Fortnite: Chapter 4 – Season 3: Is the Pump Shotgun Back?

There are few weapons in Fortnite that are more feared and beloved than the iconic Pump Shotgun, a heavy hitting weapon that was probably the strongest item across the game for many seasons, right from the launch of Battle Royale. However, it’s been vaulted for many seasons now, but with a new season launch being a good opportunity to freshen up the loot pool, fans are probably wondering if the Pump is back for Chapter 4 – Season 3.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your opinion of getting instakilled), the Pump Shotgun does not return for Chapter 4 – Season 3 and remains vaulted. The Drum Shotgun has been unvaulted instead however, and even has a Mythic version to find at a rifted in POI. It’s an equally annoying shotgun that can quickly evaporate health and shields, so hunt it down and get to blasting.

The last time the Pump Shotgun was in Fortnite was all the way back in Chapter 2 – Season 5 over two years ago. It’s clear that Epic is unhappy with how heavily the meta skewed towards the weapon, as so many eliminations were thanks to the Pump due to its one-hit headshot nature. The Pump was effectively anti-new player, as it’d prove frustrating for a newer player to come up against someone with a Pump and immediately be returned to the lobby. Games like Fortnite need new players to keep their numbers going up, so it does make sense.

If you’re disappointed that there’s no Pump in Fortnite still after so many years, you can always jump into any of the game’s Creative modes and try it out in many of the different maps. There are even special maps just for more competitive players that allow you to use the Pump to your heart’s content.

Fortnite is free-to-play on PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Android.

MORE FORTNITE: Fortnite: When Is The Next Update?