Is the TAC Shotgun Back in Fortnite?
The Tactical Shotgun, fondly known as the TAC Shotgun, has been a fan favorite in Fortnite for quite some time. With its high damage output and relatively low fire rate, it has been a popular choice among players looking for a reliable and efficient way to take down their opponents. However, due to the ever-changing landscape of Fortnite’s meta and balance changes, the TAC Shotgun has had its ups and downs. But is it back in the game? Let’s take a closer look.
A Brief History of the TAC Shotgun
Released in Fortnite’s early seasons, the TAC Shotgun was one of the game’s original weapons. Its performance was praised by players, and it quickly became a staple in many loadouts. Over time, its stats and balance changed with various updates, leading to it being nerfed in 2018 to encourage players to use other shotguns.
Why is the TAC Shotgun significant?
The TAC Shotgun has played a significant role in Fortnite’s meta over the years. Its performance, both in terms of damage and range, makes it a versatile weapon. It can be used both as a close-quarters powerhouse and a mid-range scrapper. Here are some reasons why the TAC Shotgun is significant:
• High damage output: With 120/95 damage per shot to the body/head, respectively, the TAC Shotgun is capable of taking down opponents quickly and efficiently.
• Long range: Despite its shotguns classification, the TAC Shotgun has an effective range of over 15 meters, making it viable for mid-range combat.
• Fast reload**: Its reload time is relatively short, allowing players to get back into the fray quickly after taking cover or getting knocked.
The RISE and FALL of the TAC Shotgun
With its impressive stats, it’s no wonder the TAC Shotgun was a go-to weapon for many players. However, its dominance eventually led to balance changes designed to promote diversity in weapons. In 2018, Epic Games, Fortnite’s developer, nerfed the TAC Shotgun to reduce its overall effectiveness. This led to a decline in its usage and popularity.
New Life for the TAC Shotgun?
Recent patch notes and community reports indicate that the TAC Shotgun has been reworked and rebalanced. With its damage output reduced and fire rate increased, it’s no longer an instant-kill weapon at close range. This might sound like a setback, but some players and pro players argue that these changes make the TAC Shotgun more viable in specific situations.
New Perks and Changes
The reworked TAC Shotgun brings a few new perks to the table:
• Reduced damage: At 80/60 damage per shot to the body/head, respectively, it’s not as one-hit-kill as before.
• Increased fire rate: With a rate of fire increased to 4.5 shots per second, it’s easier to quickly take out enemies at close range.
• Improved range: While its effective range is still around 15 meters, the TAC Shotgun now has a significantly increased pellet spread** at longer ranges, allowing it to be used effectively against opponents at medium to close range.
Return of the TAC Shotgun: Pros and Cons
While the reworked TAC Shotgun has its strengths, it also has its weaknesses:
Pros:
• Faster and more versatile: Its increased fire rate and expanded pellet spread make it suitable for mid-range and close-quarters combat.
• High damage output: It can still deal significant damage to opponents, especially in tight spaces.
• Better at medium ranges: With its increased pellet spread, the TAC Shotgun can now be used more effectively against opponents at distances up to 10 meters.
Cons:
• Reduced lethality: Its damage output is no longer one-shot kill at close range.
• Increased skill gap: With its faster fire rate, players will need to have better aim and control to effectively use it.
• Still less powerful than other shotguns: Other shotguns like the Heavy Shotgun and pump shotgun have higher damage outputs, making them more reliable at close range.
Conclusion
The TAC Shotgun’s return to the fray brings a fresh layer of strategy to Fortnite combat. While it’s no longer an instant-kill weapon, its versatility, range, and high damage output make it a worthy addition to any loadout. Whether or not the TAC Shotgun has found a new home remains to be seen. However, with its balance changes and reworked statistics, it’s sure to remain a popular choice for many players.
Statistics Table:
| Shotgun | Damage per Shot | Rate of Fire | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAC Shotgun | 80/60 (body/head) | 4.5 shots/s | 15 meters (with pellet spread) |
| Heavy Shotgun | 150/120 (body/head) | 3.5 shots/s | 5 meters (at best) |
| Pump Shotgun | 100/80 (body/head) | 2.5 shots/s | 8 meters (at best) |
What do you think? Has the reworked TAC Shotgun won you over? Do you still prefer other shotguns or weapons? Let us know in the comments!
This article has discussed the history, significance, and recent changes to the Tactical Shotgun in Fortnite, addressing the question "Is the TAC Shotgun back in Fortnite?" While the answer is yes, the TAC Shotgun’s viability in the current meta remains dependent on various factors, such as playstyle, situational awareness, and opposition.
