The melee meta is getting old, but where could Fortnite go next?

One of the most exciting aspects of Fortnite is that it constantly changes, and the competitive meta updates in every season. In recent years, Epic Games has introduced more and more melee weapons that prioritise short-range combat.

Not only can melee weapons deal massive amounts of damage quickly, but they often come equipped with speed or jump buffs that take Fortnite’s combat to the next level. The melee meta is getting old, so we’re going to explore where the third-person shooter could go next.

When Fortnite: Battle Royale first launched in 2017, melee weapons were rare. It was only recently that Epic Games started to implement new swords and sabres into the mix each season, which has been especially common throughout Chapter 6.

Season 1 introduced the Typhoon Blade, allowing players to move faster and take out melee-range targets in seconds. Then, Chapter 6’s second season added the Kneecapper, a baseball bat that can send foes flying in a target direction. Season 2 also had a variety of Mortal Kombat items for fans who prefer using their fists over a sword.

The current season of Fortnite is focused entirely on Star Wars and its characters, so lightsabers are a focal point. Outside of their special force abilities, the lightsabers found in the Star Wars season are quite similar to the Typhoon Blade from Chapter 6: Season 1.

Here are a few of the strongest melee weapons from Fortnite: Chapter 6.

Melee weapons aren’t bad for the esports scene on their own, but Epic’s focus on adding new close-combat options in every season makes it difficult for other weapon types to compete. 

Though there are guns and throwables in each season, most are easily overshadowed because the Typhoon Blade or the lightsabers simply offer more perks. Melee combat is also more chaotic compared to firefights, so a player’s overall skill level has been less important in recent esports competitions.

For years, Fortnite’s meta revolved around snipers, shotguns, and assault rifles, so pro players have had to completely rethink their strategy for competitions where melee weapons are involved. Another consideration is how melee weapons affect build battles, as building is Fortnite’s key mechanic at the end of the day.

Some melee weapons can destroy player builds, like the Force Throw ability on Darth Maul’s lightsaber. Due to the speed boost and high damage offered by melee weapons, most guns can’t compete, which creates a less exciting and diverse competition overall. In the long term, this could result in fewer viewers for major tournaments.

There are many possible steps that Epic could take to dismantle the melee meta. Removing melee combat entirely isn’t the only way to restore balance in Fortnite. Nerfing the damage of the season’s primary melee options while also buffing the most powerful ranged weapons could be a solution that’s fair for all play styles.

Snipers aren’t always an effective counter for swords and lightsabers, as the melee speed boost makes it hard to hit enemies. As such, the solution to level the playing field will be to introduce more submachine guns and assault rifles. SMGs allow players to blast a melee attacker as they approach, defeating the foe before they can make contact with your character.

SMGs need not only a damage increase to compete with melee weapons but also special effects that boost speed and manoeuvrability. The Typhoon Blade significantly increases the user’s sprint speed at the cost of its durability, so perhaps unique SMGs could be granted the same bonuses.

Sniper rifles are also a fun weapon type in competitive Fortnite, as it’s interesting to see who can hit their target with impressive precision. Currently, it’s hard for players to prioritise a sniper play style since hitting combatants holding melee weapons is difficult due to the speed boost.

Adding movement speed boosts to a unique SMG would be an especially effective way to balance the loot pool. If melee weapons are nerfed and snipers or SMGs receive a boost, then a firearm meta could emerge once again in Fortnite.

Though melee weapons have offered a fun diversion from Fortnite’s typical formula, the close-combat meta should come to an end soon to allow other weapon types to shine. Between shotguns, sniper rifles, and even vehicles, there are plenty of other ways to deal damage that provide a more interesting experience for esports fans watching at home.

When the next season of Chapter 6 launches on June 8, hopefully, there will be less melee action and more focus on firearms, as Fortnite’s combat needs a shift soon to shake up the meta that’s been dominating throughout all of 2025.