Shotguns are the undisputed kings of close-quarters combat in Fortnite. For seasons, the meta has often revolved around the Pump Shotgun—rewarding skilled players with massive, often one-shot, burst damage. This dominance made other shotgun variants feel weak by comparison.

Epic Games has now introduced a targeted rebalance aimed at making the Automatic Shotgun a highly competitive choice, demanding that players make a more meaningful decision based on their playstyle: raw power or reliable tempo.

The Adjustments: Tempo vs. Burst

The new balance patch simultaneously boosted the Automatic Shotgun while applying a tactical constraint to the Pump:

  • Automatic Shotgun Buff: The Automatic Shotgun received an increase to its effective range and a slight boost to its damage per pellet. This makes its sustained fire much more lethal and reliable in chaotic, close-range duels. It is now the preferred weapon for players who favor high fire rate and forgiveness for missed shots.
  • Pump Shotgun Fire Rate Nerf: The delay between shots (fire rate) for the Pump Shotgun has been slightly increased. This minimal adjustment is critical: it reduces the Pump’s ability to quickly deliver a follow-up shot after a miss or immediately after using a build or edit, raising the skill ceiling and the risk associated with missing the initial, high-damage hit.

The goal is not to kill the Pump, but to make the Automatic a genuinely viable and powerful alternative.

Tactical Implications

This shotgun rebalance forces fundamental changes in both the Battle Royale (Builds) and Zero Build metas:

  1. Build Fights: In build fights, the Pump remains crucial for its massive damage potential, especially in a Pump-and-Edit sequence. However, the slightly slower fire rate means players must be more precise with their first shot. The Automatic becomes a powerful alternative for breaking into an enemy box with sustained pressure.
  2. Zero Build Duels: In Zero Build, the Automatic Shotgun becomes highly dominant. Its sustained damage and larger magazine allow players to quickly eliminate an opponent without relying on a perfect single headshot, making it a safer, more reliable choice in ground skirmishes.
  3. Inventory Choice: The decision between the two is now based purely on confidence. Players who trust their aim and prioritize maximizing damage per second will stick to the Pump. Players who prefer high-pressure engagement and the forgiveness of a fast rate of fire will switch to the Automatic.

This shotgun overhaul successfully introduced meaningful choice back into close-quarters combat, ensuring that both weapons have a distinct, viable role in the competitive meta.