Fortnite 12.40 Patch Notes: What you need to know

The Fortnite version 12.40 update is here and brings important changes, including some precursors and info about Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 3. Here is everything Fortnite players need to know about the Fortnite patch note.

When it comes to map changes, there are some features to be on the lookout for. Shark has been rebuilt and the island is now a prison. It also appears that a prisoner has escaped. Whether this change will play a role in the next live event and the Fortnite story is yet to be seen. In Lazy Lakes, the No Sweat Insurance company opened a new location. This new building should bring back some memories for longtime Fortnite players. In Weeping Woods, players can now find an underground bunker of sorts. This small addition includes a jail cell filled with teddy bears and gnomes on a dance floor. Underwater capsules surrounding The Agency have also begun to glow, likely a precursor to an upcoming live event. It seems this event will take place before the start of Fortnite Season 3. Fans can check out these map changes and more in the video below.

Fortnite Patch 12.40 Brings Stability

In terms of gameplay changes, there isn’t much to look at. One change that will have a substantial effect in competitive play is the addition of “pings” on the compass when shots are fired in your vicinity. This mechanic acts similarly to audio visualization, but without the loss of 3D audio. When players hear shots, they can look at the compass to see exactly where they came from. Competitive players need to learn to use this new change to their advantage.

This Fortnite update also lets players pick up giant teddy bears. These stuffed animals are part of an ongoing mini-story about the gnomes fighting with the teddy bears found around the map. There isn’t much to do with the new bears but creative players will likely find some way to use or exploit them.

Epic Games also fixed a number of bugs. This means players will finally see the return of grenades to the loot pool. But Grenades will not be a part of the loot pool in competitive game modes in order to ensure consistency for the duration of this season’s Fortnite Championship Series.

With the release of v12.40, the Grenade has been re-enabled in non-competitive playlists.

— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) April 15, 2020

Bug Fixes

Other bug fixes have been resolved in the Fortnite patch notes 12.40. Here’s a list of all the fixes from the Fortnite Trello board.

Visualized audio icons no longer flash.
Controller vibration issues have also been resolved.
Midas’ Golden Touch now turns items golds upon picking them up the first time.
Players can now interact with Ollie and complete Skye’s Adventure Challenge.
Skye’s “Pull a player or Henchman with a Harpoon Gun” Challenge now works with Henchmen.

There are a few other additions, or lack of additions, to the game that affect Battle Royale indirectly. The Spy Games mode received a new weapon, the dual suppressed pistols. Although they are currently exclusive to the game mode, there’s a chance they will be added to BR in the future.

Image credit to Gamepedia.

Unfortunately, it seems the leaked Choppa counter-weapon will not be a part of this Fortnite update. The new rocket launcher, likely added soon, can specifically target a Choppa, damaging helicopters and grounding enemies. Codenamed “MistyBop”, this weapon was in the update files earlier this month.

It’s worth noting that Epic Games also announced that Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 2 will be extended. This means that fans may see another in-game event before the launch of Fortnite Season 3.

Chapter 2 – Season 2 has been extended.

Plenty more coming this season: fresh gameplay, new Challenges, bonus XP & more!

Additional info here: https://t.co/H5Obesm3qf

— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) April 14, 2020