Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 launched with a bang, but some players found themselves caught in the storm a bit too often. There were many complaints to Epic Games that the storm was way too fast for players. Epic Games heard the fanbase and decided to change the storm speed to appease players.
In a recent tweet, Fortnite announced that Storm Circles 1 & 2 will now take 20 seconds longer to close. This might seem like a minor tweak, but it could significantly impact how the game is played.
A fast-closing storm is stressful and makes the game much more intense. It forces players to prioritize escape over exploration and loot, often leading to cramped endgame circles where fights are more about luck than skill. It can also punish players who land farther from the center, leaving them with a frantic dash that feels less like a strategic game and more like a race against time.
Currently, players often avoid the edges of the map due to the fear of getting caught in the storm. A slower storm could entice players to venture further, uncovering hidden secrets, easter eggs, and maybe even some new gameplay mechanics waiting to be discovered.
With a slower Storm, players will have more time to loot, explore POIs, and even engage in early-game skirmishes without the constant pressure of the storm breathing down their necks. This typically leads to more tactical and diverse mid-games, with players having a wider range of options and playstyles at their disposal.
Of course, there are also potential downsides to consider. A slower storm could cause overly cautious players to opt for turtling tactics, creating a passive and frustrating experience for everyone else. The adrenaline rush of a fast-closing storm is undeniable. A slower pace might sap some of the excitement and urgency that makes Fortnite so thrilling.
We’ll have to see how much difference 20 seconds makes, but that is a significant amount of time overall.
