Fortnite’s v40.20 update has landed in Reload, bringing a brand-new map called Elite Stronghold into the fray. Described by Epic as “the personal fortress of the Elites, a cross-reality organization of only the smartest and most skilled warriors.” The map is a competitive playground with a distinct Nordic aesthetic, described by Epic as “snowy and rocky in the center, mossy fields dotted with pines on the outer edges, and a boggy area where the melt leaves behind that muddy vibe.” Let’s dive into what’s new and the free rewards you can get in Reload!
Major POIs
Elite Stronghold introduces a new “building kit” to Reload, which are a set of modular development tools they’ve created using new material types and props to piece together new structures that make up entire POIs! Here’s where you’ll be dropping in to loot up on the new map:
- Elite Armory: A sprawling complex with rare weapons and exotic loot inside.
- Top Tier Training: A high-end training facility with a combat room that changes every single match.
- Hostile Hold: A fortified prison with watchtowers, a yard, cell blocks, and all the typical commodities of a prison.
- Elite Experiments: Inspired loosely by Supernova Academy, but with a more industrial look.
- Chiseled Cubes: A former mining operation split between a surface and an underground.
Epic Games has also teased more secrets being hidden on the island, wanting the community to go find them!
New Weapons & Loot Galore!
The loot pool has been refreshed with a mix of older items returning and two new cube-themed weapons:
- Cube Rifle: Primary hitscan rail beam. Alt-fire launches a mini-cube that can be detonated with a mean for damage, knockback, and building destruction.
- Cube Splitter: Arrives next update (v40.30). Fast-firing SMG that sticks growing cubes to opponents. These cubes build up and detonate after a short delay.
Returning items on the island included the Holo Twister, the Wrecker Revolver, Combat SMG, and Gatekeeper Shotgun. Slapperoni Pizza and Seven Power Gloves from the current season of Battle Royale will be arriving in the next game update (v40.30) alongside the Cube Splitter SMG. Epic Games also teased secret “developer” chests hidden on the island.
Map Mastery Quests
A new set of Elite-themed Map Mastery quests are now live! These quests can be completed in any Unranked or Ranked Reload playlist. Rewards Include:
- Sprays: Jules the Fixer, Determined Daigo
- Emoticons: Stay Elite, Git Gud
- Wrap: Elite Issues
- Emote: Re-Loading
There’s also some side Elite Stronghold Kickstarter quests that unlock the maps Key Art as a loading screen. You’ll also be able to grab the new Seven ‘Brella Reloaded Glider by getting a Victory Royale in Unranked or Ranked modes. Keep in mind some Map Mastery quests won’t be completable until after the map rotation is enabled.
New Ranked Season
All reload ranks have been reset and some slight tweaks have been added. Elite and Champion tiers have been updated with a new color and three-tier rank system, which mirrors similar changes seen across Battle Royale. Reload Ranked now also has progression merged for both Zero Build and Build Mode players.
As expected, there’s new rewards for you to claim for entering matches at specific ranks, so here’s the deets:
- Gold: Tough Triggerfish Spray
- Platinum: Banner Icon
- Diamond: Triggerfish Alert Emoticon
- Elite: Reloaded Seven Axe Pickaxe
- Champion: Daigo’s Tech Wrap
- Unreal: Reloaded Seven Axe (Charged)
Map Rotation
Elite Stronghold is the only Reload map currently available, with Venture and Slurp Rush joining the map rotation on April 30th with the v40.30 Game update. It’s a meaty update indeed but with new weapons, a new map, and a fresh ranked refresh, it’s never been a better time to drop into the Elite Stronghold and see what secrets the Elites left for you to uncover.
