Skip to main content

Latest ‘Fortnite’ update sends you flying into the night sky

BALLOONS | NEW ITEM

After a brief delay, Epic Games has released the latest update for Fortnite, and it brings with it a new item to help you get around the map in style. Whether it’s the type of style you’re going to want, however, remains to be seen.

Recommended Videos

With update 6.21, Fortnite: Battle Royale now has balloons. The item comes with 20 balloons in total, with six available to blow up at any one time, and they can fly up to the game’s maximum build height. At this distance, they’ll pop quickly, so you want to be careful about where you float. Balloons are an Epic rarity, and can be found in floor loot, chests, llamas, vending machines, and supply drops.

The new version of the game also continues to make use of the glider redeploying system that Epic Games has been testing as of late. If you’re at least three stories off the ground, you’ll be able to pull out your glider like you would at the beginning of a match. The system is now present in all game modes, rather than just the “Soaring 50’s” it was available in before, and it doesn’t sound like it’s going anywhere.

“We understand not all players agree with this change, but we would like to continue with this functionality in the game based on the positive results we’ve been seeing,” Epic Games said in the patch notes.

Mac players have more options for how they play the game, as well. With 6.21, you can now use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller as well as newer PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers. The Pro Controller was already compatible with Steam, so it could become your only PC controller if you prefer it to the other companies’ offerings.

Fortnite is now available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. All versions of the game support cross-platform play, and the Save the World mode is available on all platforms but Switch, iOS, and Android. It will be going free-to-play in 2019, just like the battle royale mode.

Did you see any trick-or-treaters wearing Fortnite costumes this Halloween? Let us know in the comments!

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
How to mark enemies in Fortnite
Character jumping while holding Epic weapon in Fortnite.

Marking enemies is a challenge that has popped repeatedly when a new Fortnite season or limited-time quest list drops and it always seems to give players a little trouble. On top of it being a challenge, marking enemies is a useful mechanic when you're playing with friends.

So how do you complete this challenge? Here's how to mark enemies easily in Fortnite.
How to mark enemies

Read more
How to unlock Darth Maul in Fortnite
Darth Maul in Fortnite.

The new Fortnite Star Wars crossover is here, and it features plenty of new things to do and unlock (including lightsabers!). This event introduces a handful of Star Wars character skins, including Clone Troopers, Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and the fan-favorite Darth Maul. However, unlocking Darth Maul isn't as straightforward as you might expect. In this guide, we'll show you everything you'll need to know to unlock this character in Fortnite.
How to unlock Darth Maul

First, you need to purchase the Premium Reward Track from the main menu to unlock Darth Maul. It costs 1,000 V-Bucks, but gives you access to a slew of unlockables, including the aforementioned skin. Once you buy the Premium Reward Track, you then need to complete Star Was Quests (found under the Find the Force submenu) to earn Galactic Reputation.

Read more
How to find lightsabers in Fortnite
Character with lightsaber in Fortnite.

The latest Fortnite event is a massive Star Wars collaboration, and with it, comes a slew of new character skins, weapons, and quests. With it being a Star Wars collab, players can expect a new set of lightsabers to wield, which can be obtained during battle royale matches. But where can you find lightsabers and how do they work during the latest event? Here's what you need to know about finding lightsabers in Fortnite.
Where to find lightsabers

Finding the various lightsabers is a little tricky since their locations are random for each match. To find them, you need to visit holograms of either Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, or Darth Maul around the map. All three appear during any given match, but their locations are random.

Read more