Understanding Hitscan in Fortnite: Mechanisms and Top Hitscan Weapons

Hitscan is one of the most frequently discussed mechanics in Fortnite when players talk about weapons.

Fortnite features a vast selection of weaponry that caters to various player styles and game modes, allowing individuals to choose their preferred approach to gameplay. Over the years, the Battle Royale has evolved through multiple chapters and seasons, each introducing new weapons and mechanics to offer loopers unique gameplay experiences.

Hitscan is a long-standing mechanic that has been part of Chapter 1 weapons since the game’s launch. However, even after 7 years, some players still question how this mechanic operates.

Fortnite AND trick shot fail — Epic Games

Hitscan weapons enabled players to execute trick shots during Chapter 1.

What is Hitscan?

The Hitscan mechanism is designed to simplify shooting mechanics in video games, creating a more arcade-like feel where the focus can be on strategy and positioning rather than precision aiming.

When using a Hitscan weapon, the game mechanics determine whether the target is within the shot’s line of fire. If it is, the shot is considered a direct hit. This process occurs behind the scenes and is not visually represented in the gameplay.

You can easily identify whether a weapon is Hitscan with a straightforward method.

How do Hitscan Weapons Function in Fortnite?

Hitscan weapons in Fortnite operate similarly to other shooting games—once the trigger is pulled, the shot is immediately registered and inflicts damage on the target without following real bullet physics.

Hitscan weapons deliver a straight shot without any bullet drop.

For example, if you fire an Assault Rifle at an enemy 100 meters away, the shot will hit precisely at the moment you pull the trigger, meaning no delay will occur.

Additionally, these weapons enable you to target enemies directly in your line of sight, requiring you to maintain your crosshair on them. Provided you aim accurately and press the shoot button, Hitscan weapons will offer high precision and consistent damage.

Top Hitscan Weapons in Fortnite

While Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4 currently lacks hitscan weapons aside from Iron Man’s Combat Kit featuring auto-aim, many hitscan weapons have been vaulted from previous seasons.

Fortnite Infantry Rifle player — Epic Games

The Infantry Rifle ranks among the top Hitscan weapons in Fortnite.

Nevertheless, you can still find some Hitscan weapons in Reload.

Here’s a list of some of the best Hitscan weapons you might encounter:

Assault Rifle (Chapter 1)
Combat Shotgun (Chapter 1)
Submachine Gun (Chapter 1)
Burst Assault Rifle (Chapter 1)
MK-Seven Assault Rifle (Chapter 3)
Midas’ Drum Gun (Chapter 2)
Suppressed SMG (Chapter 1)
Twin Mag SMG (Chapter 4)
Rapid Fire SMG (Chapter 2)
Hand Cannon (Chapter 1)
Pistol (Chapter 1)
Tactical Shotgun (Chapter 1)
Red-Eye Assault Rifle (Chapter 4)
Infantry Rifle (Chapter 1)
Lock-On Pistol (Chapter 4)
Tri-Beam Laser Rifle (Chapter 5)

What is the Difference Between Hitscan and Projectile Weapons?

As hitscan weapons have become rare in Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode, many existing options have transitioned into Projectile weapons, which incorporate actual bullet physics, factoring in gravity and trajectory.

With a Projectile weapon, such as a Bolt Action Sniper, you can observe the bullet travel from the muzzle, falling in a curve towards your target. This requires you to anticipate the enemy’s future position rather than aiming at their current location.

Snipers are classified as Projectile weapons in Fortnite and demonstrate bullet drop.

For instance, if your enemy is moving to the right side of your screen, you should aim not at their current position but where they will be in a second.

Here are some key differences between Hitscan and Projectile weapons:

Hitscan Weapon	Projectile Weapon
Fires immediately upon pressing the shoot button	Fires a bullet that travels along a path after a delay when you pull the trigger
Focuses on the target’s exact location	Requires predicting the enemy’s future movements
Distance to the target does not affect accuracy	Distance must be considered due to bullet travel time
No visible bullet trajectory, resulting in no bullet drop	You can see the bullet’s path and experience bullet drop
Typically non-scoped, effective at close range	Scoped, predominantly used for long-range engagements

For more Fortnite insights, explore topics like optimal aim settings, tips for winning in the Day of Doom LTM, or how to utilize Iron Man’s Combat and Flight Kit mythics.

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