Epic Games have officially released the Fortnite v9.40 update, with the new patch going live on Xbox One, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. 

With Epic Games taking a two week summer holiday, fans of the popular battle royale title have had to make do with Content Updates, smaller patches that only add one or two items, instead of the larger updates which often make major changes to the game.

Epic Games are now back at work, so it comes as no surprise that the v9.40 update is one of the biggest we’ve seen in Season 9, bringing two new versions of one of the game’s most legendary weapons, plus a host of bug fixes which should improve gameplay. 

What’s new in the Fortnite v9.40 patch notes?

When does Fortnite’s v9.40 update go live?

The v9.40 update is slated to go live on Wednesday, July 17 at 1 AM PT / 4 AM ET / 9 AM BST. The patch will require downtime to install, so matchmaking should be disabled 20-25 minutes prior to the scheduled release time.

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Since this update is likely to be a large one, expect the downtime to last for several hours, so make sure to plan your schedule accordingly!

Epic and Legendary Tactical Shotgun

The headline addition to Fortnite in the v9.40 update is the introduction of two new versions of the Tactical Shotgun. The weapon has been a staple of the game since its launch in September 2017, and players will now have two updated versions of the gun to wield in search of Victory Royales.

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The Epic and Legendary rarities will deal a maximum of 83 and 87 damage respectively, holding eight shells and firing off 1.5 shots per second. The two variants feature a complete redesign, giving them a more dangerous look than the classic red versions players have become accustomed to.

You can read the full patch notes for the Epic and Legendary Tactical Shotguns below.

Two newly redesigned Tactical Shotguns were added in this update.

New Epic and Legendary Tactical Shotgun.

• 83 / 87 maximum damage.
• 1.5 shots per second.
• Holds 8 shells.
• Headshot multiplier of 2.25.
• Available from Floor Loot, Chests, Supply Drops, Loot Carriers, and Vending Machines.

Bolt-Action Sniper unvaulted, Suppresed Sniper vaulted

Epic Games have also made some changes to the available weapon pool, bringing back the Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle in Epic and Legendary variants to give players a new choice when attempting long-range combat.

To make room for the Bolt-Action, the developers have decided to place the Suppresed Sniper Rifle back into the vault, although we may see it return in the future, as Epic always insist that any item placed into the vault is never gone for good.

The Bolt Action Sniper is back in the v9.40 update

• Vaulted
  • Suppressed Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
    • Epic and Legendary variants.
• Unvaulted
  • Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
    • Rare, Epic, and Legendary variants.

Weapon balancing changes

The v9.40 update also brings a number of weapon balancing changes, with Epic choosing to reduce the zoom of the Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle when scoped, stating that it’s a “quality of life change to help improve the usuability and feel of this weapon.”

The Combat Shotgun also receieved a nerf, with the developers lowering the Headshot multiplier of the weapon from 1.7 to 1.5, and reducing the long range effectiveness of the Combat Shotgun in the hopes of letting it “fall a bit more in line with other shoutguns, but still retain its unique flavor.”

You can view the full weapon balancing changes below.

The Combat Shotgun recieved a major nerf.

• Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle now has reduced zoom while scoped.
  • This is a Quality of Life change to help improve the usability and feel of this weapon.
• Combat Shotgun changes
  • Reduced Headshot multiplier from 1.7 to 1.5.
  • Reduced the long range effectiveness of the Combat Shotgun
    • Reduced the falloff curve ranges from:
      • 2.44 tiles (unchanged)
      • 4.88 tiles to 4.39 tiles.
      • 9.77 tiles to 6.84 tiles.
      • 19.53 tiles to 11.72 tiles.
  • After observing recent changes to damage falloff, we decided to further reduce its long range effectiveness and alter the curve to fall a bit more in line with other shotguns but still retain its unique flavor. 

The patch notes also include LTM and competitive updates, bug fixes, and a host of changes to the game’s popular Creative Mode. You can read the remaining Fortnite v9.40 Updates patch notes below.

Remaining Fortnite v9.40 Update patch notes

WEAPONS AND ITEMS

Bug Fixes

• Drum Shotgun now has the correct environmental damage falloff.
• Fixed a bug in which a Launch Pad couldn’t be destroyed by a pickaxe.

GAMEPLAY

• Picking up an item that fills a stack and creates an overflow will no longer result in the currently equipped item being dropped.
  • Instead of causing the currently equipped weapon to be dropped, the overflow will be dropped.
• Players will now automatically pick up a consumable if it is already in their inventory and not maxed out.
  • If the auto pickup fills a stack, the overflow will be dropped.
• A new Glider and Harvesting Tool have been added for Save the World Founder’s Pack owners.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue involving Supply Drone Boxes not being visible after players shoot down the Supply Drone.
• Supply Drones no longer remain stationary after getting stuck for too long.
• Changed Invert “Aircraft Keyboard Controls” to “Invert Airborne Keyboard Controls” in the Options menu to reflect the fact that airborne land vehicles’ controls become inverted in the air.
• Fixed some edge cases involving damage number display rounding down for some shotgun hits.
• Blueprint doors now consistently render when players are building.
• Players can now pick up items more easily when standing on top of them.
• Foot controllers now properly allow players to rotate the next and previous weapon.
• Bushes no longer block players from being healed by a Chug Splash.
• If a player using a Shadow Bomb enters a vehicle, the Shadow Bomb effect will no longer remain active after the effect should have ended.
• The Chug Splash now properly auto-sorts to the rightmost inventory slot when picked up, like other consumables.
• Fixed an issue in which players would experience abnormally slow gliding after using a Rift-to-Go.
• Consumables associated with a bar (Shield Potion, Med Kit, etc.) are now consistently usable by players riding a Zipline.
• Fixed a rare issue involving Shadow Bombs not allowing for wall jumps at certain angles.
• Players can no longer wall jump off of the corn fields while using a Shadow Bomb.
• Players can no longer wall jump off of Slipstreams while using a Shadow Bomb.
• Fixed an issue in which the rings for Fortbytes 4, 67, 70, and 89 would not appear even though the player was wearing the correct cosmetic.
• To prevent players from exploiting the Deep Dab emote, it now has a delay before players are able to shoot after starting it.
• Fixed an issue in which damage done to shields was causing the VFX to appear larger than normal, blocking players’ vision.
• Foot Controller support improvements
  • Switched over to use dead zone and max throttle end points.
  • Better vehicle controls for Quad Crasher.

COMPETITIVE

• New Tournament: Xbox Cup (July 20th & 21st) [$1,000,000 in Cash Prizes!]
  • Solo Game Mode
  • This tournament is open to all players on Xbox One and does not require reaching any division in Arena.
  • The prize pool will be distributed across all server regions, with official rules and details released later this week.  Check the tournament inside the game client for exact times.
  • Format:
    • July 20th – Round One: All Eligible Players
    • July 21st – Round Two: Top 1500 Players from Round One
• New Tournament: Squads Cash Cup (July 21st) [$1,000,000 in Cash Prizes!]
  • Squads Game Mode
  • Participation in this event requires players to have reached Champion League in Arena play prior to the start of the event.
  • The prize pool will be distributed across all server regions, with official rules and details released later this week.  Check the tournament inside the game client for exact times.
  • Format:
    • Single Day Tournament – July 21st
      • Round One: All Eligible Players
      • Round Two: Top 100 Squads from Round One
• Players can now choose a flag to display on their career profile.
  • This flag can be selected and changed from a player’s profile.
  • After changing or selecting their flag, players cannot change flags again for 30 days.
  • A player’s flag is visible to others when visiting a player’s profile and on tournament leaderboards.
  • For teams of two or more players, the flag chosen by the majority of the team will be displayed. If there is no majority, the globe flag will be displayed.
  • We are launching with an initial set of 37 total flags. Any additional flags added in the future will be announced in future updates.

PERFORMANCE

• Improved server performance of Zipline.
• Improved client performance of Chug Jug.
• Optimized the way pickaxes are spawned to reduce the chance of loading issues during the initial skydive landing.

AUDIO

• Improved enemy footstep volume consistency, and changed volume falloff to logarithmic to make the sound diminish more naturally.
• Decreased volume of a few sounds:
  • Chug Splash explosion.
  • Proximity Launcher explosion.
  • Ambient hum of the Slipstream platforms.
• Added a wall impact audio layer for close quarters combat as an additional warning that an enemy is shooting a structure you’re on the opposite side of.

Bug Fixes

• Wood/stone/metal bullet impacts are no longer silent on Mobile/Switch.
• Revolver equip sound is no longer silent on Mobile/Switch.

UI

• Escape Menu & Social Panel updates:
  • The input action that would bring up either the Escape Menu or Social Panel will now bring up both of them in the lobby and while in a match.
  • A third tab has been added to the Social Panel. It contains all voice chat-related functionalities.
  • The Escape Menu and Top Bar received a visual update.

MOBILE

• Added new Edit From Touch setting to enable/disable editing from touches (defaulted to enabled).
• Bluetooth microphones have been enabled to support voice chat.
• The emote wheel buttons are now bigger.

Bug Fixes

• Air Strike shots no longer create large polygonal outlines.
• Fixed an issue involving Pump and Combat Shotguns not correctly firing while Auto-Fire is selected.
• Resolved voice chat issues when joining another player’s party.
• The chest located in the Neo Tilted hotel is now openable.
• Live spectating on mobile will display the spectator’s UI.
• Players no longer remain logged into their account when they close the game.
• Wallet in the Lifetime Refund Screen will now correctly display.
• Leaving the “Show Help” open in the Warm Up stage won’t cause the Button to remain present during the match.
• The “Tournament Region” text in the Compete tab is bigger.
• Map Marker HUD Layout won’t be displayed when in the Battle Bus.
• Emote HUD Layout will be displayed only in vehicles where it is possible to emote.
• Players will be able to rotate cosmetics when using a touchpad.
• The proper SFX will be played when equipping the Revolver.
• Graphical improvement on the Wonder outfit while playing the Llama Bell emote.
• Storm Eye Glider and Storm Bolt Harvesting Tool will display proper VFX.
• Graphical improvement of the Flutter outfit.
• Graphical improvement on the String Lights contrail.
• Lantern contrail will display properly in-game.

CREATIVE

WHAT’S NEW?

Kevin’s Floating Island

• Build a floating fortress on a new island! Kevin is back.

Ball Spawner

• Play ball! Add physics-based balls to your world to create a whole slew of new game types and player interactions.

More Channels To Triggers & Receivers

• The number of channels for Triggers & Receivers have been increased so you can automate even more mayhem in your maps.

ISLANDS

Bug Fixes

• Published islands no longer rotate 180 degrees on the mini-map causing the lighting to be inconsistent.

GAMEPLAY

• Updated My Island settings
  • Added new option to Environment Damage
    • Player Built Only – during a game, players can damage player-built structures (wood, stone, metal) which have been built during map creation while in a game.
  • Added Building Damage option
    • Determines who has the ability to damage player-built structures built during a game.
    • All, Self Built, Team Built, Enemy Built, Enemy & Self Built, None (Default: All)
  • Added new options to Max Resources
    • 10,000,  50,000, 99,999

Bug Fixes

• Player-built structures can be edited prior to placing when Environment Damage settings are active.
• Players will no longer experience jump fatigue when the Jump Fatigue setting is set to Off.
• Unmanned vehicles will no longer phase through objects.

Known Issue

• Coins collected during a game do not appear while in Create mode during the same Creative session.
  • The coins remain interactable and appear in subsequent game starts.

WEAPONS + ITEMS

• New Epic and Legendary Tactical Shotgun.
  • 83 / 87 maximum damage.
  • 1.5 shots per second.
  • Holds 8 shells.
  • Headshot multiplier of 2.25.

CREATIVE TOOLS + PHONE

Bug Fixes

• Geyser from the Air Vent Gallery can now be interacted with correctly when using the Phone.

PREFABS & GALLERIES

• Added the Kevin Crater to the Air Vent Gallery.
• Added Ice Cream to the Consumables Gallery.
• Added the Soccer Goal to the Sports Gallery.
• Added the Pizza Pete Picture Frame and Wood Shavings to the No Collision Gallery.
• Added an additional tree to the Haunted Hills Nature Gallery.
• Added Blue Counters to the Diners Prop Gallery.
• Added more Ground Floors to Grass & Dirt Galleries A & B.
• Added more Sidewalks to Street Gallery B.

Bug Fixes

• Castle Banners can once again be destroyed while Environment Damage is OFF.
• Fixed the trash bag from clipping through the Paradise Palms steps.
• Bushes in the Indestructible Gallery are no longer destroyed by player building.
• Health bar no longer appears when copying the Bush in the Desert Nature Gallery.
• The Pueblo Trio Prefab now has the correct grid placement.
• The Kevin Cube Gallery now has two different Cube versions.
• Replaced some ceiling tiles in the Mega Mall Prefab.
• Fixed Cliff Gallery assets which were auto-destroying themselves when exiting the Phone.
• Prefab Grenades now explode on impact instead of bouncing.

DEVICES

• Increased the number of available Trigger channels to 24 and the number of available Receivers to 30.
• Added Ball Spawner device.
  • Spawns a ball with physics properties.
  • Size: Sets the size of the ball being spawned.
    • Small, Medium, Large, Super (Default: Medium)
  • Type: Sets the physical properties of the ball.
    • Default, Light, Heavy, Slick, Sport.
  • Player Force Multiplier: Determines how much force the player will apply when hitting the ball.
    • None, Low, Medium, High (Default: Medium)
  • Player Knockback Amount: Determines how much force will be applied to the player when they are hit by the ball.
    • None, Low, Medium, High (Default: None)
  • Respawn Delay: Determines how long the device will wait before spawning a new ball after the previous one has been destroyed.
    • None, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 5 seconds (Default 3 seconds)
  • Gravity: Determines whether the ball is affected by gravity.
    • Off, On (Default: On)
  • Eliminate Player When Touched: Controls whether a player is eliminated when the ball touches them.
    • Off, On (Default: Off)
• Added Prop-O-Matic Manager device.
  • Controls Prop-O-Matic behavior and Prop Hunt game and UI settings.
  • Show Props Remaining: Yes, No
  • Prop Ping Frequency: Determines the length of time between forced audio pings from players hidden as props.
    • Off, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds (Default: 15 seconds)
• Add new options to Player Spawn Device.
  • Enabled During Phase: Determines when the device is active.
    • Disabled, Enabled, Warm-Up Only, Gameplay Only (Default: Enabled)
  • Added Receivers to Disable and Enable the device.
• Added new options to the Explosive Device – the following options apply only to Badge style Health Bars.
  • Team Visibility: Determines which teams can see the device’s Health Bar.
    • Any, 1-16, All Hostile, All Neutral, All Friendly (Default: Any)
  • Friendly Icon Text: Determines the text that is displayed on the Health Bar if the device is considered friendly.
  • Neutral Icon Text: Determines the text that is displayed on the Health Bar if the device is considered neutral.
  • Enemy Icon Text: Determines the text that is displayed on the Health Bar if the device is considered a hostile.
  • HUD Text Size: Determines the size of the Icon Text/Health Value displayed.
    • 1x, 1.5x, 2x (Default: 1x)
• Added new option to Capture Area Device.
  • Player Capture Item Filter: Determines whether a player requires the registered item in their inventory to be able to score points by standing in the Capture Area.
  • On, Off (Default: Off)
  • Only relevant when Player Capture is On.
• Added option to Enable/Disable the Ground Fog particle effect.
• Changed the default option for Grant on Respawn in the Team Settings Device to OFF so that by default it will not remove all items from a player’s inventory when they respawn.

Bug Fixes

• Applying settings to a Player Spawn device no longer prevents players from spawning on the plate properly.
• The Mounted Turret device won’t destroy the attached floor after a game, which would sometimes cause mass island destruction when the Turret was on a floor piece providing critical structural support.
• Objects will no longer disappear when returning to the Hub then going back into an island.
• Fixed issues with the Beacon Device:
  • Beacon now hides correctly during pre-game phase if set to Gameplay Only.
  • Beacon now hides correctly after game end.
  • Objective Devices set to Team 16 will now destroy other Objective Devices within their blast radius.
  • Fixed a number of issues associated with the Prop-O-Matic.
  • Prop orientation for the disguised player should now match the orientation seen by other players.
  • Players can no longer turn into floating islands using the Prop-O-Matic.
  • Switching weapons while an object is highlighted with the Prop-O-Matic no longer causes the object to remain highlighted after the switch.
  • The ‘Exit’ UI prompt will now be displayed while in prop mode.
  • Fixed an issue where incorrect button prompts would be shown when disguised in Fly Mode on mobile devices.
  • Correct health values will be displayed when transforming into certain props.
  • Disguised players will remain visible if their prop was destroyed by an Explosive Device.
  • Bush consumable no longer remains visible when a player transforms into a prop.
  • The ‘Lock in Place’ button prompt no longer appears as ‘Unbound’ on consoles and mobile.
  • Players can no longer transform into the Target Dummy Track or Vehicle Spawner devices with the Prop-O-Matic.
  • The Prop-O-Matic now has the correct number of rarity stars.
  • Fixed an issue on mobile devices where the Phone Tool UI would appear when a disguised player was hit by a Boogie Bomb.
  • Players can transform into large props from any viewpoint.
  • Uneven terrain no longer prevents players from changing into certain props.
  • Fixed an issue where players would jitter while standing near the Creative Hub Rift while disguised as a prop.

UI + SOCIAL

• Added descriptions to Ignore Team for Damage and Ignore Team for Proximity options on the Explosive Device to clarify how they affect team affiliation for HUD purposes.

Bug Fixes

• Spawns Left will display correctly on scoreboard.
• Fixed “Number of Hiders” Prop Hunt UI showing up outside of games.
• Fixed typo in ‘Allow Items to be Dropped’ setting in Game Settings tab.
• Fixed text error in Requires Line of Sight descriptions in Beacon Device and Explosive Device.

MOBILE

• The Edit Tool will correctly highlight Arctic Base parts.
• The Storm Controller Device is no longer missing a blueprint preview when players hover over it with the Phone.
• Instructions on how to “Change Destination” on Rift Waypoint will be displayed.

This article was updated at 3:36AM EST on Wednesday, July 17. 

Two new variants for Tactical Shotgun

Epic have already confirmed that the v9.40 update will introduce the Epic and Legendary variants of the Tactical Shotgun, sporting a brand new design.

While nothing concrete has been announced about the new weapons, they’ll likely sport the high fire-rate that Tac Shotguns are known for with an increased damage profile.

• Read More: Epic Games to host another Fortnite Trios Cup after disastrous first attempt

With the addition of these two new variants, the pool of shotguns in the core default modes will be very full, so there’s a good chance that Epic could vault the lesser versions of the Tac and possibly even the Pump.

The new variants of the Tac Shotgun feature a brand new design.

What else to expect

Map Changes

Considering that there haven’t been any significant changes to the Fortnite map for a while now, the v9.40 update represents the perfect opportunity for Epic to mix things up a bit.

Of course, with the highly-anticipated showdown between the Cattus and Doggus monsters just a few days away, there very well may be some changes made to the map leading up to the event.

The countdown for Fortnite’s Cattus vs Doggus event is underway.