Fortnite Quantitative Weapon Guide: [Refreshed for Chapter 3 Season 4 Fortnitemares]

With the introduction of Fortnitemares, the latest iteration of the Season, we have received a few important of weapons changes. The game makers have added the Goo Gun, Cobra DMR, Ranger Shotgun, and the Pumpkin Launcher and archived the Striker Pump and DMR. (Howler claws are only marginally better than the pickaxe so we won't spend time here discussing them.)

So how should each of these additions influence your loadout? In order to decide this let's considering the following three analytic questions: 

1. How does Cobra DMR compare to the archived DMR and other mid to long range weapons? 

2. How do the Goo gun and Ranger Shotgun compare to other short range weapons?

3. How does the Pumpkin Launcher fit amongst all the other weapon options?

As is consistent with previous articles, the primary metric that we will use to compare weapons is the previously derived Time to Kill. This is the amount of time a weapon will take to eliminate an opponent with full effective health, without missing a shot. While the metric doesn't take into account every weapon characteristic, it allows us to compare weapons like for like while ignoring the more difficult to quantify characteristics like bloom, accuracy, and range. As a reminder, this analytic approach makes weapon to weapon comparisons but does not necessarily tell us what clusters of weapons we should carry, a topic we will address in a future article.

For more context on the terms, concepts, or more information please find our previous articles here, here, and here on the topic.

Ultimately, we hope this analysis will materially improve your command over weapon selection and ensure that you make the most optimal decisions for your loadout. 

1. How does Cobra DMR compare to the DMR and other mid to long range weapons? 

As many players know the DMR is an extremely popular weapon for it's range and lethality and was included in many high level player loadouts in Season 3 and Season 4. With the archiving of the DMR a few days ago, it is important to know how its replacement compares. Let us take a closer look at the data, as a reminder lower Time to Kill (TtK ) figures are better.

Takeaway #1: The Cobra DMR appears to be more more lethal than the archived DMR with the Cobra DMR ranking roughly 20% more lethal for each tier. This is not the most drastic improvement and given the DMR and Cobra DMR occupy the same effective range (not quite sniper range but further than ARs) players should largely consider this weapon a 1:1 replacement of the DMR. 

Takeaway #2: If you are between the Hammer AR and the Cobra DMR, you should consider your tactical preference, opting for the Hammer AR if you prefer closer range encounters and the Cobra DMR if you prefer longer range encounters. In this scenario, the ~9% performance improvement is likely not enough of a performance improvement to justify choosing the Hammer over the Cobra alone.

Takeaway #3: Generally speaking the The Cobra DMR is going to be a much more usable and lethal option than the sniper rifle assuming you are using it at ranges that the Cobra can perform effectively.

Conclusion: The Cobra DMR is a slight improvement over the DMR and comfortably slots into a primary mid to long range weapon option making it an important addition to mid to long range players loadouts.

2. How do the Goo gun and Ranger Shotgun compare to other short range weapons?

Two of the most exciting additions to the game in the last week have been the addition of the Goo Gun and the Ranger Shotgun, both of which appear to be hard hitting short range options. Let's consider their lethality against the other short range options. (As a reminder TtK = time to kill)

Takeaway #1: As a stand alone shotgun, the Ranger is not a particularly good option primarily due to its small magazine size. You should consider this a specialized weapon and general only rely on it when paired with other short range options or high quantities of mobility options. Other shotguns will tend to outclass this option in short range battles.

Takeaway #2: The Goo gun appears to be a highly lethal short range option beating out the previous king of lethality the Evo Chrome shotgun. Players should also consider that in addition to its lethality, its ability to destroy cover and structures makes it a formidable addition to most loadouts in short range situations. 

Takeaway #3: As an aside, SMGs and highly leveled EvoChrome shotguns are formidable short range weapons if players are able to land their shots.

Conclusion: There are a large number of highly lethal short range options. generally speaking players should avoid the Ranger and add the Goo Gun to their loadout. In doing so, they should also strongly consider highly evolved EvoChrome weapons and different types of SMGs.

3. How does the Pumpkin Launcher fit amongst all the other weapon options?

Probably the most exciting Halloween inspired addition to the game is the new Pumpkin Launcher. However, players should not be fooled by the new look, this rocket launcher performs identically to the previously available rocket launcher. Let's see below how this weapon can change loadouts. 

Takeaway #1: The rocket launcher should largely be regarded as a specialty weapon in a similar way to the Ranger Shotgun and Sniper rifle. That is not to say it can't be used effectively, but more than likely it will have to be paired with other weapon options to achieve maximum lethality, especially in indoor engagements or low vs. high ground interactions where the rocket launcher isn't accurate enough or poses a risk to the user.

Takeaway #2: Upgrading this weapon can materially increase its efficacy as Damage and Reload time improve dramatically as the weapon is scaled up. Players should consider spending to level it up given the aggressive improvements in its lethality. 

Conclusion: Consider adding the Pumpkin Launcher to your loadout if it is highly leveled and there is a tactical need for it (ie. long range structure/cover destruction or a chaos inducing mid to late game weapon when part of a team.

Hopefully these data points help you understand the impact of the new weapon additions, happy playing!

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