The biggest changes in Fortnite Season 3 of Chapter 5

Fortnite Season 3 of Chapter 5
(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Season 3 is here, so it's time to start exploring the wasteland and see what Wrecked has to offer. This theme is a far cry from last season's shiny Olympian gods, with a distinctly dark and grimy vibe taking over the south side of the island. Prepare to see heavily modded vehicles racing over the sands in Mad Max style scenes, while the Brotherhood of Steel also make an appearance in the Battle Pass thanks to to the Fallout crossover taking place in Fortnite. There have been some significant adjustments made, so here's what you need to know about the biggest changes in Season 3 of Fortnite.

Part of the island has become a wasteland in Fortnite Season 3

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Following the sandstorm that rolled in as part of the latest Fortnite live event, a new biome has been formed in the south of the island known as the wasteland. This includes several new POIs that are home to the Wasteland Warriors, when they're not patrolling the area in a deadly convoy. You'll find The Machinist at Redline Rig, Ringmaster Scarr in the Nitrodrome, and Megalo Don at Brutal Beachhead.

Wasteland Warriors are the new bosses

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Whether you encounter them in the POIs mentioned above or out on patrol, there are three new Wasteland Warrior bosses to fight. Once defeated, each will drop a Mythic weapon along with one of the Fortnite Medallions granting a special power, which will mark you on your opponents' map while carrying it. The weapons and medallions available are as follows:

  • The Machinist (Redline Rig)
    • The Machinist's Medallion - regenerate Shield over time
    • The Machinist's Combat Assault Rifle.
  • Megalo Don (Brutal Beachhead)
    • Megalo Don's Medallion - infinite Nitro
    • Megalo Don's Nitro Fists
  • Ringmaster Scarr (Nitrodrome)
    • Ringmaster Scarr's Medallion - infinite ammo plus small damage buff
    • Ringmaster's Boom Bolt

There are new weapons to pack a punch

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 new weapons

(Image credit: Epic Games)

As always with a fresh season, there are Fortnite new weapons to discover and get to grips with. The standout additions are the Nitro Fists, which can be used to deliver a triple punch combo along with powerful uppercuts and aerial punches, and the Boom Bow which rapidly fires explosive bolts making it great for taking down vehicles. Along with the returning weapons, Oscar's Frenzy Auto Shotgun has been unvaulted, suggesting that character is making a comeback.

Nitro provides a new and powerful boost

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Nitro Splash and Nitro Barrels can be found all over the island, and they offer a powerful boost when activated. Nitro Splash can be carried then thrown to infuse yourself or a vehicle with Nitro power, while Nitro Barrels provide the same effect when contacted before flying off and exploding. Players who have been Nitro-fied benefit from increase movement speed, reduced stamina consumption, fall damage immunity, faster reloading speed, plus an explosive bash power dealing damage and knockback when moving quickly. Nitro-fied vehicles, on the other hand, will gain increased driving speed, decreased fuel consumption, buffs to attached attack mods, plus an explosive ram power dealing damage and knockback when driving quickly.

War Buses are now patrolling the island

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Watch out for the two War Buses that are now being driven around the island by patrollers, as they are a powerful mobile weapon if you can successfully hijack one of them. Not only do they have two cannons mounted on the roof, but by sounding the horn you'll emit an EMP pulse that damaged the Shields of nearby enemies while temporarily disabling and vehicles it hits, with the pulse recharging after a short time.

A Fallout crossover is taking place

Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3 Fallout crossover

(Image credit: Epic Games)

We know that a Fallout crossover is taking place in Fortnite Season 3, and thanks to a previous teaser clip we've already seen the Fortnite T-60 Power Armor in action along with what appears to be a laser rifle. You can also pick up the new Nuka-Cola recovery item, which will instantly restore some HP while also adding some Shield over time.

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Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 550 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.