Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 patch notes: Shock 'N Awesome begins
By Ryan Woodrow
It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve had the excitement of a new Fortnite season, but Chapter 6 Season 4, also known as Fortnite Shock ‘N Awesome, is finally here, and in a theme no one saw coming, it’s all about a war against a swarm of giant bugs. This season seems to be for fans of the EDF games, as the seasonal arc will revolve around fighting against the insectoid menace.
We’ll break down all of the new features in this season so you can go into this fight prepared for what’s to come.
New Battle Pass
A new Battle Pass comes with every new Fortnite season, and this one is on the stranger side as there isn’t really a cohesive theme this time around. The two crossover skins are a UNSC Spartan from the Halo series and the Green Ranger from Power Rangers, which feel pretty far apart thematically, but they are pretty cool. As always, there is also a variety of original skins that are in a bunch of different styles. You can check out our guide to every unique skin in the Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 Battle Pass for more information on that.
Map changes
The central section of the map has been taken over by the bugs, and there are four new POIs to investigate, although you’re sure to find some hostile bugs there to take out.
The Hive is exactly what you’d expect; it’s the heart of the bug’s operation, so proceed with caution. Swarmy Stash is a place with a fair bit of loot, but it’s just a shame it’s been overrun by the enemy. Ranger’s Ruin is another place that’s fallen to the bugs, with the building shattered and a hive erected in its place.
There is hope though, as just outside of the bugs’ territory, you’ll find the O.X.R. HQ, which is the organization that is leading the counteroffensive against the bugs.
O.X.R. ranks and loot drops
Like last season, you’ll be able to rank up as you progress through a match, with your rank increasing every time you eliminate an opponent, loot chests, or survive a storm phase. However, unlike last season, where you’d need to go to the Supernova Academy to claim your rewards, every time you rank up this season, you’ll get a loot drop with better rewards the higher your rank.
On top of that, reach Rank A and you’ll be able to unlock O.X.R. Bunkers around the map, which contain unique weapons.
New weapons
The O.X.R. has already made some headway and adapted some of the bugs’ weaponry for ourselves. From the start of the season, you’ll be able to find the Bug Blaser, a plasma weapon that can be charged up for powerful blasts. Also, later on in the reason the Roly Poly will be added, which will let you roll up in a bug’s body and roll around the map at speed.
On top of that, the following guns have been added:
- Leadsplitter 3000 Minigun
- Sweeper Shotgun
- O.X.R. Rifle
- Wrecker Revolver
- Swarmstrike Rocket Launcher
Even the Power Rangers are getting in on the action here as the Blade Blaster will be available later this season.
Plus, the O.X.R. Bunkers contain a selection of exotic weapons that all have unique effects:
- Eradicator O.X.R. Rifle – After successfully hitting an enemy, its damage increases with subsequent successful hits.
- Double Trouble – Two shotguns that can be double-pumped.
- Shock n’ Slow Shockwave Launcher – Fires Shockwave Grenades that cause a slowdown effect mid-air to both enemies and allies.
- Marksman Wrecker Revolver – Higher hip fire rate and headshot multiplier.
- Exotic Slap Berry Fizz – Flowberry Fizz that also grants Slap.
Choppas return
Helicopters are finally returning to Fortnite after a long absence, with the Hammerhead Choppa vehicle being added later this season. This high-tech Choppa can be set to automatically hover in mid-air for a while, giving you an opportunity to switch to the passenger seat and unleash your weaponry on whoever is unfortunate enough to be running around below.
New Boons
Boons are sticking around after their addition last season, including the ranked Boons that are dropped by the Drop Pods you get when you increase your O.X.R. rank. The rest of them can be found in O.X.R. Chest or Hive Sacs:
- Agile Aiming Boon – While aiming down sights, your recoil and spread will be reduced, and you’ll maintain more of your movement speed.
- Extended Magazine Boon – Increases clip size for all your weapons.
- Storm Forecast Boon – The next Storm circle is always revealed to you.
And here’s all the different effects for the Super Soldier Ranked Boon:
- Rank B – Reduces energy consumption when sprinting.
- Rank A – All previous boons + Increases reload speed.
- Rank S – All previous boons + Reduces weapon recoil and spread.
- Rank S+ – All previous boons + Increases sprint speed and gives unlimited energy.
There are more ways to get cool boons though, but you’ll have to check out our guide to every Medallion location in Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4.