Since its arrival on the Fortnite map in Season 10, B.R.U.T.E.S — or commonly called "mechs" by the community — have been a source of anger for casual and pro players. Terribly powerful and armed with devastating missiles, these robots were accused of diminishing the skill required to win a game. In recent weeks, the players' anger had risen a notch, and Epic Games had to justify their choice to keep the B.R.U.T.E. in-game in an official post. They explained that "the mission of Fortnite is to bring players of all skill levels together to have a fun experience where anyone can win".
Epic have since changed their mind and have just violently nerfed the giant robot. It should be less oppressive in all different game modes.
Major changes
- Decreased the maximum amount of rockets fired by the B.R.U.T.E. in a single charge from 10 to 6.
- Decreased the rate at which the rockets are fired from the B.R.U.T.E. by 56%. These changes allow the players on the receiving end of the missile volley to have more time to react and protect themselves.
- Decreased the radius of the B.R.U.T.E.’s rocket explosion by 42%. B.R.U.T.E.s will continue to be a strong option against structures, but less lethal against players.
- Increased the dash cooldown from 3 seconds to 5 seconds. The previous dash cooldown not only increased the B.R.U.T.E.’s mobility, but also made the B.R.U.T.E.s a harder target to hit from distance than we’d like. The adjustment here reduces the ability to close gaps quickly while in the B.R.U.T.E. while also increasing the ability to land shots on target for players facing the B.R.U.T.E.
- Decreased the velocity gained from boosting while in air by 33%.We want to reduce a B.R.U.T.E.’s ability to engage and disengage at long distances to encourage a more strategic approach to an encounter.
- The B.R.U.T.E. no longer grants materials to the driver and passenger when stomping or dashing through the environment.Note: This change should roll out shortly following the other changes.
- Decreased the material cost of using the gunner’s overshield from 200 to 75.
- Increased the Health of the B.R.U.T.E from 1000 to 1250.
New spawn rates
Storm phase 1
- 29% chance to spawn 0
- 14.3% chance to spawn 1
- 14.3% chance to spawn 2 — previously 33% chance to spawn 2
- 14.3% chance to spawn 3 — previously 33% chance to spawn 3
- 14.3% chance to spawn 4 — previously 33% chance to spawn 4
- 14.3% chance to spawn 5
Storm phase 2
- 25% chance to spawn 0
- 25% chance to spawn 1
- 25% chance to spawn 2 — previously 33% chance to spawn 2
- 25% chance to spawn 3 — previously 33% chance to spawn 3
- Impossible that 4 mechs appear now
Storm phase 3
- 25% chance to spawn 0
- 25% chance to spawn 1 — previously 33% chance to spawn 1
- 25% chance to spawn 2 — previously 33% chance to spawn 2
- 25% chance to spawn 3 — previously 33% chance to spawn 3
In addition, Junk Rift has also been removed from the Arena mode, due to a sound problem.