Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

Fortnite Overshield Explained: How It Works & What It Is

Things have changed in Fortnite Season 3 Chapter 2, and one of the main changes comes in the form of building being disabled. To help balance out this change, Epic Games has introduced a number of Fortnite Parkour mechanics — like Tactical Sprinting — as well as the Fortnite Overshield. In this guide, we’ll be explaining how this Overshield works and exactly what it is so you can use it to your advantage in games.

Recommended Videos

What Is Overshield?

Overshield is essentially an additional layer of ‘shield’ that all players start with at the beginning of a match.

It has been introduced in an effort to help players make the adjustment to a Fortnite where building has been disabled.

Whether or not Overshield will remain in-place once the building mechanics return to the game currently remains to be seen. However, it seems unlikely given the amount of additional health and protection this would grant.

How Overshield Works in Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 3

Your level of Overshield is indicated by a blue shield icon with a lightning bolt in the center of it to the right of your standard health and shield in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. It’s a paler blue and has a lightning effect around it, and we’ve circled it in the screenshot below.

fortnite overshield

Your Overshield has a max of 50 damage it can take before it’s depleted.

When you initially take damage, it’ll be your Overshield that’ll take the hits first, rather than your standard shield — or health if you haven’t popped some shields in a game yet.

Unlike your standard shield, though, if you stay out of harm’s way for long enough, your Overshield will begin recharging. From our time in the game so far, it appears as though you need to avoid taking damage for about 5 seconds before your Overshield will begin recharging.

The good news is that means you don’t have to seek out any specific items in order to charge your Overshield in Fortnite back up. Just find a cozy hiding spot and wait until that shield refills.

That’s everything you need to know on Fortnite’s Overshield mechanic. For more tips and tricks, search for Twinfinite or see more of our coverage on the game below.


Twinfinite is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Chris Jecks
Chris Jecks
Chris Jecks has been covering the games industry for over eight years. He typically covers new releases, FIFA, Fortnite, any good shooters, and loves nothing more than a good Pro Clubs session with the lads. Chris has a History degree from the University of Central Lancashire. He spends his days eagerly awaiting the release of BioShock 4.
twitter