Why Did Fortnite Remove Pump Shotguns?
The removal of the Pump Shotgun in Fortnite was a significant event that sparked considerable debate and discussion within the community. The short answer is that Epic Games, the developers of Fortnite, initially removed the pump shotgun because they believed it was too powerful and didn’t align with their desired speed and balance for combat. Specifically, the pump shotgun was deemed to inflict too much damage for its relatively slow fire rate, creating a gameplay dynamic that was not conducive to the fast-paced, build-centric battles Fortnite is known for. In its place, the Combat Shotgun was introduced, which offered a better rate of fire and more range, aiming to provide a more balanced experience. However, the story doesn’t end there. The Pump Shotgun has made several returns since its initial vaulting, highlighting its iconic status in the game.
The Initial Vault and the Rise of the Combat Shotgun
The Pump Shotgun’s first vaulting occurred in Season 9, with Update v9.00. Epic Games stated that the removal was intended to make way for the Combat Shotgun, which they believed would be a more versatile and well-rounded weapon. The Combat Shotgun featured a higher fire rate and longer range than the pump, allowing for more flexible combat engagements. At the time, many players saw this change as a direct effort to alter the meta, moving away from one-shot kill scenarios that the Pump Shotgun often created.
The Community Reaction
The initial removal of the pump shotgun was met with a mixed reception. While some players appreciated the change and embraced the Combat Shotgun, others fiercely missed the pump’s raw power and satisfying “one-pump” potential. The pump had become deeply ingrained in the game’s identity, and for many, it represented a crucial element of Fortnite’s gameplay. This strong attachment to the pump would eventually lead to its reintroduction.
The Return of the Pump and Its Iterations
Despite its initial removal, the Pump Shotgun has been unvaulted multiple times, showcasing its enduring popularity among the Fortnite player base. These reintroductions often came with tweaks and adjustments to balance the weapon. For example, different versions like the Havoc Pump Shotgun have appeared, each with varying stats and rarities.
The Havoc Pump Shotgun
The Havoc Pump Shotgun, for instance, has become a more recent highlight. This iteration of the pump has featured a wide range of rarities, from Uncommon to Legendary, and it is known for its high damage output. In some instances, its Mythic variant has even been capable of delivering one-shot eliminations. The reintroduction of such a potent version of the pump indicates that Epic Games has found a way to reincorporate the shotgun without completely unbalancing the gameplay.
Addressing Balance and Meta
Ultimately, the saga of the Pump Shotgun in Fortnite demonstrates the complexities of balancing a live-service game. Epic Games’ primary motivation for initially removing the pump was to address what they perceived as an imbalance due to the weapon’s high damage potential. By introducing weapons like the Combat Shotgun and eventually experimenting with variations of the pump itself, they aimed to foster a more diverse and dynamic combat environment.
The Ongoing Evolution
The story of the pump is not a standalone narrative, but a part of the continuous evolution of Fortnite’s weapon meta. Epic Games has frequently tweaked existing weapons and introduced new ones in an ongoing attempt to optimize gameplay. This iterative process explains why the Pump Shotgun has been both removed and subsequently reintroduced. It highlights the balance developers must strike between fulfilling the desires of a community and ensuring a fair and engaging game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the Pump Shotgun originally vaulted?
The Pump Shotgun was originally vaulted in Season 9 with the release of Update v9.00. This update introduced the Combat Shotgun, which was intended to replace the pump’s role.
2. Why was the Pump Shotgun removed initially?
Epic Games removed the Pump Shotgun because it was considered to inflict too much damage while having a slow fire rate, creating an imbalanced and less dynamic combat scenario.
3. What shotgun replaced the Pump Shotgun initially?
The Combat Shotgun was introduced to replace the Pump Shotgun. It offered a higher rate of fire and a longer range, aiming for better balance in the game.
4. Has the Pump Shotgun returned to Fortnite?
Yes, the Pump Shotgun has returned to Fortnite multiple times after its initial removal. It has reappeared in various forms, such as the Havoc Pump Shotgun.
5. What is the Havoc Pump Shotgun?
The Havoc Pump Shotgun is a variant of the Pump Shotgun that has been reintroduced to the game. It is found in rarities ranging from Uncommon to Legendary and is known for its high damage output.
6. How does the Havoc Pump Shotgun compare to the original pump?
The Havoc Pump Shotgun’s damage and stats can vary across its different rarities, with some variants like the Mythic having the capability of one-shot eliminations, making it more powerful than the original pump.
7. Where can you find the Havoc Pump Shotgun?
The Havoc Pump Shotgun can be found in chests, as floor loot, and inside the vaults around the island. It is also sometimes available from Weapon-o-Matic machines.
8. Was the Double Pump strategy ever a thing, and why was it removed?
Yes, the Double Pump strategy, which involved rapidly switching between two pump shotguns, was a popular tactic. It was removed because it allowed players to bypass the pump’s intended fire rate, resulting in excessively high damage output.
9. What is the “one-pump” elimination?
A one-pump elimination refers to the ability to eliminate an opponent with a single shot from a pump shotgun, often by achieving a critical headshot.
10. What other shotguns have been removed from Fortnite?
Besides the Pump Shotgun, other shotguns like the Heavy Shotgun, Thunder Shotgun, Striker Shotgun (as an augment), and the Double Barrel Shotgun have been removed at various points in Fortnite’s history.
11. Why were some shotguns removed from Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2?
Shotguns like the Heavy Shotgun and the Thunder Shotgun were removed in Chapter 4, Season 2 to make space for new weapons and to further adjust the game’s meta.
12. What is the oldest pump shotgun in real life?
The Winchester 1893, designed by John Moses Browning, is considered by most to be the first pump shotgun.
13. What does the term “vaulted” mean in Fortnite?
In Fortnite, “vaulted” refers to a weapon or item being temporarily or permanently removed from the game’s loot pool. These items can be reintroduced at a later date.
14. What are some other shotguns in Fortnite besides the pump?
Fortnite features a variety of shotguns, including the Tactical Shotgun, Primal Shotgun, Drum Shotgun, Auto Shotgun, Combat Shotgun, Ranger Shotgun, Charge Shotgun, and the Dragon’s Breath Shotgun, among others.
15. How does the elevation affect shotgun damage in Fortnite?
In Fortnite, being at a higher elevation can make it easier to land more headshots with a shotgun, as the pellets spread, causing more damage than body shots, making it very effective for close-quarters engagements, build fights, and dropping down on opponents for the kill.