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After weeks of outrage by the Fortnite community, Epic Games has decided to nerf the B.R.U.T.E. Previously, these mechs were extremely overpowered, but the new changes limit the strength of the vehicle. The three major changes target missiles, movement, and material harvesting.

Players have called for the B.R.U.T.E. to be removed since the beginning of Season X. In fact, players started a movement which caused #RemovetheMech to trend on Twitter. Needless to say, it required a nerf. Unfortunately, the nerf came after rage from the game’s top entertainers.

Additionally, Epic Games has removed the new Junk Rift item from competitive play. The Junk Rift drops an object from the sky, dealing 200 damage for a direct impact and 100 damage for nearby players. Overall, the community has welcomed these balances.

B.R.U.T.E. balance adjustments

The changes effectively make the mech useless. First, missiles fired per clip is reduced from ten to six. Next, fire rate and explosion range have decreased significantly. Movement also took a hit. The speed of the boost was decreased, while the cooldown time was increased. Finally, materials can no longer be farmed inside of the vehicle.

These changes provide much-needed balance to the B.R.U.T.E. This is the typical cycle for new items. Epic Games introduces an overpowered weapon or vehicle to Fortnite. Then, a nerf comes shortly after. The mech lasted longer than most items, though.

Other changes to the B.R.U.T.E. include an increase in health from 1000 to 1250 and a reduction in the material cost for an overshield. Basically, the offensive power decreased while the defensive abilities of the vehicle increased. Increases to the health do not outweigh the reduction to the combat power, though.

Lastly, spawn rates in regular modes changed. The first three zones saw a reduction in the B.R.U.T.E. spawn rate. Arena modes remain unchanged, though they did change earlier this season.

Junk Rift removed from competitive play

The new item, Junk Rift, will not be found during Week Two of the Fortnite Championship Series. This item also drew major criticism from competitive players. It hilariously drops a cop car, port-a-potty, or dinosaur from the sky. The Junk Rift breaks through anything in the way. A direct impact causes instant death. Additionally, players nearby take 100 damage and get knocked back. Junk Rifts are funny additions to the game, but they do not belong in competitive play as it stands.

The changes come right before the second week of the Fortnite Championship Series. Week One brought excitement to players and fans. The first major competitive season of Fortnite allows players another opportunity to make a name for themselves. Only time will tell how Epic Games treats competitive Fortnite. Nerfing the Mechs and removing the Junk Rifts are moves in the right direction.

What do you think of the Mechs and Junk Rift? Should Epic Games remove the Mechs entirely? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to Daily Esports for all of the latest Fortnite news!