The Fortnite 7.01 update patch notes (Fortnite 1.96 update patch notes PS4) have now been published by Epic Games. As usual, the developer was providing hints at the upcoming patch notes on social media, along with the warning that the new Fortnite patch requires downtime starting at 5 AM ET (10 AM UTC). These new Fortnite update patch notes detail the changes coming to the game during Season 7, which now includes the Infinity Blade sword, Close Encounters limited time mode, and more. Though this is only an X.X1 update, there are still a good number of changes for players to enjoy.
Fortnite 7.01 Update Patch Notes (Fortnite 1.96 PS4) – Infinity Blade
The new Fortnite Infinity Blade sword may seem familiar to those who played Infinity Blade on mobile, where it is the titular weapon. Unfortunately, for those who might want to jump into Infinity Blade to discover the blade’s origins, the game has recently been pulled from the mobile store. Perhaps Epic Games has included the Fortnite Infinity Blade as a nod and Easter egg for fans.
The Infinity Blade is a melee weapon which can be found on Polar Peak. Its primary fire function allows players to dash forward with a powerful sword slash. This deals 75 damage to enemies and destroys structures in one blow. The alternate fire ability gives players the power to leap over great distances, destroying objects in their path. When the player lands, 25 damage and a knock-up effect is applied to surrounding enemies. In addition to these abilities, the user of the sword is also granted an increased pool of max health and shields (200/200). What’s more, the user’s health and shield will also regenerate at 1 HP per second. Upon each kill, the user will also get a burst of 50 HP healing. Finally, the user’s movement speed will be boosted to 130%.
As soon as the sword is pulled from its pedestal, it will grant full health and shields to the one worthy enough to wield it. If a player picks up the sword, all other inventory items aside from building materials will be dropped. The Infinity Blade can be dropped by attempting to pick up another item. Only one Infinity Blade will appear each match, and the sword is only dropped when the user is knocked out or eliminated.
Fortnite 7.01 Update Patch Notes (Fortnite 1.96 PS4) – Close Encounters Limited Time Mode
A new Close Encounters limited time mode has made its way into the game with the Fortnite 7.01 update. This mode is all about shotguns and jetpacks. Players will only be able to find shotguns as weapons. Jetpacks and heavy shotguns can be found in chests and supply drops. Other shotgun variants are spawned as floor loot.
The Storm closes in more quickly than usual at mid to late game, with the typical match length being about 15 minutes. Stats are indeed enabled for this mode.
Fortnite 7.01 Update Patch Notes (Fortnite 1.96 PS4) – X-4 Stormwing Damage Changes
To help balance the newly added X-4 Stormwing plane, Epic Games has made it so that when a plane is shot down, the remaining driver and passengers will each take 25 damage from the explosion.
Fortnite 7.01 Update Patch Notes (Fortnite 1.96 PS4) – Creative Mode Changes
The Fortnite Creative Mode has received a huge number of improvements through the 7.01 update. These include The Block, which is a new fifth item for players to build on. This is the exact block that appears in Battle Royale where community creations can appear.
What’s more, new Featured Islands have been added, with there currently being four rifts for players to explore. Featured islands will change over time as Epic Games chooses the best of the best from the community.
The Featured Rifts can also be used in combination with codes to share creations with others. The code system will be limited at first, with only those in the Support a Creator program getting access. Over time, Epic Games will expand the number of players that can publish islands and share codes. To use a code, all you need to do is head to the Feature Rift and select “Enter Code.”
Fortnite Creative Mode has also been gifted some additional prefabs. These include six Lucky Landing prefabs, as well as an obstacle course and indestructible gallery.
Also new to Creative Mode with the Fortnite 7.01 update is the Item Spawner, which allows players to drop any item on this device to have it spawn one item at a time during games, and the Player Checkpoint Plate, which gives players another point to spawn at.
The existing Player Spawn device has undergone a couple of changes of its own:
- Player Spawn device can now be customized to spawn only players on a specific team number. The team number is displayed on the plate (except when in the game is in progress.)
- Player Spawn device can now be set to be an Island Start instead of a game start. This can be used to set where players arrive when they visit your island when not in Play mode.
When you first dive back into the “My Island” menu following the 7.01 update, you’ll notice that the settings have changed a little. The Starting Health can now be made “Invincible,” meaning no silly deaths interrupting your build-a-thons! Additionally, “Building Damage in Game” can now be disabled to prevent island structures from receiving unwanted damage. (This has no effect on structures built by players during the game.)
The Creative Tools and Phone have also received some love through the 7.01 update. This includes Collision options, Grid Snap, help text being renamed to be more clear, and other quality-of-life fixes and improvements. One particular highlight here is the way that the Phone’s settings are now remembered as players move between islands, respawns, and games. This should help creations be made more quickly and with less frustration.
For the rest of the Fortnite 7.01 update patch notes (Fortnite 1.96 PS4), which is mostly made up of bug fixes and other smaller (yet absolutely still very much appreciated!) fixes, you can head on over to the Epic Games page.
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