I’m tired of running the same Fortnite loadout—both SMGs and snipers need a major buff

January 28, 2026 3 Min Read

0 0

I’m tired of running the same Fortnite loadout—both SMGs and snipers need a major buff

For too long, the combination of assault rifle and shotgun has been dominant in Fortnite. Each time I update our list of best weapons, these two are consistently ranked at the top, especially if the assault rifle is equipped with a red-dot sight. Despite some tweaks, the scoped Deadeye AR stands out as the top gun this season. Only a few overpowered revolvers shook up the meta in 2025, but the Wrecker revolver essentially functioned like a shotgun. It’s too early to make a final judgment about Fortnite in 2026, but I’m enjoying the new Chapter 7 map, even though I miss shockwaves. However, the repetitiveness of using the same loadout combinations is starting to feel dull.

Fortnite Chapter 7: Pacific Break. — (Image credit: Epic Games)

There is no easy solution, but I believe that a key part of it lies in focusing on two underrated and overlooked classes of weapons: SMGs and Snipers. The last standout SMG, the Thunder Burst from Chapter 5 in 2024, was accurate, adaptable, and powerful. However, since then, SMGs have fallen behind rifles in medium-range combat and shotguns in close-quarters battles. They are most effective when used as a secondary weapon to cover the gaps between shotgun shots. Carrying three weapons can limit your mobility and reduce your chances of success.

SMGs should be designed to have low recoil, high damage output, accurate hipfire, and limited range. They should not try to compete with assault rifles over long distances, and shotguns should still prevail in close combat. However, SMGs should excel in the in-between spaces, offering a versatile option for players who adopt a strategic approach to distances. Currently, this style of play is not as viable.

The Surgefire SMG in Fortnite. — (Image credit: Epic Games)

To make them more powerful, it may be necessary to increase all their stats significantly – higher damage, less recoil, and larger magazines. I don’t mind making them overpowered at all. If they end up being top-tier weapons, they would just be on par with any red-dot assault rifle in the game.

However, simply buffing them may not be enough. The issue lies in the fact that assault rifles are extremely strong in their current state. Despite being a fan of the Holo Twister from Chapter 6, I acknowledge that their accuracy, fast firing rates, and effective hipfire abilities make them versatile in various situations. They are effective at both long and close ranges, allowing players to carry only two weapons and focus on other items for end-game advantages like mobility or portable cover.

In addition to boosting SMGs overall, I suggest that Epic Games decrease the fire rate of assault rifles and make their hipfire less accurate. It could be similar to the Spire Rifle from Chapter 6 Season 3, which was powerful on long distances but had limitations in close combat due to its slow fire rate.

One shot, one kill

One of the reasons ARs have been so dominant for a long time is because there hasn’t been a good sniper rifle available. Last year, there were a lot of mediocre DMRs and scoped rifles that didn’t make an impact in the meta, leaving players who enjoy playing at long distances with limited choices.

I believe we need to increase the damage output of the Vengeful Sniper Rifle and other weapons in Fortnite to make the gameplay more exciting and engaging. Implementing new and innovative sniper rifles and SMGs could attract old players back to the game and provide opportunities for Epic designers to be creative with unique weapon features, similar to what was seen in the Simpsons mini-season with unconventional weapons. This could potentially enhance the overall gameplay experience for players.