Fortnite – Hitscan vs Projectile Weapons: A Complete Guide

If you’ve ever wondered why some weapons in Fortnite feel different when shooting, you’re not alone. Understanding the difference between hitscan and projectile weapons can significantly improve your gameplay and help you make better weapon choices. Let’s dive deep into these two fundamental weapon mechanics that shape Fortnite’s combat system.

What is Hitscan in Fortnite?

Hitscan weapons are the more traditional type of guns in Fortnite that operate on a simple principle: when you pull the trigger, the damage registers instantly at your target location. Think of it as drawing an invisible line from your weapon to where you’re aiming – if an enemy is in that line, they take damage immediately. There’s no bullet travel time or need to account for gravity.

Some classic examples of hitscan weapons include:

• Assault Rifles (pre-Chapter 5)
• Combat Shotgun
• Tactical Shotgun
• Submachine Guns
• Infantry Rifle
• Hand Cannon

The main advantage of hitscan weapons is their reliability and ease of use. When you see an enemy and aim correctly, you know your shots will land exactly where you’re pointing. This makes hitscan weapons particularly effective for:

• Close to medium-range combat
• Quick-paced firefights
• Building battles
• Situations requiring precise accuracy

What are Projectile Weapons in Fortnite?

In contrast to hitscan, projectile weapons fire actual bullets that travel through the game world. These weapons require more skill and prediction because you need to:

• Account for bullet drop due to gravity
• Calculate travel time to target
• Predict enemy movement
• Adjust aim based on distance

The most well-known example of a projectile weapon is the Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle, but as of Chapter 5, Epic Games has converted most weapons to use the projectile system for more realistic gameplay.

Fortnite’s weapon system has undergone significant changes since its launch in 2017. Originally, most weapons used the hitscan system, making combat more straightforward and accessible. However, with Chapter 5, Epic Games made a bold move by converting most weapons to projectile-based mechanics, adding a new layer of skill and strategy to the game.

Whether you prefer the straightforward nature of hitscan weapons or the calculated challenge of projectile-based combat, understanding both systems is crucial for success in Fortnite. Each system has its own advantages and learning curves, and mastering both will make you a more versatile player.

If you’re new to the game, start with hitscan weapons in Fortnite Reload to build your fundamentals, then gradually transition to projectile weapons as you become more comfortable with the mechanics.