Is the Jetpack Finally Coming?
Fortnite’s Battle Royale fans are reportedly going to get a new update soon that will contain the delayed jetpack. Dataminers recently found evidence that Epic Games is planning to release the new item at the end of the month, although they can’t pinpoint exactly when the item will go live.
From what they know, a new Week 5 Challenge is being devised that will require the use of the jet pack, and the new item will earn players five Battle Stars toward their Season 4 Battle Pass. The dataminers also claim that the description for a new LTM called “Close Encounter” includes details on how it will work.
“Close quarters combat with Shotguns & Jetpacks! If you find a jetpack, double-tap the jump button to take off,” the description reportedly reads. “Keep the button held down to apply thrust. Make sure to land before it runs out of fuel!”
Remember: this information stems from Fortnite code, so the new mode could be pushed back or never activated. But the connection between the new mode and existing challenges suggests that it very well could go live before the end of May, or during Season 4.
The jetpack was originally announced on February 26, although it was delayed a day later after Epic Games ran into a design issue, according to Fortnite’s community manager K.L. Smith.
“This week’s new item is being changed from the Jetpack to the Hunting Rifle,” Smith said in February. “We found a last minute design issue with the Jetpack that’s going to delay its launch and we’re working on correcting it. The Jetpack will lift off at a later time. Meanwhile, you’ll be able to enjoy lots of no-scopes with the new Hunting Rifle item and a new, lucky point of interest on the map.”