The Snowball Launcher, a beloved weapon in the popular battle royale game Fortnite, has been the subject of much speculation and debate among gamers and enthusiasts alike. The question on everyone’s mind: is the Snowball Launcher vaulted? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of this iconic weapon, explore the concept of vaulting in Fortnite, and examine the evidence that suggests the Snowball Launcher’s fate.
The Birth of a Legend: The Snowball Launcher’s Rise to Fame
The Snowball Launcher was introduced to Fortnite in December 2017, as part of the game’s Winter-themed update. This festive weapon quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its unique ability to launch snowballs that could deal damage to enemies and structures. The Snowball Launcher’s popularity soared, with many players incorporating it into their holiday-themed loadouts.
As the seasons changed, the Snowball Launcher remained a staple in many players’ arsenals, even outside of the winter season. Its versatility and novelty made it a go-to weapon for both casual and competitive players. However, as with all good things, its time in the spotlight was limited.
The Concept of Vaulting in Fortnite
For those new to the Fortnite universe, the term “vaulting” might seem unfamiliar. In essence, vaulting refers to the process of removing an item or weapon from the game’s active roster, effectively making it unavailable to players. This concept was introduced by Epic Games, Fortnite’s developers, as a way to cycle in new content and keep the game fresh.
When an item is vaulted, it’s removed from the game’s loot pool, and players can no longer find it in chests or purchase it from the item shop. Vaulted items can return to the game in future updates, but there’s no guarantee. This system allows Epic Games to balance the game’s meta, remove overpowered items, and make way for new and exciting content.
The Snowball Launcher’s Demise
In February 2018, Epic Games announced a major update, which would shake the foundations of the Fortnite community. The update, known as v.2.5.0, brought about significant changes to the game’s weapon balance and, more notably, the vaulting of several items, including the Snowball Launcher.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many players expressing their dismay and sadness on social media and online forums. The Snowball Launcher, once a staple in many players’ loadouts, was suddenly gone, leaving a void in its wake.
The Reasons Behind the Vaulting
So, why did Epic Games decide to vault the Snowball Launcher? The answer lies in the weapon’s overpowered nature and its impact on the game’s balance. The Snowball Launcher’s ability to deal damage to structures, combined with its high ammo capacity and fast reload time, made it a formidable weapon in the hands of skilled players.
This led to a phenomenon known as “snowballing,” where players would use the Snowball Launcher to quickly take down enemy structures, gaining an unfair advantage in the process. Epic Games recognized the issue and decided to vault the weapon, paving the way for more balanced gameplay.
The Snowball Launcher’s Legacy
Although the Snowball Launcher is no longer available in the game, its legacy lives on. Players still reminisce about the good old days, when the Snowball Launcher was a viable option in their loadouts. Its impact on the game’s meta and balance is undeniable, and its removal has led to a more diverse and dynamic gameplay experience.
Many players have taken to social media, sharing fond memories and nostalgia-driven artworks, showcasing their love for the Snowball Launcher. This outpouring of affection is a testament to the weapon’s enduring popularity and its place in Fortnite’s history.
A Glimmer of Hope: Will the Snowball Launcher Return?
While the Snowball Launcher remains vaulted, there’s a glimmer of hope for its return. Epic Games has a history of bringing back vaulted items, often with tweaks and changes to ensure they fit within the game’s balanced environment.
In recent updates, we’ve seen the return of vaulted weapons, such as the Drum Gun and the Grappler, which have been reworked to fit within the game’s current meta. This raises the possibility that the Snowball Launcher could return in the future, perhaps with a revised design or unique ability that addresses its past balance issues.
The Verdict: Is the Snowball Launcher Vaulted?
In conclusion, the answer to our initial question is a resounding yes – the Snowball Launcher is, indeed, vaulted. Its removal from the game’s loot pool and item shop has left a void in many players’ hearts, but its legacy lives on.
While we can’t predict the future, there’s always a chance that the Snowball Launcher will return, perhaps in a reworked form. Until then, we’ll continue to cherish the memories of our snowball-filled battles and cherish the hope that one day, we’ll be able to launch festive projectiles once more.
| Weapon | Release Date | Vaulted Date |
|---|---|---|
| Snowball Launcher | December 2017 | February 2018 |
In the meantime, we’ll continue to explore the ever-changing landscape of Fortnite, where new weapons and items emerge, and old favorites are reimagined. The game’s dynamic nature is what makes it so beloved, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this iconic battle royale experience.
What is the Snowball Launcher?
The Snowball Launcher is a popular weapon in the popular battle royale game, Fortnite. It was introduced in Chapter 2, Season 1 and quickly became a fan favorite due to its unique functionality and festive appearance. The Snowball Launcher fires snowballs that can deal damage to structures and enemies, and it also has a secondary function that allows players to launch themselves into the air.
The Snowball Launcher was particularly useful during the winter-themed events and seasons in Fortnite, adding a fun and festive touch to the gameplay. However, its popularity and versatility led to concerns about its balance and impact on the game’s competitive scene.
Why was the Snowball Launcher Vaulted?
The Snowball Launcher was vaulted, or removed from the game, due to concerns about its balance and impact on the game’s competitive scene. Many players and pro players argued that the weapon was overpowered and gave players an unfair advantage, particularly in close quarters and building-intensive playstyles.
Additionally, the Snowball Launcher’s secondary function, which allowed players to launch themselves into the air, was seen as unbalanced and frustrating to play against. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, ultimately decided to vault the Snowball Launcher to promote a more balanced and competitive gameplay environment.
What does it mean for a weapon to be “Vaulted”?
When a weapon is “vaulted” in Fortnite, it means that it is removed from the game’s standard loot pool and can no longer be found in chests, floors, or other loot sources. Vaulted weapons are also removed from the game’s competitive playlists and are no longer available for use in competitive matches.
However, vaulted weapons can still be used in creative modes and custom games, allowing players to continue using their favorite weapons in non-competitive settings. Epic Games periodically unvaults weapons, reintroducing them to the game’s loot pool and competitive playlists, often with balance changes and tweaks.
Will the Snowball Launcher be Unvaulted?
There has been no official announcement from Epic Games regarding the potential unvaulting of the Snowball Launcher. However, given the game’s history of periodically unvaulting and rebalancing weapons, it is possible that the Snowball Launcher could make a return in the future.
If the Snowball Launcher is unvaulted, it is likely that Epic Games will make balance changes to address the concerns that led to its initial vaulting. This could include nerfs to its damage output, changes to its secondary function, or other tweaks to promote a more balanced gameplay environment.
How do I get the Snowball Launcher if it’s Vaulted?
Since the Snowball Launcher is vaulted, it can no longer be found in the game’s standard loot pool. However, players can still obtain the Snowball Launcher through creative modes and custom games, where it is still available for use.
Additionally, players can also obtain the Snowball Launcher through special events and limited-time modes, where Epic Games may make it available as a unique reward or exclusive item. Keep an eye on the game’s updates and announcements to stay informed about any potential opportunities to get your hands on the Snowball Launcher.
Can I still use the Snowball Launcher in Creative Mode?
Yes, the Snowball Launcher is still available for use in creative modes, where players have access to a wide range of items and tools to build and create custom maps and experiences.
In creative mode, the Snowball Launcher functions as it did before it was vaulted, allowing players to fire snowballs and launch themselves into the air. This is a great way to continue using the weapon in a non-competitive setting, and to experiment with new and creative ways to use it.
What is the current state of the Snowball Launcher in Fortnite?
As of the current season, the Snowball Launcher remains vaulted and is not available in the game’s standard loot pool or competitive playlists. However, it is still available for use in creative modes and custom games, where players can continue to use it and experiment with new strategies and playstyles.
Epic Games has not made any official announcements regarding the potential unvaulting of the Snowball Launcher, so its current state is unclear. However, the Fortnite community remains hopeful that the Snowball Launcher will one day return, rebalanced and ready for action.