Fortnite’s new Lock-On assault rifle, introduced in Chapter 7, has become a polarizing addition to the battle royale, failing both as a beginner-friendly tool and as a balanced weapon in high-level play.
The Problem with “Auto-Aim” Mechanics
Fortnite is notoriously difficult for casual players. Between players who have mastered shockwave jumps and those with pro-level headshot accuracy, merely reaching the final five is a significant milestone. The joy of the game lies in the tension of that final circle—knowing you outplayed your opponents through skill and positioning.
The Lock-On rifle threatens that dynamic by removing the fundamental requirement of aiming. The weapon locks onto targets in four stages, with each stage firing a three-round burst. While it sounds like a boon for newcomers, it is fundamentally flawed. Its base damage is a meager 10 per bullet; even with a full lock-on, you only deal 120 damage. By the time you’ve finished charging the shot, your opponent has likely already built cover or turned to eliminate you with a more reliable weapon.
A Counter-Intuitive Tool for Combat
While the rifle might seem designed for those who struggle with their aim, its low damage output makes it a liability in almost every direct engagement. If you catch an enemy by surprise, you are better off using a standard Deadeye assault rifle, which offers higher damage potential even if your aim isn’t perfect.
Its only real utility appears to be as a “finishing” weapon against players using shockwaves to flee. Epic Games has voiced concerns about players escaping engagements too easily, and the Lock-On rifle acts as a direct counter to this mobility. However, this feels like an unfair punishment. Mobility items are essential for survival, and by allowing shots to land automatically, Epic is effectively stripping players of the chance to turn a losing 1v1 battle around.
Rewarding Passive Playstyles
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the Lock-On rifle is how it encourages “third-partying.” In solo modes, being attacked by a player who wasn’t part of your initial fight is already a pain point. With the Lock-On, that player doesn’t even need to be skilled; they simply need line of sight to wait for two players to weaken each other before swooping in for an effortless kill.
The rifle forces players to carry an extra weapon, sacrificing a slot that could have been used for better mobility items. If the community embraces this, matches risk becoming less dynamic, with players camping at a distance rather than engaging in active combat. Fortunately, the player base has been vocal about their dislike for the weapon, and usage rates remain low.
The Lock-On rifle occupies an awkward middle ground: it is too weak to be a viable primary for beginners and too frustrating to be buffed for competitive play. It is time for Epic to move this weapon to the vault and leave it there permanently.
