The 4.2 content update goes live on Fortnite: Battle Royale today, adding the new jetpack item alongside a new limited-time mode and the return of the Solid Gold mode. The jetpack was originally announced to come to the game in March, but developer Epic Games delayed the item due to more testing.
The jetpack is a new type of item in Fortnite: Battle Royale called “backpacks.” According to the official patch notes, a backpack takes up a normal inventory slot like regular items, but players can only hold one backpack at a time. Picking up another backpack replaces the current one, though it destroys itself when used completely. Jetpacks and other backpacks will hide a player’s cosmetic Back Bling, but will return when not equipped.
The jetpack can only be used in mid-air, and has a limited charge which recharges when not in use. Players can still shoot weapons while using the jetpack, but cannot aim.
The new item will be the focus of the limited-time mode Close Encounters, coming to the game on Friday, May 25. The game type only contains jetpacks and shotguns, while the storm moves quicker towards the end of the match for an average length of 15 minutes. Solid Gold V2, the other limited-time mode, makes it return today with all legendary weapons and extra farming materials.
Fortnite’s Save the World mode receives a new Outlander Hero, Archaeolo-Jess, which will be available in the Event store on Wednesday, May 23. The patch also doubled the weekly limit for Flux, used to upgrade various heroes and weapons, in the Weekly store.
