Fortnite Chapter 4 is the ‘new beginning’ we needed

**Fortnite’s new chapter is the ‘new beginning’ we needed**

We’re well underway into Fortnite’s newest Chapter, aptly named ‘A New Beginning’, and despite Season Two being just weeks away, there’s still so much more to come.

Since Fortnite Chapter 4 launched on December 4 last year, we’ve seen some fantastic new additions – including the introduction of Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher game series – but we’ve also had some questionable changes.

One of the more noticeable changes players have seen in Chapter 4 Season 1 was the permanent addition of No Build mode, a Battle Royale mode that takes away the player’s ability to build.

Introduced in the previous chapter, No Build mode has exploded in popularity.

Could this have been the reason for the new island so soon after the last one? (We had only just explored it!)

Chapter 4 has given the game a huge graphics upgrade, with Unreal Engine 5 being rolled out across all platforms. The island now has a more realistic, vibrant look with detail that just wasn’t there before.

Players are able to take in the new visual glory of the opposing landscapes; snow, forest and beach by jumping on a motorbike, an addition that has been given the thumbs up by most Fortnite fanatics.

The motorbikes allow players to blast through all terrains of the island solo or with a pal riding tandem and can even pull tricks off cliffs and hills garnering extra XP.

If vehicles aren’t your thing, sprinting has also seen a facelift and now we can run even faster, which is particularly handy in No Build mode to evade enemy players.

Consuming Slap Berries, which are found on plants around the map, not only improves health but grants the player unlimited stamina for a brief window.

Slap Juice is in the same family and actually gifts the consumer fifteen points of health/shield while allowing for longer sprint time – it’s a stronger effect compared to the chili items we had back in Chapter 2 season 8.

Augmentations are also a fresh concept this season, giving players all-new perks or buffs to up their game.

Throughout the match, players will be able to choose between a new randomised perk.

There’s a big range of skills; such as pinging enemy location each time the storm shrinks, the ability to jump higher while sprinting and more.

Rare weapons, like shotguns or assault rifles, can also be accessed through the augments.

Overall it has been a welcome addition to Fortnite’s current season and it’s enjoyable to seeing where it goes.

Players can now ride dirt bikes in Fortnite. (Epic Games)

However, the new island isn’t free from flaws.

Much like other franchises, Fortnite also holds its shortcomings. One of the most fun parts of each season is Fortnite’s Battle Pass.

Battle Pass is accessed by spending V-Bucks (Fortnite’s in-game currency) to gain access to exclusive quests, skins and accessories and really adds to the charm and enjoyment of the Fortnite experience.

So, when the Battlepass fails to provide items worth collecting, it can be a little disappointing.

The skins this season present to be rather subpar.

Compared to other seasons, where we get to see skins of different creatures and curiosities, this season seems to just hold skins of humans dressed in everyday outfits. This doesn’t allow for a lot of variety when you can literally play as a slimy fish out of water, like in previous seasons.

Another change has been of the shotgun variety. The shotguns have been given a facelift this season, but have been falling short in functionality, looks and damage range. What is normally a sort-after weapon for close counters has been replaced with the shockwave hammer, a much more useful tool for an up-close battle.

*Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher has made his way into the Fortnite universe. (Epic Games)*

And now, players can unlock quests and skins alongside Geralt of Riviera, the main character from the hit game franchise and now television series, The Witcher.

Page 1 of Geralt’s Quests is available now, and Page 2 of his Quests becomes available on February 28 alongside a game update.

We also get to experience the continuation of the Oathbound quests, allowing us to delve deeper into Fortnite lore and participate in fresh and exciting quests that hold a lot of XP for players looking to level up their accounts.

Everything is obviously subjective, and what one player likes this season, another could despise.

Thankfully Fornite is kept fresh for its users, constantly adding new and fun additions for gamers of all ages and skill levels.

So what’s left now is for you to see for yourself! See you on the island.

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