Epic Games is shaking up Fortnite Ballistic with significant gameplay changes in the upcoming v35.10 Test Grounds Update #2, launching May 16, 2025. Players will now receive free gadgets at the start of each round, enjoy a dedicated pistol slot, and wield Han Solo's iconic DL-44 Blaster from Star Wars, which temporarily replaces the Ranger Pistol.
Free Gadgets and Economy Rebalancing
The most impactful change in this update is the new free gadgets system. Players will automatically start each round with two of their selected gadget, eliminating the need to purchase them with credits. This change aims to increase gadget usage and create more diverse gameplay scenarios.
To balance this generous addition, Epic has adjusted the in-game economy:
| Economy Changes | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|
| Credits from winning | 3300 | 3100 |
| Credits from losing | 2500 | 2300 |
| Smoke Grenades | 200 | 300 |
| Flash Grenades | 200 | 300 |
| Burst AR | 2000 | 2300 |
New Cinderwatch Map Joins the Rotation
Cinderwatch, a Mediterranean-inspired shell map set near an active volcano, joins the existing rotation alongside Skyline 10, Hammer Fall, and Storm Chaser Cove. Similar in size to Skyline 10, this map features tight streets and strategic choke points. It's currently available in both Test Grounds and Ranked modes, though Epic notes it still lacks environmental details as they await player feedback before finalization.
Star Wars Blaster and Dedicated Pistol Slot
In a crossover with the ongoing Fortnite: GALACTIC BATTLE event, the DL-44 Blaster Pistol from Star Wars will replace the Ranger Pistol until v36.00 in June. Epic describes it as "a reliable and accurate sidearm that packs a punch."
Additionally, pistols now have their own dedicated inventory slot and no longer compete with primary weapons for space. Purchased pistols will replace the starter pistol (currently the DL-44).
What's changing with Storm Chaser Cove?
Storm Chaser Cove receives significant layout modifications, including a new wall between Mid and Site B to increase flank time, an enlarged Site B, and additional low-sitting cover throughout the map. These changes should address player feedback about map balance issues.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
A new vote-to-surrender feature allows teams to forfeit matches after the third round. Players can initiate surrender votes via the scoreboard, with voting occurring at the start of the next round. In Ranked mode, surrendering counts as a loss with rank regression.
The update also includes numerous bug fixes:
- Fixed exploits in Storm Chasers Cove and Hammer Fall
- Resolved minimap issues and clipping problems
- Nerfed Overdrive ability: duration reduced from 12 to 10 seconds, fire rate increase halved
- Fixed defuse issue with Overdrive
- Addressed crash when selecting "Return to Lobby"
Epic encourages player feedback through in-game surveys, the Fortnite Battle Royale subreddit, or the English Fortnite Discord. The next major update for Fortnite Ballistic is scheduled for June 2025.