Fortnite v20.30 shotgun balance changes and damage cap

If you are a fan of using shotguns in Fortnite, then we've got some interesting news to share. In the v20.30 update, Epic Games unleashed Star Wars-themed quests for Fortnite, cosmetics to unlock, added some bug fixes and made several balance changes to Shotguns across the board. 

For the shotgun fans out there, we focus on the Fortnite v20.30 weapon balance changes, outlining what players need to know when jumping into the island.

All Fortnite shotgun balance changes v20.30

The Fortnite shotgun balance changes can be seen as both good news and bad news for those who love to get up close and personal with their opponents.

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In essence, these balance changes to Fortnite's shotguns will increase the damage for most shots, including headshots.

However, there's also a "max damage cap" which affects the maximum damage a single shot from a Fortnite shotgun can deal. This means that all shotguns in Fortnite as of the v20.30 update can no longer deal over 200 damage in a single shot, except for the Legendary Dragon’s Breath shotgun.

Check out the list of adjustments to shotguns in Fortnite below, starting with Battle Royale and then for Creative.

Fortnite BR shotgun balance changes:

• Minimum pellet-hit count increased from 3 to 4 for the Striker Pump Shotgun, Auto Shotgun, and Drum Shotgun.
• Striker Pump Shotgun and Auto Shotgun pellet damage and headshot damage increased.
• Ranger Shotgun and Drum Shotgun headshot damage greatly increased, but no change to base pellet damage.
• Drum Shotgun damage falloff adjusted, shortening effective range. 

Fortnite Creative shotgun balance changes:

• Minimum pellet-hit count increased from 3 to 4 for the Striker Pump Shotgun, Auto Shotgun, and Drum Shotgun. 
• Striker Pump Shotgun and Auto Shotgun pellet damage and headshot damage increased. 
• Ranger Shotgun and Drum Shotgun headshot damage greatly increased, but no change to base pellet damage.
• Drum Shotgun damage falloff adjusted, shortening effective range. 
• Charge Shotgun pellet damage decreased while the headshot damage increased.
• Heavy Shotgun pellet damage increased.
• Headshot damage increased for the following: Lever Action Shotgun, Makeshift Shotgun.
• Pellet damage and headshot damage increased for the following: Pump Shotgun, Primal Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Dragon’s Breath Shotgun, Combat Shotgun, Double Barrel Shotgun.

It is important to note that Epic Games will continue to evaluate these changes, and monitor player feedback.

So there you have it, all the shotgun balance changes from the v20.30 update released on 3rd May 2022. We expect many fans of this weapon type to be quite happy with the changes as they increase the damage for most shots.

Those who love one-shotting opponents to deal 200 damage should probably find a Legendary Dragon’s Breath on the island, as that's the only shotgun in Fortnite right now that can achieve such a feat. 

For more on the ever-popular battle royale, check out our section dedicated to Fortnite news, leaks, patch notes, guides and more.

Featured image courtesy of Epic Games.