Epic Games is bringing Christmas cheer to their player base with the release of Fortnite Patch V7.10. The patch introduces the 14 days of Fortnite limited time event, which gives players access to new skins, items, and game modes. On top of this, Fortnite Patch V7.10 also includes a few gameplay changes — such as a nerf to Heavy Assault Rifles.

Nerfs

Heavy Assault Rifles

• Increased ADS accuracy bonus by 10%
• Increased accuracy while standing still by 10%
• Reduced vertical recoil by 6%
• Base accuracy reduced by 30%
• Reduced accuracy while jumping and falling by 60%

Now you are probably thinking, “how is this a nerf when the weapon class has received some accuracy increases?”

Well, the key changes to look at here are the 30% base accuracy nerf and players experiencing 60% reduced accuracy while jumping (and falling) — these are massive nerfs. This is most likely in response to gamers complaining about how accurate the heavy assault rifles were with hip fire.

The new adjustments in Fortnite Patch V7.10 will encourage players to ADS to get the most out of the class now, rather than spray and pray. Not having to worry about getting randomly shot in the head from the hip will be less frustrating for their opponents to deal with as well.

Stormwings

• Stormwings now take 50% more damage from hitting objects.
• Boosting now reduces the damage taken from impacts by 50%, previously boosting prevented all impact damage.
• Damage done to players that are in a Stormwing when it’s shot down has been increased from 25 to 50.
• Damage is dealt directly to health.
• Stormwings will now take more damage from destroying structures by running through them.

This is a big nerf. Stormwings are no longer safe killing machines in the sky. Fortnite Patch V7.10 has turned this feared plane into a high risk, high reward vehicle. There are no changes to the damage it deals, but you will be punished by players that try to shoot you down. Additionally, poor piloting will bring a stiffer penalty. So make sure you are a savvy pilot if you decide to get in one of these, otherwise if you hit a tree too hard…you will most likely blow up.

14 Days of Fortnite Breakdown

• The event will allow players to unlock a new reward (such as an emote or skin) every single day if they complete daily challenges. A gingerbread man backpack is available as a reward!
• The holidays will be represented all around the map with a new legendary bush that looks like a Christmas tree, a holiday-themed Battle Bus and a merry new weapon known as the Snowball Launcher!
• Each day there will be a new or returning Limited Time Mode (LTM) — returning favorites, such as Sniper Shootout, will make an appearance. There will also be a new holiday-themed mode based around the Snowball Launcher.
• The older fan favorite holiday skins, (such as the Nutcracker skin) will return to the shop. And new skins — which includes a menacing burnt gingerbread man — will become available.
• Save the World mode now has an updated winter map and it includes new holiday quests. There will also be a free upgrade llama piñata in the store each day of the event!

Other General Gameplay changes

Fortnite Patch V7.10 also brings some other minor changes (that include the usual bug fixes). The Balloon controls were improved, which is a big sigh of relief to players who sometimes found it frustrating to release balloons.

Also, elite drivers will now be rewarded as players will no longer take damage if they stick a landing on all four wheels. Ground vehicles will now actually slide on the ice as well. Think twice, or you’ll end up on thin ice.

For a more detailed look at the patch notes see the official release here.