Something very few expected with the launch of Fortnite Season X was the introduction of a mech suit. Named the B.R.U.T.E., this suit is vastly overpowered with 1,000 health and a missile launcher as some of its attributes.
Although no one asked for the B.R.U.T.E., its presence in the game could be more bearable with other vehicles available. However, Epic Games made the decision to remove almost all other mobility from the game. These include Ballers, Quads, Glider Redeploy, and more.
With the B.R.U.T.E being the only viable vehicle in-game, it forces players to use it to traverse the map easier. Pairing this with its overpowered nature has caused an uproar in both the competitive and casual community.
Why is the B.R.U.T.E. in Fortnite?
The B.R.U.T.E. severely upsets the balance of the game in all game modes but especially Duos. Since the B.R.U.T.E. is a two-player vehicle, a duo team can find one of these mechs and not take any damage until they’re shot out.
Epic Games did have an explanation for the introduction of the B.R.U.T.E. and the removal of the other mobility items. Here’s what they said in the official Season X patch notes:
Over time, we have added many mobility options, both itemized and map-based. We feel that Season X is better experienced with a reduction in mobility. As with all changes, we’ll keep a close eye on how this affects the player experience.
While they did remove mobility, they also added a giant mech suit that can hop halfway across the map in a matter of minutes. It’s apparent that Epic Games wanted players to use the B.R.U.T.E. exclusively in Fortnite. So how do you accomplish that? Remove all other mobility items.
Community reactions to the B.R.U.T.E.
As you can probably guess, the overall reaction to this addition didn’t go over well. Once the community read the patch notes and hopped into a Fortnite match, the opinion on the B.R.U.T.E. was overwhelmingly negative.
Dear Epic,
I love you guys…I really do BUT whoever decided to add ten Optimus Primes to the map every game in Season X needs to be put in timeout.
Why do these things have 1,000 HP, a protective shield, 10 missiles to launch, and can stomp my ass out?
With Love,
Uncle Jack— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) August 2, 2019
NICE ROBOTS NICE NICE NICEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
— cloakzy (@cloakzy) August 1, 2019
I can’t wait for stream snipers to snipe me with a mech, then L with the mech, and then come into my chat and say “hey man GG, I just killed you!”
— timthetatman👑 (@timthetatman) August 1, 2019
wait like get these mechs out of arena wtf you smoking epic?
— Chap (@ChapFN) August 1, 2019
found a fun new "strategy" today pic.twitter.com/MVlRBBsRz7
— Liquid 72HRS (@72hrs) August 2, 2019
As Team Liquid player “72Hrs” shows above, the B.R.U.T.E. is insanely powerful. It takes very little skill to use effectively, and it requires a large amount of firepower to shoot someone out of it.
Epic Games has never been in the habit of vaulting a brand new addition, so expect the B.R.U.T.E. to stick around for some time. Maybe a balancing nerf to the B.R.U.T.E. would resolve some problems, but a giant mech suit in Fortnite will have a hard time not being overpowered.
What’s your opinion on the new B.R.U.T.E.? Let us know in the comments below. Stay tuned to Daily Esports for all Fortnite Season X coverage.
