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New map, boat battles, fishing, swimming! Fortnite: Chapter 2 is finally here

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Nearly 48 hours ago, the original map used in Fortnite was destroyed, the game left unplayable. Since then, Epic Games has remained suspiciously silent surrounding what happens next. Fortunately, the wait is finally over, and the popular battle royale title has been rebooted, taking on the official name of Fortnite Chapter 2.

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As you can probably guess, Fortnite Chapter 2 introduces a ton of new content into the free-to-play title; most importantly, it adds a brand-new map for players to duke it out as they fight for the title of sole survivor. Based on the original reveal trailer, the new island is exceptionally lush and spacious, with plenty of forests, mountains, and lakes as far as the eye can see. Of course, one of the few constants in Fortnite is change, so we are expecting future seasons to change the island’s appearance. The video also shows the notable return of the flying battle bus that carries players into the fight.

First drop on the island | Fortnite Chapter 2 First Game
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Scavenger Medal | Fortnite Chapter 2 First Game
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Lake house | Fortnite Chapter 2 First Game
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Hiding in bush | Fortnite Chapter 2 First Game
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As previously speculated, Chapter 2 also delivers new ways to play the game with the debut of a few new activities such as fishing and swimming. Or, if you are into hiding during the match, the latest update now allows you to duck in dumpsters of haystacks. Modern vehicles have also been introduced, such as boats and pogo sticks (I wish I were kidding about that last part).

There are also new multiplayer emotes that allow you to collaborate with your friends to pull off slick new moves in the battle zone. As far as new weapons go, the update introduces a common variant of the rocket launcher and a semi-automatic pistol, to name a couple.

Fishing cinematic | Fortnite Chapter 2 First Game
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like previous seasons, a new battle pass is up for purchase for 950 V-Bucks. Players who purchase the battle pass can earn bonuses such as new character skins, including this new blue blobby character (above). While it remains similar to previous battle passes, Fortnite Chapter 2 – Season 1’s battle pass makes tweaks to progression. It allows you to earn an additional 1,500 V-Bucks from completing tasks, as well as more leisurely ways to gain experience by allowing you to do various tasks, including killing opponents or opening chests.

Our first 20 minutes of Fortnite: Chapter 2 raw gameplay.
Taylor Lyles
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Based out of Baltimore, Maryland, Taylor is a contributing writer for Digital Trends covering the latest news in the computer…
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