Fortnite 19.01 update brings tornadoes and lightning
Last Updated on: 12th January 2022, 04:06 pm
The first update of 2022 is here, the Fortnite 19.01 update, which has added a new weather system including tornadoes and lightning, as well as the unvaulting of a fan-favorite weapon.
Here is everything you need to know about the Fortnite 19.01 update.
Tornadoes and Lightning come to Fortnite
The biggest change in the 19.01 update is the addition of tornadoes and lightning. The tornadoes will form and be on the map for eight minutes and will allow players to use them to fly. They will also move across the map and destroy any items and buildings that they come into contact with.
Lightning is another new addition to the game, with lightning clouds forming and lasting for three minutes. Players that are struck by the lightning will take 10 damage but will gain a speed boost similar to the Peppers. The area that is hit with lightning will also light on fire.
How the new weather system works
If you see a tornado start to form, that’s no signal to flee. Instead, run into it as a swirling escape strategy! You’ll spin round and round ‘til you choose to glide to safety — or if you stay spinning long enough — ‘til the twister spits you out. Don’t worry: you won’t take fall damage if you get hurled.
Flare Gun unvaulted
The Flare Gun was introduced back in Chapter 2 Season 3 when the map was covered in water. For many months the Flare Gun has been vaulted, so it is exciting to see it return this week.
TORNADO WEEK: THE TWISTERS INTENSIFY
The cyclones are at high intensity to mark this climate shake-up.
In Tornado Week, running from now to January 17 at 9 AM ET, there’s a higher percent chance you’ll encounter tornadoes around the Island for their debut. The wind is at your back!
Weather and Competitive
There have been a few notes made regarding how the new items and the weather system will work when it comes to competitive modes such as Arena and tournaments.
“Tornadoes and lightning not in comp. Items like the Flare Gun and Shield Keg could be introduced to comp after a one-to-two week evaluation period. In this Season, we’re evaluating the viability of mid-Season items introduced to comp than previous Seasons”
This is good news as competitive modes shouldn’t have an RNG element to them with the environment, and it is a good idea to see whether new items would be balanced enough before adding them to tournaments where players can earn money.
Heavy Shotgun changes
A small change but an interesting one. It has been noted that the appearance of the Heavy Shotgun has had a minor change, with the scope now being removed.
This could hint that weapon attachments are coming and it needed to be removed so players could add a scope to it to improve its use.
But, the weapon hasn’t been in the game as a part of the core loot pool since Chapter 1, so could this hint at the Heavy Shotgun returning?
READ MORE: Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 1 week 5 challenge guide
Save The World Home Base Report
A new year tends to spell the end of the holidays, but you still have time to experience the joy of the Winterfest Ventures Season, as it comes to a close on January 24 at 7 PM ET.
Cloaked Shadow comes to Save The World
- Standard Perk: Corrupted Aura
- During Shadow Stance, deal 6 base damage per second to nearby enemies
- Commander Perk: Corrupted Aura+
- During Shadow Stance, deal 20 base damage per second to nearby enemies
FROSTNITE WEEKLY CHALLENGE 7: FINAL FROST
It’s time for one final Frostnite Challenge! Final Frost combines mechanics from Frosty Turf, New Wave Holiday, Superheated, and Top It Off.
Overcome this ultimate challenge and you will be rewarded with a unique banner as well as the ferocious Shark Attack Launcher!
THE SHARK ATTACK!
A bold collaboration between expert toymaker, Ted, and Homebase’s Weaponsmith, Clip. This launcher fires bouncy toy shark grenades that damage groups of enemies when they detonate.
COMING JANUARY 15 (7 PM ET) – THE SNOWBALL LAUNCHER
What’s next for Fortnite?
There will be another update next week, on January 18th, which will finally add Tilted Towers to the map, making it the first time the POI has been in the game since August 2019.
