Epic is bringing back Glider Redeployment but in an itemized form this time. Our guide to Fortnite Glider Redeployment will walk you through how this new item will work! We've got stack size information, as well as how it will work in large team modes such as Soaring 50s and other gameplay styles.
Why are They Doing This?
This is a good question, I'm not sure why they insist on continuing to try to implement this into the game. This does seem like kind of a half-measure, but potentially gives them better ways to balance it. They discuss this in the official post:
The goal with the item is to provide mobility and utility, but in a form that can be balanced and iterated upon. By implementing glider redeploy as an item we can iterate on multiple different levels (i.e. redeploy height, movement speed, drop chance, charge count), including inventory slot tension. - Source
They do have a point that this will make it easier to balance. However, this feels like it will largely clutter up the item pool and kind of seems like a clunky solution to the problem. With the amount of mobility in the game already, it does seem a bit unnecessary at this point.
Release Date
The Itemized Glider Redeployment item was released in the 7.20v patch on Tuesday, January 15th 2019.
What Does Itemized Glider Redeployment Mean?
This does seem a bit more complicated on its face than it actually should be. What this mean is that there will now be an item in the game that you can get from floor loot, chests, vending machines, and supply llamas. This will take up a slot in your inventory which Epic calls "inventory slot tension." What does that mean? Well, it means you are going to have to decide whether or not it's worth it to hold the item for the benefit of being able to redeploy your glider at any given moment.
The goal with the item is to provide mobility and utility, but in a form that can be balanced and iterated upon. By implementing glider redeploy as an item we can iterate on multiple different levels (i.e. redeploy height, movement speed, drop chance, charge count), including inventory slot tension. - Source
Glider Redeployment Item Stack Sizes
When you have the item in your inventory you will only be able to use it a limited amount of times. Think of this like using the Grappler. Each time you deploy your glider via the item it is reduced by one charge. The item starts with 10 charges as detailed by Eric Williamson, Design Lead on Fortnite Battle Royale:
For those asking, initial stack size will be 10 (and higher for LTMs with redeploy). We'll be continually evaluating the balance of this amount over time. - Source
However, if you are playing in a mode like Soaring 50s, the item will be different. First, you start with the item in your inventory. Second, it will have 50 charges instead of the standard 10. You will then have to decide during the game whether or not you will want to hold onto the item. It still takes up a slot and will limit you to four other options and makes carrying shields or any extras pretty limited.
When you drop from the Battle Bus you will automatically be granted a Glider item with 50 charges. (This counts as being put into Skydiving mode which will not consume a charge of the Glider item.) - Source
How Do Launch Pads and Rifts Work?
That's a good question! If you jump on a Launch Pad, into a Rift, or respawn in an LTM they will NOT consume a charge of your redeployment glider. There is something called "skydiving mode" that does not immediately deploy your glider when you are in the air, so it does not take away a use of the item.
Use of Launch Pads, Rifts-to-Go, and LTM respawns will not consume a charge, as these put you in Skydiving mode. - Source
Other Notes on the New Glider Redeploy Item
- Just like other limited use items, once you've used all of the charges the item will automatically disappear.
- You do NOT need to select the item to use it. This will be just like the jetpack, as long as it's in your inventory you can use it as normal without selecting it.
Published: Jan 14, 2019 10:49 am