Fortnite patch 5.40 adds Suppressed Assault Rifle, vaults Drum Gun

Fortnite patch 5.40 goes live today, introducing with it a new weapon for Battle Royale players. Teased via an in-game message earlier this week, users can now get their hands on the Suppressed Assault Rifle. In a more controversial decision, the infamous Drum Gun is now vaulted. Before we dig into the minutiae of the update, let’s take a look at what’s new. Per Epic’s official patch notes, the Suppressed Assault Rifle is a more precise version of the existing assault rifle variants.

• Suppressed Assault Rifle Added.
  • Sneaky weapon that rewards trigger discipline with precision.
  • Can be found in Vending Machines, floor loot, Treasure Chests, and Supply Drops.
    • Available in Epic and Legendary Variants.
      • 32/33 damage per shot.

While fans are likely eager to try the new Suppressed Assault Rifle, its the removal of the Drum Gun that will truly send waves throughout the community. Let’s discuss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmsmgsGcd2k

Patch 5.40: “Goodbye, Drum Gun”

The Drum Gun was originally added on July 3 with patch 4.50. It initially served as a catalyst for discussion of the then-upcoming Season 5. At the time, the weapons in-game were mostly modern or futuristic. The Drum Gun, on the other hand, was notably historic. This further fueled rumors as for what the theme of the new season would be. However, the weapon became much more significant than anyone expected. Since its inception, the Drum Gun has dominated the game’s meta, an essential tool in virtually every situation. Players quickly realized it was adept at destroying structures, dealing damage at most ranges, and even hip-firing. As such, the Drum Gun negated the need for many other weapons. Previous favorites, such as the end-tier SCAR assault rifles, lost favor with the community. It was the first step in a slippery slope that led to the oft-maligned “spray n’ pray” meta.

Though vaulted items occasionally return to the game, this is the first instance of Epic removing a weapon that is so integral to the game’s current foundation. Most weapons and items, such as the Bounce Pad and Revolver, are vaulted due to inefficiency. Others, like the Guided Missile, were removed for being too powerful. However, the Guided Missile was a much more rare loot drop than the Drum Gun. It didn’t have quite the same universal application that the Drum Gun does. In either case, some of these tools were adjusted and eventually returned to the game.

Updates to the Getaway LTM

Unfortunately, Epic has not reintroduced the Sneaky Silencers LTM. Instead, they continue their focus on the high-profile Getaway LTM. Though the Sneaky Silencers was a fan-favorite LTM, it makes sense Epic is doubling down on their High Stakes event. Along with the Score Royale LTM, The Getaway represents the most significant change to the game’s formula since the introduction of the Playground LTM. 

Regardless, today’s update includes the following changes to the new mode:

• Players in the Getaway LTM can no longer land on the van without building.
• Reduced the Victory music at the end of a match.
• Jewel will no longer appear in inventory hotbar after being put in the Down-But-Not-Out state.
• Player models will no longer get stuck under the van after winning a match.
• Player models and items will no longer fall to the ground after winning a match.
• Enforcer Outfit no longer appears distorted to other clients from certain distances.

The High Stakes event comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, so be sure to complete them before the Getaway LTM expires.

What do you think of today’s update? Are you surprised at the removal of the Drum Gun? Optimistic about the game’s future? Sound off in the comments below and let us know how you think this will affect the upcoming Fall Skirmish tournament series.