Fortnite Battle Royale: Is the Grappler hurting the game?

The Grappler was added into Fortnite Battle Royale when the Getaway LTM was released. Since its release, dedicated fans have questioned whether or not it should be left in the game. Here is what I think about it.

If you aren’t a fan of building as fast as possible to get high ground on someone, then you might disagree with what I am about to say. The Grappler is not a good thing for Fortnite.

The reason is simple really. Like with the original guided missile, it just doesn’t have a place in this game. It is a shortcut to help level the playing field for less skilled players. Don’t get me wrong, the Grappler is a great way to get away from a tough fight quickly or outrun the storm.

But, if you are using it to get to the top of a tall building or fly over someone dramatically just to kill them in one shot with a double barrel shotgun, you seemed wrong when it happens.

I will try to stay as optimistic about the utility device as I can, but to be quite blunt, it is awful.

The way in which you can move over great distances so quickly is absurd. Yes, Epic Games did a very good job making it where you can pick up ammo for the Grappler off of dead bodies, but 15 shots seems a bit excessive.

I think the developers should take a moment to reassess the item and nerf it. The range is fine, the fact ammo can’t be picked up is genius, but the 15 shots in it is a bit much.

Much like we saw with the Drum Gun – which to my dismay was vaulted just last week – the Grappler is too hard to counter if an opponent is smart when using it. In coordination with Bounce Pads and a teammate, there is simply no way to get away from someone if they have this item and you don’t.

That is not what Fortnite Battle Royale is about. The heart of the game revolves around luck and skill. Players are dropped into the island with nothing and try to work their way to a Victory Royale.

The Grappler, unfortunately, eliminates that level playing field and gives a player who has it the upper hand right away.

Some kinks need to be worked out here and hopefully, Epic will patch the item in the very near future (before season six gets underway would be great). Until then, do your best to avoid people with the Grappler and get some wins.

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