Epic Games has released Fortnite’s most radical evolution in years with Chapter Seven: Pacific Break, a sun-drenched season that reintroduces the game’s core mechanics, maps and meta.
The update attracted over 10.5 million concurrent players, replaced the iconic Battle Bus with tsunami surfing, introduced transformative boss battles, and added a host of new features aimed at newcomers and veterans alike.
A new paradise and a new way to land
The standout feature of the new chapter is the Golden Coat, a vibrant new map praised by early previewers for its “perfect size,” designed to promote more consistent action than its sprawling predecessor.
Players will explore new points of interest (POIs) such as Battlewood Boulevard, Sandy Strip, and Wonkeeland.
The most distinguished feature is the replacement of the Battle Bus. Players now begin matches by “Stormsurfing”, riding a massive tidal wave on a surfboard before launching into the air to land.
The new chapter also improved ground mobility with new Wingsits and drivable hot air balloons.
New features introduced in Fortnite Chapter 7
Pacific break launches various gameplay pillars that change basic combat and survival loops.
- Players can activate rift anomalies randomly during matches such as turning invisible while crouching and injecting chaotic new variables in each round.
- A number of features have been introduced to make survival more dynamic, including Drivable Reboot Vans that allow teams to move their revive station.
- The game has also introduced a new “self-reviving device” that allows downed players to pick themselves up.
- While in a “Down But Not Out” (DBNO) mode, players are able to roll, sprint, use ziplines, and get into the vehicle’s passenger seats.
New arsenal and battle pass heavyweights
The loot pool has been updated with more responsive weapons with layered recoil. Key additions include the Twin Hammer shotguns (twin wheel), the scoped Deadeye Assault Rifle, the lightning-fast Forsaken Vow Blade, and the Arc-Lightning Gun for area control.
Larger crossovers
The Fortnite Chapter Seven Battle Pass is headlined by major crossovers, including Bride (Uma Thurman) from Kill Bill is the instant reward, join Marty McFly from Black for the future.
The new update also features original characters via the pass including Miles Cross and Cat Holloway and a new version of the classic Dark Voyager skin.
Starting status
While the grand Battle Royale experience of Fortnite’s new chapter is live, some modes will be released later.
The reload mode returns on December 4th with the new “Surf City” map, Fortnite AND returns on December 11th, and the ranked modes return shortly after.
The launch is accompanied by The Lost Chapter: Yuki’s Revengean animated short film directed by Quentin Tarantino and made in the Fortnite engine that elaborates on the season Kill Bill narrative ties.
