For Fortnite players, the arrival of a brand new season is traditionally a time of heightened excitement and hype. Large swathes of new cosmetics, a refreshed Battle Pass and new content are always part and parcel for such large scale updates and in that regard, Season X is no different. Right now, just a fortnight into the battle royale’s latest season, fans still have plenty more to look forward to via weekly patches and potential surprises, but that elation is currently in danger of evaporating entirely.
As if it needed spelling out, the driving force behind Season X’s continued negative reception is none other than the B.R.U.T.E. mech. Perfectly repeating the concerns players voiced with past vehicles such as the Baller, the majority have (and continue to) bemoaned its existence for being oppressive and overpowered. Such is the overwhelming disdain for its addition to the sandbox that hundreds have called on Epic Games to outright remove the B.R.U.T.E. from Fortnite. Cries that have clearly fallen on deaf ears, if today’s development is any indication.
Addressing the problem via a blog post last week, Epic outlined a series of changes it plans to introduce to the two-man mechanical menace in a future update.
We’ve been monitoring the impact of the B.R.U.T.E. in gameplay and are investigating ways to enhance combat feedback when interacting with the vehicle. In v10.10, we will add a targeting laser that will show the direction the B.R.U.T.E. is aiming its rockets while they are being charged. This laser will have directional audio to help indicate when it’s being pointed at you, even if you’re behind a structure.
A good start, then, but the tweaks are a world away from the total overhaul or removal that had been expected. Several high profile competitive players have even taken to social media in the wake of the announcement to voice their disappointment.
The fact the MECH hasn’t even had a nerf in HP is mind blowing… 🤯
— Ali-A (@OMGitsAliA) August 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/dakotaz/status/1159908127501946883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1159908127501946883&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dexerto.com%2Ffortnite%2Fbrute-mechs-finally-getting-nerfed-fortnite-everyones-still-angry-896976
Despite the furore, however, Epic has remained steadfast in its position that the B.R.U.T.E. is sticking around for good.
The B.R.U.T.E. remains within the core game modes (Solo, Duos, and Squads), select Limited Time Modes, and in competitive Arena and Tournament play. We’ll communicate any future iterations to the vehicle as we’re continuing to investigate a few more areas where we can improve combat interactions.
Even with further adjustments likely on the cards, the statement is unlikely to foster any goodwill with Fortnite fans. At the very least, Epic would be wise to disable the vehicle until it has better determined how to balance its latest problem vehicle. But what do you think? As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!