‘Fortnite’ update: Epic removes building from default mode, but players will be protected by ‘Overshield’

Updates included in “Fortnite” Chapter 3 Season 2 went live on Sunday, including some major changes in the gameplay. Epic Games has removed the building mechanism for now and introduced a new layer of protection called the Overshield.

The ability to build structures to set up covers or give players vantage points where there is none present has been one of the staple features of “Fortnite.” But Epic is shaking things up as the new season begins this week, including the temporary removal of building in the default mode.

“Building has been wiped out,” Epic wrote in the announcement post for the “Fortnite” Chapter 3 Season 2 launch. Following the server maintenance on Sunday, players started seeing a new loading screen which further confirms the gameplay change with the tagline “All Battle, No Building.”

The removal of the building option is linked to the development of the game’s lore in the new season. “It’s up to the Resistance to get it back. Jump in with your squad and help The Seven uncover the Imagined Orders nefarious plan,” the same “Fortnite” loading screen reads.

However, to keep players protected in battle, Epic also introduced the Overshield in “Fortnite” Chapter 3, Season 2. As the name suggests, it serves as an added layer of defense on top of the Shield and Health stats. Epic describes Overshield as the players’ “first line of defense,” which means when players take damage, the Overshield will take the brunt first before the Shield and Health stats are affected.

Epic said Overshield takes damage hits from similar factors as the typical Shield in “Fortnite.” But the Overshield will recharge on its own (even if it goes down to zero) once players do not take any hits for 6.5 seconds. Once the Overshield starts recharging, players can still move as Epic says recharging will not stop when players take storm and fall damage.

Note that the absence of building is only applied to the “Fortnite” default mode. Players in competitive and arena can still build structures after the update.

Sprinting also becomes the default movement speed, along with a new sprint meter that shows how much time players have to run at a faster pace. Epic also added the Mantling movement in “Fortnite,” which allows players to use their character’s hand to cling on the edge of a platform if their jump was not high enough to land on their feet.