Epic Games has finally confirmed that a brand new tactical assault rifle will be added to Fortnite Battle Royale during Season 9, after weeks of speculation.
A variety of surprising changes were made in the v9.00 update, including the decision to vault the pump shotgun and replace it with a brand-new combat version of the widely loved gun, as well as brand new futuristic looks for Tilted Towers and Retail Row.
Various items such as clingers, buried treasure chests, and balloons were also added to the vault as well as two rifles – the suppressed assault rifle and the thermal assault rifles.
Tactical Assault Rifle coming soon
Nevertheless, after leakers first revealed that a new weapon was in the works on May 9, the game’s developer has now added a brand-new rifle to the in-game news feed in Fortnite Battle Royale – the tactical assault rifle.
While it may not have the silenced capabilities of the suppressed rifle, the image suggest it will be scoped like the thermal, making long-distance targets easier to hit.
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According to StormShieldOne, the gun will be available in three rarities – rare, legendary and epic. The damage of the gun is expected to be 22/23/24 and the magazine size is rumored to be 30 bullets. Unlike other rifles, the weapon will use light ammunition and the legendary variant takes just 1.98 seconds to reload.
Given the strength of other weapons such as the heavy assault rifle, it remains to be seen whether the new weapon will be viable for players looking to secure a spot in the Fortnite World Cup.
Following the recent reintroduction of the drum gun, one of the most powerful weapons in Fortnite history, it’s hard to see top players finding space in their loadout for the new addition. But, it could surprise us!