The 16.10 Update Adds Dinosaurs

Fortnite’s latest season began with a bang, as many parts of the map were transformed by an anomaly and new mechanics were introduced. A few weeks in, it is clear that this was only the beginning. The island seems to be gearing up for a dramatic event. This process has been sped up by the major update that arrived on March 30. Its highlights include adjustments to the crafting system, map experiments, and the appearance of packs of Raptors that have spread all over the battlefield. Those changes can help or hinder players as they strive to get more wins.

Raptors Are Loose

The start of Season Six has brought a variety of wildlife to the battle royale’s map, with hints of more to come later. There were few doubts at the time that the mysterious eggs found all over the island had something to do with it. Now the inhabitants of those eggs have hatched and are ready to make or ruin a player’s day.

Raptors are the deadliest predators on the island – after the kill-hungry players, of course. They seem to be based on their Jurassic Park depiction, meaning that they are quite large and pose a serious threat even to gun-totting humans. On top of their impressive stats, they seem to always move in pairs, so taking down one puts you in danger of immediate retaliation. Outrunning them is usually impossible due to their speed. However, they drop four bones and two meat items on death. Alternatively, you may be able to tame them by cloaking and feeding them meat. If this admittedly dangerous process succeeds, you will have access to a powerful ally.

The Island Prepares for War

There is tension in the air, as the island’s inhabitants appear to be preparing for another disaster, perhaps connected to the NPC’s and their questing helpers’ ongoing investigation of the Spire. The update saw a barricade appear in Pleasant Park, while the windows of several houses have been boarded up. Over the next few days, several more barricades have been set up, with additional windows being blocked. This worrying trend will no doubt continue until the event it is building up to occurs.

Some observers have suggested that the game will soon experience a “Primal War”, which may tie in with the game’s Save the World mode. The fortifications appear similar to those seen during the mode’s introduction. For now, though, they simply give the world a more militarized appearance – and provide players with added cover as they fish for kills.

Another fascinating development is the return of mobile Storm Circles to public matches. As seen in the Arena, those circles of safety will appear outside the current safe zones in the last two stages of a game. They will then drift across the map, forcing combatants to stay on the move to avoid being damaged by the storm. The current inclusion is technically experimental, but it has been very popular so far due to making the game more dynamic, keeping people from camping in one place until the end. The enthusiastic reception may mean the circles are here to stay.

Weapon Changes

The update adjusted several weapons:

• The Makeshift Shotgun’s magazine size has been increased by one shell;
• The Primal Shotgun’s firing rate has been lowered to 3.4;
• The Grenade Launcher’s damage has been heavily scaled back.

Players who have been relying on the latter two weapons’ tremendous killing power to swiftly progress through the Battle Pass may wish to think about a different strategy. Others, however, are likely to feel relief, as there have been many complaints about their power. There have also been changes to the recently implemented crafting system. Weapon upgrade costs have been standardized and connected to their starting and final rarity, as follows: Both of those components have been added to the Floor Loot pool. That should make them easier to come by. Overall, crafting should be more accessible now.

Creative Tweaks

Creative Mode, which is often used for training or coaching, has received an exciting new item in the Health Powerup. Despite what its name suggests, the device may be used to manipulate player health and shields in either direction. Powerups in general have received more options, such as being tied to certain teams, classes, or all players in the game. Their visibility may also be adjusted. Those useful tools have been moved from their own gallery to the general Device Gallery. Another device, the Mutator Zone, has received new options for modifying the sandbox mode’s structures, their cost, and their construction speed.

The addition of dinosaurs is certainly thrilling and adds a new layer to the emerging animal taming meta. However, the other changes should also influence the battle royale’s balance or point at ways in which it could develop in the future. Furthermore, the recent map changes and quests all seem to be hinting at another spectacular event in the near future, even if it is too soon to guess its nature. As the developers have once again displayed their willingness to experiment with basic rules and new mechanics alike, this should be a very interesting season.