It looks like Epic is working on a feature that would allow you to modify guns in Fortnite.
From the ability to pick up downed players, to Chapter 2’s fishing mechanic, the Fortnite developers are constantly searching for ways to keep gameplay feeling fresh. This latest idea would be a major change and has the community divided.
Popular Fortnite leaker @HYPEX recently revealed that Epic Games is testing something called “Weapon Mod Slots”. According to Hypex, this new concept appears to give weapons abilities or attachments.
We might get a new weapons mechanic at some point, epic started testing a new thing called "Weapon Mod Slots" lately and it seems like it gives the weapon abilities/attachements.
— HYPEX (@HYPEX) December 27, 2020
Weapon attachments are commonplace in the shooter genre, and titles like Call of Duty: Warzone and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds have proven that they can also work in a Battle Royale setting.
These attachments range from alternative scopes and sights, offering benefits such as a longer zoom or night vision, to silencers and grips, which can reduce noise and recoil respectively. The question is, how would this look in Fortnite?
Some weapons, such as the Suppressed Submachine Gun and Thermal Scoped Assault Rifle already have attachments built in when you pick them up. Potentially, Epic would separate the attachments, and have them drop as loot instead.
However, it seems more likely that they would take the “ability” route. For example, perhaps certain upgrades would grant the user increased speed or health regeneration.
Weapon attachments in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Many Fortnite fans have reacted negatively to the possible introduction of weapon attachments. They argue that the simplicity of the loot pool in comparison to other BRs is a key selling point, and worry that this mechanic would ruin that.
Although this is a valid concern, don’t panic too much just yet. If Epic does go ahead with this feature, they will probably integrate it with the new bars currency system. This means that, rather than muddying the loot pool, weapon attachments or upgrades would be available for purchase from NPCs or even vending machines.
Of course, at this point this is all just speculation. If it does go ahead though, it will certainly be interesting to see how what effect this new mechanic has on Fortnite gameplay.