Fortnite Chapter 7 Hands-On Preview: Where’s My Battle Bus?
Fortnite Chapter 7 marks another epic evolution for the wildly popular battle royale game, continuing Epic Games’ tradition of pushing creative boundaries with fresh, inventive content. After the climactic Zero Hour event, the island has been reborn, featuring a spectacular makeover inspired by real-life California landmarks and Hollywood legends, empowering players to explore dazzling new locales.
Exploring the Vibrant New Island
In my hands-on gameplay, I ventured through diverse areas such as the star-studded streets of Battlewood, the whimsical Wonkeeland theme park, and a vibrant Las Vegas knock-off guarded by a Fortnite version of the Las Vegas Sphere. Given the upcoming Fallout Season 2 drop in December, I anticipate the Las Vegas-themed zone will soon embrace aesthetics reminiscent of New Vegas to celebrate the show’s continuation.
A Fresh New Vibe: Hollywood Thrills
While the island offers a rich variety of environments, what truly stands out is the overall vibe. It exudes an infectious fun factor, unlike any previous season I’ve experienced. This renewed energy is partially due to a thematic focus on Hollywood’s excitement and glamour.
In a dramatic departure from prior seasons, the traditional Battle Bus is nowhere to be found—players now ride an enormous wave that catapults them skyward to begin each match, bringing a dynamic and groovy start to the game.
Cinematic Collaborations and Iconic Skins
Chapter 7 opens with a creative tribute, featuring Quentin Tarantino’s lost chapter of
The iconic protagonist,
Gameplay and New Equipment
My early matches were against AI bots rather than human opponents, which wasn’t as challenging but provided a great chance to experiment with new gear. Familiar weapon types like assault rifles and sniper rifles remain, complemented by exciting new additions including dual shotguns, an electromagnetic cannon, and real grenades replacing the Shockwave grenades of past seasons.
A notably enjoyable addition is the wing-suit, a thrilling movement tool that lets players soar vast distances when riding favorable updrafts—adding a fresh dimension of aerial mobility to traverse the island.
Medallions: A Mixed Bag
The season introduces Medallions—collectible rewards that boost player stats and mark their location for others on the map. However, these Medallions also temporarily morph players into the non-player characters (NPCs) they defeated to claim them. While a novel mechanic, I found it less appealing personally, preferring to maintain my character’s skins earned or purchased, rather than becoming characters I’m not invested in.
Overall Impressions and Launch Details
Fortnite Chapter 7 feels refreshingly vibrant and engaging—a strong start that promises a lucrative season filled with exciting collaborations and new content. Fans can look forward to its launch on November 30, following the Zero Hour live event. Anticipation is high for how the player community will embrace these innovations.
