Fortnite’s Rarest Weapon Could Be Making a Comeback, Rumor Suggests

Overview

Fortnite may soon see the reintroduction of its rarest weapon, the Zapotron.
The weapon’s files were updated on January 14, indicating a potential return.
Originally, the Zapotron was available for a mere 30 minutes before being permanently removed from the game.

The Zapotron, a legendary weapon in Fortnite, could soon make its comeback as suggested by data miners. This unique sniper rifle, which made a fleeting appearance back in 2017, was available for only half an hour prior to the launch of Chapter 1 Season 1. Developers deemed it inappropriate for the game’s battle royale format, causing its hasty removal.

Though the Zapotron persisted within the game files until Chapter 1 Season 4, players have not had the opportunity to wield it since its removal. As a result of its brief availability, the majority of current Fortnite players have never experienced its formidable power. The weapon, a sniper rifle that utilizes Energy Cells as ammunition, has remained absent from the game, except for sporadic references in external media such as comics. However, this absence may soon end.

Leak Indicates Zapotron’s Possible Return

The revival of iconic weapons, items, and locations began with the launch of Fortnite OG in December. Players were excited to see familiar elements return to the game. Surprisingly, the Zapotron, being a relic from even before these earlier seasons, had not garnered much expectation for a revival. Nevertheless, influencer and leaker HYPEX recently announced via Twitter that the Zapotron is set to return to Fortnite OG in the near future. This announcement comes in light of a recent update that unexpectedly restored the weapon to the game files.

THE ZAPOTRON CONFIRMED RETURNING TO OG SOON ðŸ”¥ â€¢ Damage: 50-150 Body, 125-375 Head & 1,000 Builds â€¢ 2 seconds Charging Time for more Damage â€¢ Uses “Energy Cells” for Ammo pic.twitter.com/49D4ufly5C — HYPEX (@HYPEX) January 14, 2025

As noted, the Zapotron was re-inserted into the game’s files with the onslaught of new features in the January 14 update. This update not only introduced a mechanic allowing players to utilize festival instruments as pickaxes and back blings, but also featured a collaboration with Hatsune Miku.

While the exact timing of the Zapotron’s return remains uncertain, Fortnite OG Season 1 is slated to conclude on January 31 at 2 AM ET. Following this, the game will transition into Chapter 1 Season 2, bringing back an array of weaponry, locations, and features from the game’s early days. Considering its brief prior existence, how Epic plans to integrate the Zapotron into the current loot pool is still a mystery.

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