The new season of Fortnite is finally here — and it
brought with it a flood. Today Epic Games released the long-delayed third
season for Fortnite: Chapter 2, following a massive event earlier in the week
which saw the game’s battle royale island surrounded by a wall of water.
Fittingly, the new season has submerged large areas of the island, creating a
bigger focus on aquatic gameplay elements. That includes a new Waterworld-style
floating city area, and the ability to water ski — while pulled by a shark.
The biggest change is, of course, the map. The western
portion of the island is now mostly underwater, largely eliminating locations
like Slurpy Swamp and Weeping Woods. Meanwhile, the previously destroyed Agency
area now appears to be some kind of heavily fortified base. The new map makes
the game’s boats much more viable, while the new season also introduces new
mobility options, including the aforementioned water skiing; you’ll be able to
latch on to a shark, naturally, by fishing. Other big additions include new NPC
enemies called Marauders.
Epic has also teased that later in the season actual
cars will be coming to the game, a first for Fortnite. It appears the flooding
isn’t necessarily a permanent fixture. “As time goes on and water recedes, even
more locations will be uncovered, and as the roadways become more open, you’ll
discover new ways to get around,” the developer explains.
Along with the changes to the game itself, a new
season also means a new battle pass, Fortnite’s seasonal subscription-like
service. Players who splurge for a pass will get a few characters to unlock,
including Aquaman and Kit, a tiny kitten riding a motorcycle that also powers a
mech suit. You know, typical Fortnite stuff. Just like last season there’s a
continued focus on customization; this time players will be able to build their
own umbrella over the course of the season, unlocking parts over time.
Santiago Sandoval, Step 10.
