Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 1 Review: A New Experience Worth Your Time

ESTNN reviews the latest season of Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 1.

Since 2017, the Epic Games-developed Fortnite Battle Royale title has become an iconic video game, transcending what most thought it could become. Four years have passed since the humble early days, and Chapter 3 represented an entirely new experience. Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 1 ushered in a new era of Battle Royale entertainment for all to enjoy.

Following the ground-breaking Chapter 2 Finale event — “The End” — the previous landscape known to many for over two years changed forever. The Chapter 2 Island flipped, creating a map with new locations, mechanics, and a Spider-Man-centric Battle Pass.

We’ve had nearly a month to formulate an opinion regarding Chapter 3 Season 1. So, sit back, relax and enjoy ESTNN’s analysis of Fortnite’s latest overhaul.

Positives

New Arsenal of Weapons

Fortnite Chapter 3 may have startled players from the outset. The game’s classic selection of weapons like the Assault Rifle, Pump Shotgun and Tactical Shotgun were nowhere to be found. Instead, Epic Games completely reinvigorated the loot pool. The MK-Seven Assault Rifle offered a Reflex sight—something never seen before in Fortnite. The Stinger SMG, Striker Pump Shotgun and Auto Shotgun expanded on some already-established weapons classes.

Some could undoubtedly use work, but Epic has addressed many concerns except for one. Overall, these weapons breathed new life into Fortnite. There’s still plenty of time in Season 1 for Epic to right the wrongs.

New Locations

Fortnite Chapter 2 players have long desired a new landscape to explore and experience. While the previous map introduced iconic locations, it was time for a change. Chapter 3 Season 1 welcomed ten new points of interest (POIs) and two Chapter 1 classics. Of the new spots, the Spider-Man-themed Daily Bugle and Sleepy Sound stood out instantly, while Greasy Grove and Shifty Shafts gave long-time fans a blast from the past.

Epic’s latest reinvented Fortnite map doubled down on the replay value. Chapter 3’s primary drop spots and ancillary landmarks are unique. It’s safe to say the developers hit a home run in this department.

Spider-Man Crossover

The long-rumored Fortnite x Spider-Man collaboration reigned in a new era in Chapter 3. We’ve seen Marvel crossovers before, such as Chapter 2 – Season 4, but Spider-Man’s inclusion was crafted carefully. Epic Games introduced the previously mentioned Daily Bugle POI on launch day alongside a slew of Battle Pass cosmetics to honor Marvel’s iconic web-slinger.

A final verdict on the Spider-Man collaboration would follow the Mythic Web-Shooters gadget. Thankfully, Epic Games nailed the item and swinging mechanic. The Web-Shooters are a balanced mobility item. Nothing is more enjoyable than entering into a fight feeling like Spider-Man.

Negatives

Stinger SMG = Overpowered

Chapter 3’s new arsenal of weapons is a net positive on the whole. However, the Stinger SMG is one cause for concern. This weapon is outright dangerous in anyone’s hands, rewarding half-decent aim with an almost guaranteed elimination. It’s not fun to be on the receiving end of the Stinger SMG. Unfortunately, the weapon remains unchanged. We’ll have to see if Epic acknowledges the issue at hand.

Auto Shotgun = Inconsistent

Fortnite is at its best with a wide array of usable Shotguns. Chapter 2 Season 8 is a good example; the Pump, Charge and Lever-Action. All three versions compliment different play styles, but the same notion does not apply to Chapter 3 Season 1. The Striker Pump Shotgun and Auto Shotgun are opposites; one is better than the other.

The former packs a punch while the latter is inferior from every conceivable perspective. Fortnite’s Auto Shotgun fires slow, reloads slower and deals low damage. The result is one adequate Shotgun and one that desperately needs help.

Sniper Spawn Rate

Chapter 3 Season 1’s spread of new weapons was a tremendous change for long-time and veteran players. However, there are some evident spawn rate inconsistencies. Epic Games welcomed a new Bolt Action Sniper Rifle that appears far more often than any other weapon. It’s frustrating to require a close-range SMG or Shotgun only to find a Sniper constantly. A slight adjustment could go a long way.

Verdict

Fortnite’s newest season is a refreshing journey from all perspectives. The vehicles, weapons and mechanics each offer a new way to experience a game that’s been out for four years. Epic Games executed Fortnite Chapter 3 magnificently, delivering on most expectations. While the weapons could use some work, this new Fortnite Battle Royale era is worth trialing.

We’ll have to see what more Epic has in store throughout the remainder of Chapter 3 Season 1.

Feature Images: Epic Games