Fortnite: Battle Royale limited-time mode Shooting Test 1 is live now
Fortnite: Battle Royale's latest limited-time mode is a bit different from previous events.
The new mode, called Shooting Test #1, is now available in Fortnite: Battle Royale on all platforms. Unlike the Sniper Shootout and previous gimmicky events, this one is intended to test out new weapon mechanics.
What is Fortnite Shooting Test 1?
Last year, developer Epic promised to overhaul the weapon characteristics to make combat more interesting. Things like range, ammo, and weapon types should matter, which is why the developer is working on two key changes.
The first concerns first shot accuracy, which is what this event aims to test. Epic said that this prototype is mostly similar to what's already in Fortnite, but comes with some key changes.
Here they are:
Weapons now have first-shot accuracy, indicated by a red glow on the reticle. This is applied when:
- Standing still
- Aiming (not hip-firing)
- Aim spread is at peak accuracy (basically, if you haven’t fired recently. It is different per weapon)
Headshot critical hits have been reduced
- Shotguns are now 150% damage (was 250%).
- All other weapons with headshot crits are now 200% damage (was 250%).
Damage fall-off has been introduced for some weapons
- Damage applies at 100% to a fixed range.
- Fall-off begins at different ranges (depending on the weapon), and decreases to 70% damage.
- Sniper Rifles, Rocket/Grenade Launchers, and Shotguns are unaffected.
Other balance adjustments
- Semi-Auto Sniper has had its damage increased to 75/78 (from 63/66).
- Scoped Assault Rifle has had its damage increased to 25/26 (from 23/24).
- +2 Base damage to all SMGs.
Other tests like this will be coming, and Epic promised to take player feedback into account when transitioning these changes to the live game. Epic did not say how long Shooting Test #1 will be available for, but these events typically only last for a couple of days.