Fortnite update brings customizable HUD, burst assault rifle

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Fortnite burst assault rifle
The new Burst assault rifle will help you gun down this challenge.
Photo: Epic Games

Fortnite Battle Royale’s latest update has hit the App Store. Players have a new burst assault rifle to enjoy, as well as a new limited-time game mode. Epic Games has also added the ability to customize the game’s heads-up display on iPhone and iPad.

But it’s not all good news.

Fortnite’s weekly updates ensure that there’s always something new to look forward to, and that the game feels fresh — even for those who play every day. This week’s update is a big one for mobile, adding a major feature players have been calling for.

Fortnite gets a customizable HUD on mobile

Don’t like the default mobile controls? Now you can do something about it. Enter the new HUD Layout Tool and place the virtual controls exactly where you want them. That includes the movement slider, the jump, crouch, and aim buttons, and even the inventory bar.

Fortnite customizable HUD on mobile
You can finally customize your controls in Fortnite on iOS.
Photo: Cult of Mac

You can use different customized layouts for both combat and build controls, and if you don’t like what you’ve changed, you can restore the default layout. Epic reminds us in its patch notes that “this is version 1.0, we’ll continue to build this out.”

Sadly, we still don’t have the option to ditch virtual controls and use a physical control pad, which many players are asking for. Here’s to hoping Epic adds this before Fortnite lands on Android, where players will be able to use third-party tweaks to add physical control support themselves.

Fortnite gets a new burst assault rifle

Players also have a new burst assault rifle to enjoy in epic and legendary varieties. It’s more powerful than the three-burst rifle, but not quite as powerful as the SCAR. It can be found on the floor, in chests, in supply drops, and in vending machines.

This week’s limited-time game is an improved Solid Gold mode, with the heavy shotgun and burst assault rifle added. All the weapons you pick up in this game mode will be legendary varieties, so you — and every player you encounter — will be as fierce as can be.

Finally, Epic promises bug fixes and performance improvements.

It’s not all good news

There’s one change in this update that’s not so good. Epic has now removed the button for the stats menu entirely. This menu was accessible in earlier versions of the game, but stats were “unavailable.” It later made the button inactive, but it was still there.

Now it has disappeared from the lobby menu, which suggests stats won’t be coming to mobile. This is hugely disappointing for players who like to keep track of their progress, and it means any wins you achieve on mobile won’t be added to your record.

We’re not sure why Epic would want to discount these. It could surprise us by bringing stats back later, but for now, it doesn’t look promising.

Fortnite version 4.2.0 is available now

You can download the latest Fortnite update from the App Store now. And if you’re a Battle Pass buyer, you can now complete the week three challenges to earn extra Battle Stars. For help and tips, check out our complete challenge guide.

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