One of the largest factors in Fortnite Battle Royale's massive rise in popularity in the video game world has been the consistent and worthwhile updates that the game's developers, Epic Games, add to the title on a weekly basis. Whether it be be new skins or emotes, new weapons, or quality of life updates, there is always new content for players to enjoy.
The recent v3.4 update for Fortnite introduced the guided missile weapon into the game and its has proven to be one of the most unique weapons the community has seen in Epic Games' popular battle royale title. Giving players the ability to fire and then control a rocket wherever they please has added a whole new dynamic to Fortnite, which has resulted in players discovering a variety of very interesting and useful ways the guided missile can be used in a match besides eliminating enemies. We take a look at the best ways you can truly utilize the new rocket launcher to its fullest potential.
Saving Teammates From the Storm or Enemies
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A very important part of being successful when playing with teammates is making sure that they are out of harm's way, especially if they get knocked down by enemy fire or are lagging behind in the storm because they took too long looting. The controllable rocket of the guided missile can be a great tool in saving the life of your teammates, as they are able to rocket ride the missile. With the ability to control the explosive ordnance, you are able to pick them up and deliver them to a safe position where you are then able to heal them. However, you must be careful when trying this rescue procedure, as a lack of awareness could have your teammate being eliminated by the explosion of the rocket when making their landing.
Positioning Yourself to Gain an Advantage on Your Opponent
Rocket Riding has become one of the most popular forms of transportation in Fortnite, and the guided missile has delivered a whole new dynamic, as solo players are now able to employ the strategy without the aid of a teammate. Especially useful in the final moments of a game where positioning is vital, having the ability to quickly travel to another location and gain a tactical advantage, such as the high ground, on your enemies is worthwhile. With the controllable rocket launcher in your arsenal, you must no longer engage in stalemates with other players, as you can bring the fight to them without having to worry too much about them shooting you out of the air.
Launching Aerial Assaults With Your Teammates
AC-130 GUIDED MISSILE ROCKET RIDE - Vikkstar123 from r/FortNiteBR
While rocket riding yourself is an enjoyable experience, having a friend control where you are going allows you to be even more deadly, as you fly through the air on the powerful weapon. It does not get much better than hitching a ride on your teammate's rocket and beginning an assault on an enemy's stronghold . You can either head straight to your opponent and weaken them with the blast of the rocket and let your teammate finish them off, or you can maneuver through the air and let your teammate pick your opponents off with an assualt rifle, sniper rifle or their own rocket launcher.
Destroying Explosive Projectiles From Enemies
Unfortunately, the downside of having the ability to use the powerful new rocket launcher is that your enemies will also have the chance to pick up either the epic or legendary variant of the guided missile and eliminate you from the match. However, if you are fortunate enough to have your own version then you have the ability to destroy any incoming rockets. Enemy rockets are the easiest to counter, as they are larger targets not moving extremely fast through the air, but grenades bouncing on the ground from either being thrown or shot from the grenade laucher is another story. While it is not impossible to hit an enemy grenade with the controllable rocket, the smaller target and unpredictability of the weapon's bounce could prove to be troublesome when trying to acquire your target.
Community reaction to the new rocket launcher has been mixed, as some believe it is too powerful with others disagreeing as they cite the weapon's rarirty in their argument to why it is balanced. The same issue arose with the addition of the heavy shotgun into Fortnite earlier in the month, as it has also shown a tendency to be extremely powerful, especially in the hands of talented players like Tyler "Ninja" Belvins.
Whatever side you may be on, there is no denying that there are many useful ways players can utilize the guided missile in their quests for victory royales.
(cover photo courtesy of Epic Games)
