The Heavy Shotgun was removed from Fortnite on January 29, 2019.
The Vaulting Event
This removal occurred during Season 7 of Fortnite, specifically with the release of Update v7.30. The term "vaulted" in Fortnite refers to the practice of temporarily or permanently removing an item from the game's available loot pool. This decision often aims to refresh the gameplay meta, balance weapon effectiveness, or introduce new items.
Impact on Gameplay
The Heavy Shotgun was a popular and distinctive weapon known for its longer range compared to other shotguns, making it versatile for both close-quarters combat and mid-range engagements. Its removal significantly altered player strategies, as players had to adapt to other shotgun types like the Pump Shotgun or Tactical Shotgun, which had different effective ranges and firing characteristics. This change encouraged players to experiment with new loadouts and adjust their combat approaches.
Key Details of the Removal
- Date of Removal: January 29, 2019
- Fortnite Season: Season 7
- Specific Update: Update v7.30
- Action: Vaulted (removed from the game's loot pool)
For more detailed information on the changes introduced during this period, you can refer to the official Patch Notes v7.30 on the Fortnite Wiki.
The Legacy of the Heavy Shotgun
Despite its initial vaulting, the Heavy Shotgun later made a return to Fortnite. It was unvaulted in Chapter 3 Season 1, bringing back its unique long-range shotgun capabilities to the game. However, like many weapons in Fortnite's evolving landscape, it was eventually vaulted again, highlighting Epic Games' continuous efforts to keep the game fresh and balanced through regular item rotations.
