Fortnite Season 6 biggest changes - what’s new for Fortnite Primal?

The new season is here, and with it the biggest Fortnite Season 6 changes have dropped. Jonesy and The Foundation have saved the island from the Zero Point, but at what cost? There are new locations, weapons, animals, and more as Fortnite goes Primal after crashing reality waves restructured the island, the rules, and just about anything else that couldn't get out the way of a fundamental restructuring of existence as we know it. Coming up we're going to take a look at the biggest Fortnite changes this has all caused, from the new points of interest, to new mechanics like crafting that can let you build your own weapons in the field.

New locations have appeared

new Fortnite map changes — (Image credit: Epic)

The most obvious change this season is the Spire - a massive tower at the center that currently contains the Foundation, who's sealed himself inside the Zero Point to save the island. However there's also a small device at the base where you can place an orb dropped by the new Tower Guardians for a high value loot reward. The reality waves that crashed out of this location have also affected two key areas - Salty Towers has now become Boney Burbs, while Colossal Colosseum is now Colossal Crops. You'll also find a number of smaller Spires around the map where you can find more Tower Guardians and a handy jump pad device to hurl you closer to the main Spire.

You can now craft weapons on the fly

Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 6 — (Image credit: Epic Games)

Weapons that have a hammer icon next to them can be crafted to upgrade them through a separate tab in your inventory, initially with either animal bones (from hunting wildlife) to make Primal weapons or mechanical parts (from destroying technology such as vehicles) to create more familiar precision weapons. At higher rarities you can also craft these with other items for additional effects, such as combining a rare Primal Bow with a jar of fireflies or a gas can to make a Flame Bow that can ignite wooden structures. Combining two animal bones and one meat allows you to craft a Hunter's Cloak, which will prevent animals from attacking you for a short time when activated.

Animals are roaming the island

In keeping with the Primal theme, there are now various animals roaming the island that can either be hunted or used to your advantage. These include wolves, warthogs, chickens, and frogs, and if you eliminate them they'll drop crafting items such as animal bones, along with meat that you can consume to regain health. If you run up to a chicken and follow the Grab prompt before it can escape, you'll grab it and hold it aloft, which allows you to jump higher and glide over a long distance without taking fall damage.

Rare Bunker Chests are available

The pulse that blasted across the island from the Zero Point may have wiped out a lot of the technology we're used to, but thankfully there were some preppers who foresaw an event such as this and stashed useful items in new Bunker Chests. Pop one open and you'll receive a powerful weapon of rare or legendary status, including items like a rocket launcher to put you in a strong position. These Bunker Chests are well hidden, and so far we've only found one in a house attic at Pristine Point near Steamy Stacks, but more will no doubt be uncovered soon.

There are lots of new and (un)vaulted weapons

Fortnite season 6 — (Image credit: Epic)

The way weapons work in Fortnite has been completely reworked this season, as crafting is now a huge component. You'll find Makeshift versions of basic guns, like your standard pistol or shotgun, as floor loot, but you can then upgrade these into either Primal or Mechanical weapons. These have different stats - Primal weapons tend to be more powerful while Mechanical ones have higher accuracy - but check the stats first to make sure you're getting the right one. When it comes to the vault, a few classics have been reintroduced to the game, including the Pump Shotgun. Meanwhile, the Sniper Rifle has been placed in the vault, alongside two Assault Rifle variants and three Shotguns.

Defeat Spire Guardians for a reward

At various locations around the island you'll find smaller spires protruding from the ground, and each of these is protected by a Spire Guardian. Although they move quickly and have shields, they aren't too difficult to eliminate with a decent weapon, and once beaten they drop a glowing orb. This can only be carried rather than stashed in your inventory which prevents you from using weapons while moving it, however you can jump higher and float through the air while holding it. If you take it all the way to The Spire in the center of the island and slot it into one of the glowing holes, you'll be rewarded with the Spire Jumpboots, which are a mythic item that lets you chain three jumps of increasing height together then deploy your glider on the third jump if timed correctly.

Lara Croft joins the Battle Pass

Iconic character Lara Croft joins the roster of hunters for Season 6, and is unlocked at Level 15 of the Battle Pass. She's part of the Gaming Legends Series, and additional outfit styles can be unlocked - the 25th Anniversary style at Battle Pass Level 22, and Classic style (think PS1 era) by completing 31 of the weekly Epic Quests. You can also meet Lara Croft as an NPC character in the game, by heading to Stealthy Stronghold. Other new characters included in the Battle Pass this season are Tarana (Level 29), Raz (Level 50), Cluck (Level 61), Rebirth Raven (Level 77), and Spire Assassin (Level 100).

Prop Disguises are back

Fortnite now lets you disguise yourself as a prop in the main game to outwit your opponents. To get one you need to find and talk to certain NPC characters who can offer you a Prop Disguise for 75 gold. What you'll get seems to be random, and it isn't cheap but it can certainly help you get the drop on nearby enemies. Watch out though, because as soon as you chug a shield potion or fire a weapon the disguise will disappear. You can still open chests, doors, and pick things up, but make sure you don't drop your disguise before you're definitely ready to move on.