Fortnite Ballistic Arsenal Update #2: New Weapons, Map, and Skins Arrive on April 8, 2025

Epic Games is set to release the highly anticipated Arsenal Update #2 for Fortnite's tactical 5v5 first-person shooter mode, Ballistic, on April 8, 2025. Revealed through a vibrant trailer shared by prominent Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR on X, this update brings an exciting array of new content to the growing tactical shooter experience.

Fortnite Update: New Weapons and Tactical Equipment

Burst Assault Rifle

The update introduces the Burst Assault Rifle (also referred to as the Striker Burst AR in some leaks), adding a new weapon dynamic to Ballistic's arsenal with its rapid-fire capabilities. This addition expands tactical options for players in firefights across the game's competitive matches.

Fire Grenade

A CSGO-style Molotov equivalent, the Fire Grenade adds a strategic area-denial tool to the game. This tactical equipment allows players to control space and flush out enemies, bringing new depth to Ballistic's tactical gameplay that draws inspiration from competitive shooters like Counter-Strike and Valorant.

Hammer Fall: Medieval "Shell Map" Debuts

A centerpiece of the update is "Hammer Fall," a medieval castle-themed battleground that emphasizes vertical gameplay for unique tactical experiences. Epic Games has designated this as a "shell map" - meaning it's being released in an early state without complete environmental art and finer details.

This early access approach allows Epic to gather player feedback quickly and refine the map based on community input, continuing the development strategy that has guided Ballistic since its December 2024 launch alongside Fortnite Chapter 6.

Hammer Fall provides a distinct alternative to the existing Skyline 10 map, offering fresh terrain for Ballistic's bomb-planting gameplay format where attackers aim to plant explosives while defenders work to prevent them.

Nite Unit Skins Coming to Item Shop

The update trailer also teases the release of the Nite Unit skins, which have been anticipated by the Fortnite community. These cosmetics were previously spotted in game files by leakers like ShiinaBR and FN_Assist, with some speculation connecting them to Fortnite's Chapter 5 LEGO collaboration.

While specific details remain limited, their inclusion in the trailer suggests players can expect them in the Item Shop shortly after the update launches, potentially with complementary cosmetics like Back Blings or Emotes.

Ballistic Mode: Evolution Since Launch

Since debuting in late 2024, Fortnite Ballistic has established itself as a unique offering within the Fortnite ecosystem. The mode even briefly surpassed the main battle royale in popularity at launch according to Gamerant, demonstrating its appeal to players seeking a competitive tactical shooter experience.

Epic Games has been transparent about Ballistic's early access status, using it to test new features while actively incorporating player feedback. The Arsenal Update #2 continues this development approach, with more maps, weapons, and gadgets promised throughout 2025.

Source: @HYPEX on X

Community Response and Broader Fortnite Plans

The announcement has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some players expressing excitement for the new content while others compare Ballistic's popularity to other Fortnite modes. Responses ranged from enthusiastic praise to questions about the mode's standing among Fortnite's various offerings.

The Arsenal Update #2 is part of a larger content schedule for Fortnite in April 2025, with leaks suggesting additional releases on the same day, including a Sabrina Carpenter Festival Season event and an Adventure Time collaboration featuring characters like Finn, Jake, Marceline, and Princess Bubblegum.

As players prepare for the April 8th update, Ballistic's growing tactical experience continues to showcase Epic Games' commitment to diversifying gameplay options within the Fortnite universe, catering to competitive shooter fans alongside its traditional battle royale audience.