It’s unlikely to make a comeback in its original form.

8. What gun can one-shot in Fortnite?

The Mythic variant of the Havoc Pump Shotgun can eliminate an opponent with one shot. Headshots from high-rarity sniper rifles can also do more than 100 damage, leading to one-shot eliminations.

9. Is Exotic better than Mythic?

Generally, Mythic weapons are more powerful than Exotic weapons, although Exotics offer unique abilities and properties. The best choice will depend on your playstyle and the particular situation you find yourself in.

10. What is the most hated weapon in Fortnite?

The Infantry Rifle is often cited as the most frustrating weapon due to its poor performance when used as an assault rifle, despite being designed as an assault rifle.

11. Which guns are rare in Fortnite?

Rocket Launchers, high-tier variants of the Assault Rifle, and the Hunting Rifle are considered rare weapons on the map. Mythic and Exotic weapons are also rare, and are generally obtained through specific actions or purchases.

12. Which weapon is better in Fortnite?

The most effective weapons depend on the context. In the current state, the Pump Shotgun, Assault Rifle, and Bolt Action Sniper Rifle are considered top-tier choices for different combat ranges.

13. What color guns are best in Fortnite?

Gold and purple guns (Legendary and Epic) are the most desirable, as they boast the best stats and accuracy within the base weapon tiers.

14. What gun does 100 damage in Fortnite?

Higher rarity sniper rifles can hit for over 100 damage with one bullet, even if it’s a body shot. For other weapon types, you’ll usually need to land headshots to reach 100 damage.

15. What is the best shotgun in Fortnite?

The Havoc Pump Shotgun, especially its Mythic version, is considered one of the best shotguns due to its devastating damage. The Tactical Shotgun is also a strong contender because of its fast firing rate.

Understanding the vast range of weapons available in Fortnite is key to achieving victory. Staying updated with weapon changes is crucial, as Epic constantly tinkers with the game’s mechanics. Whether you prefer the quick burst of an SMG, the power of a shotgun, or the precision of a sniper rifle, Fortnite has a weapon for every play style.