Players can take to the skies in Fortnite today, thanks to Patch 4.2 and the long-awaited introduction of jetpacks. Unsafe? Environmentally unsound? Chaotic? Probably — but most assuredly fun as well.
The patch notes give us some idea of how jetpacks will function:
“The Jetpack is the first of a new item type: Backpacks. Backpacks take an inventory slot (like weapons & consumables) and can be moved to different positions. Only one Backpack can be carried at a time. […] The Jetpack is engaged by jumping while in mid-air, providing additional mobility. While flying, there is a limited duration it can be used before it must charge again. Recharge begins when the Jetpack is not in use. You can not enter Targeting Mode while in the air. On controller, using the Targeting Mode input will trigger the Jetpack.”
It should also be noted that the jetpacks are being described as a “limited-time item,” although this may change on release.
PvE mode can look forward to a new hero, Archaeolo-Jess, while PvP players will be leaping into the new limited time mode Solid Gold v2.
Meanwhile, Epic Games announced that it is going to pony up $100 million toward e-sports tournaments during the first year of Fortnite competitive play: “In the 2018-2019 season, Epic Games will provide $100,000,000 to fund prize pools for Fortnite competitions. We’re getting behind competitive play in a big way, but our approach will be different — we plan to be more inclusive, and focused on the joy of playing and watching the game.”
