Epic Games is always trying to keep Fortnite fresh with the inclusion of new items and game modes, but it looks like one of their newer additions isn’t sitting well with the competitive community.
The v7.01 update was released on December 11 and included the powerful Infinity Blade sword that has been the topic of much conversation in the hours since release.
The sword acts similar to how Thanos’ glove did during the popular LTM that was released back in May, giving players 200 health and 200 shield, regenerating health and allowing them to do massive amounts of damage.
The difference here, however, is that the Infinity Blade is available in normal game modes, with just one being available in every game.
- Read More: NA finals of $1 million Winter Royale tournament – schedule, format, qualified players, and more
Unsurprisingly, this has led to much discussion and outrage given the update went live on the first day of the NA Winter Royale Finals.
A few players, the main one being Harrison ‘psalm’ Chang, have picked up the Sword uncontested and proceeded to absolutely wreak havoc on the lobby during the first Heat.
With the weapon destroying everything in sight, many pro players have taken to Twitter to voice their frustration with the inclusion of the weapon in the $1 million tournament.
TSM Ali ‘Myth’ Kabbani
EPIC : *releases huge update before twitchcon*PROS : *WTF WTF WTF WTF WTF WTF WTF*
EPIC : *goes agane*PROS : *WTFWTFWTWFWTWTWTWIDOJAJFOIPWJOAINFIOWANWOIP* pic.twitter.com/mf6dIMOT2L
— Myth (@TSM_Myth) December 11, 2018
FaZe Clan Turner ‘Tfue’ Tenney
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Winter Infinity Sworale looks fun :joyful:
— FaZe Tfue (@TTfue) December 11, 2018
FaZe Clan Avery ‘Avxry’ Lopriore
This is a prime example on how competive and the base game are two different modes in Fortnite. I’m sure Epic will do the right thing in the future.
I just feel for the guys that had to be sliced up like sushi with bag much money on the line
— FaZe Avery (@Avxry) December 11, 2018
Team Liquid Thomas ’72hrs’ Mulligan
laggy servers, planes, swords – no idea if I qualified with 1 point. I think this was probably the least fun I've had playing this game but I hope it was at least fun to watch! GG's
— Thomas Mulligan (@72hrs) December 11, 2018
Soon after his heat ended, psalm responded to all the backlash, simply saying that he “had to show everyone how silly the sword is.”
Sincerely apologize to anyone to died to it late game. But I did have to fight 5 people off spawn for it :thinking_face:
— psalm (@psalmHotS) December 11, 2018
While Epic Game has spoken out about some of the bugs that are present with the Infinity Blade, but no word has come out on the overall powerful nature of the weapon or its place in the competitive scene.
Epic has been known to adjust after receiving community feedback, so it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see some adjustments.
With the second and final day of the Winter Royale taking place in just a day on December 12, though, it’s not likely that a change will come before the Finals.