The jetpack in Fortnite has been nerfed once again in Chapter 5, Season 4, but a persisting issue remains due to a change made in a previous update.
This season of Fortnite has once again shifted the meta towards mobility, primarily due to the introduction of the War Machine’s Hover Jets at the season’s start. Paired with other mythic weapons, this combination can be devastating, easily eliminating unsuspecting players in the Battle Royale.
Following several balance adjustments, this item has faced another nerf, now resulting in reduced fuel and boosts during flight. While many players expressed relief in a Reddit thread, one significant problem persists.
The spawn rate of the jetpack, which was decreased in one past patch, has made acquiring one dependent on RNG.
The War Machine’s Arsenal features Auto Turret, Hover Jets, and Arm and Shoulder Cannons.
This adjustment has maintained the “gigantic gap” between players equipped with a jetpack and those without. “So basically, the only change is that players will spam boosts less than before, but it’s still pretty OP against any player that’s on the ground,” one user explained.
While the jetpack may feel slower than in previous iterations, the lack of alternative mobility items and hitscan weapons continues to frustrate players, particularly those familiar with maximizing its advantages. This issue is exacerbated when players pair the jetpack with other mythics, medallions, and items that enhance survivability.
If you find yourself without a jetpack or any other mobility alternative when facing these players, you may get eliminated before you have a chance to react—an experience many have voiced concerns about since the spawn rate nerf.
“The jetpack feels so awkward because of the low fuel, and yet it will still be a free win against people without it. They should just add more items to counter it, or alternatives so it isn’t a must-have instead of continuing to nerf it,” one user commented.
Another user suggested, “The jetpack needed a cooldown between boosts, not just reduced fuel usage.”
Other proposed solutions include increasing the spawn rate of Shockwave Grenades, which serve as an excellent escape tool for players lacking a jetpack. In regard to the current meta in Chapter 5, Season 4, even Fortnite streamer Ninja has expressed frustration with “jetpack sweats” negatively impacting the overall gameplay experience.
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