Fortnite’s infamous B.R.U.T.E mech suit set to return later this season

Epic Games may use the new funding system to decide whether these updated mechs are added.

Over the years, Fortnite has certainly featured its fair share of controversial items. We’ve seen the Infinity Blade, a sword so powerful it was vaulted within in a week of release, Mythic Drum Guns, unstoppable explosives and more.

Perhaps nothing caused quite such a storm however, as the B.R.U.T.E vehicle from Chapter 1 Season X. These gigantic mech suits could accommodate both a driver and gunman, were capable of multiple devastating attacks, destroyed buildings in seconds and were a nightmare to take down.

Though they definitely had their supporters, many fans spent weeks pleading with Epic to make a change, and the hashtag #RemoveTheMechs trended on Twitter more than once. Multiple top streamers, including Jack “CouRageJD” Dunlop and Timothy “TimTheTatman” Betar, cited the B.R.U.T.Es as a key reason that they stopped playing Fortnite.

Well, that was all two years ago now, and we haven’t heard much on the subject ever since. Until now… New leaks suggest that the mechs could be returning to Fortnite later in Season 8.

In a recent Twitter post, popular dataminer @ShiinaBR said the following: “Mechs will most likely be added to the game later this season, according to text in the files!”.

The game files also indicate that this would be part of another community vote via the new Funding Stations. This means it would be down to players themselves to pledge their Gold Bars and decide whether or not the B.R.U.T.E is unvaulted.

If they do come back, it looks like the mechs will receive a little upgrade. According to @HYPEX, Epic has made these minor improvements:

• Mechs now have a Robotic Vocal Chords effect for voice chat

• Emote Props now have a proper size

• Mechs can now float on water

• Better charging effects

A lot of people will be hoping for some balancing adjustments too. The mechs had received a series of nerfs by the end of Season X, but were still pretty deadly.

Of course nothing is confirmed at this point, and even if a funding target is set, the community may opt against it. Competitive players needn’t fear too much, it is unlikely that the B.R.U.T.Es would be available in Arena or tournaments.