Dominate the Island: The Best Weapons and Loadouts in Fortnite Battle Royale and Zero Build

Fortnite’s ever-changing weapon pool and meta can make it a challenge to build the perfect loadout. With new seasons and updates, the guns, utility items, and strategies that dominated yesterday might be obsolete today. As we navigate the chaos of Chapter 6, Season 4, understanding the current meta is crucial for securing a Victory Royale, whether you’re a seasoned builder or a Zero Build specialist. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the best weapons and loadouts, tailored for both playstyles.

The Current Weapon Meta: S-Tier Guns in Chapter 6 Season 4

The weapon loot pool has undergone a significant overhaul, with a few key weapons rising above the rest. When you’re dropping into the island, these are the guns you should be actively seeking out to give yourself the best chance of winning.

• Sentinel Pump Shotgun: The “old reliable” shotgun is back in a big way. With its massive burst damage and high headshot potential, the Sentinel is the undisputed king of close-quarters combat. While it’s slower-firing than other shotguns, a single, well-placed shot can end a fight instantly. It’s a must-have for both modes.
• O.X.R. Rifle: The best all-around assault rifle this season. The O.X.R. is a mid-to-long-range powerhouse with manageable recoil and solid damage. Its standout feature is a 1.75x headshot multiplier, which can be a game-changer in a firefight, making it an excellent choice for a primary weapon.
• Wrecker Revolver: This weapon is a jack-of-all-trades that has surprised many players. It can function like a powerful, short-range shotgun, but its tight spread when aimed down sights also makes it incredibly versatile at mid-range. Its high damage output makes it a must-carry for many pro players, especially in Zero Build.
• Swarmstrike Rocket Launcher: A new, terrifying addition to the game. The Swarmstrike fires a swarm of seven rockets in a single salvo, which can instantly shred builds and deal massive splash damage to enemies. A skilled player with this launcher and a mobility item can be an absolute menace in the final circles, especially in Zero Build where there is no escape from its explosive fury.
• Veiled Precision SMG: This suppressed SMG is a top-tier choice for shredding opponents up close. It boasts a high fire rate, a red dot sight for superior accuracy, and minimal recoil, making it easy to land headshots. It’s the perfect companion to a shotgun for quickly finishing off opponents or applying pressure.

The Best Loadouts for Fortnite Battle Royale (Build Mode)

In Build Mode, your loadout needs to be a perfect blend of offense and defense. Your weapons are important, but so are your utility and mobility items for navigating the battlefield and outmaneuvering your opponents. A standard, pro-level loadout should look something like this:

Loadout #1: The Aggressive Rusher

• Slot 1: Sentinel Pump Shotgun (For devastating close-range damage)
• Slot 2: Veiled Precision SMG (For follow-up damage and wall-taking)
• Slot 3: O.X.R. Rifle (For mid-to-long-range engagements)
• Slot 4: Mobility Item (Shockwave Grenades or Grappler)
• Slot 5: Healing Item (Mini Shields and Med-Kits)

This loadout is built for speed and aggression. The combination of the Sentinel Pump and the Veiled Precision SMG allows you to dominate any close-quarters fight. The mobility item is crucial for both pushing opponents and escaping sticky situations. The O.X.R. Rifle is your versatile option for everything else.

Loadout #2: The All-Rounder

• Slot 1: O.X.R. Rifle (Your primary weapon for most situations)
• Slot 2: Sentinel Pump Shotgun (For close-range fights)
• Slot 3: Swarmstrike Rocket Launcher (For endgame build pressure and area denial)
• Slot 4: Mobility Item (Crash Pads or Shockwaves)
• Slot 5: Healing Item (Splashes or Med-Mist for quick heals)

This loadout is for players who prefer to stay at a distance and pick their fights carefully. The Swarmstrike is a game-changer in the endgame, capable of destroying entire builds and forcing enemies out of their cover. The O.X.R. is your workhorse, and the Sentinel Pump is your close-range safety net.

The Best Loadouts for Fortnite Zero Build

Zero Build requires a completely different approach. With no building to fall back on, mobility and utility items become even more important for survival. The best weapons are those that can quickly eliminate an opponent or destroy their cover, like a Ballistic Shield or a Rocket Launcher. A typical Zero Build loadout focuses on a weapon for every range.

Loadout #1: The Sniper’s Delight

• Slot 1: O.X.R. Rifle (For medium-range versatility)
• Slot 2: Sentinel Pump Shotgun (For close-range encounters)
• Slot 3: Heavy Sniper Rifle (For long-range eliminations and cover destruction)
• Slot 4: Mobility Item (Shockwave Grenades or Grappler)
• Slot 5: Healing Item (Big Potions or Splashes)

In Zero Build, a sniper is a must-carry for many top players. The ability to instantly eliminate an opponent from a safe distance is invaluable. The Sentinel Pump and O.X.R. Rifle cover your mid-to-close-range needs, and the mobility item is your lifeline for rotations and escapes. The Heavy Sniper is particularly effective at destroying the natural cover players rely on.

Loadout #2: The Ultimate Aggressor

• Slot 1: Sentinel Pump Shotgun (Your close-range finisher)
• Slot 2: Veiled Precision SMG (For fast-firing, close-range damage)
• Slot 3: Swarmstrike Rocket Launcher (For high-impact, splash damage)
• Slot 4: Mobility Item (Shockwave Grenades or Crash Pads)
• Slot 5: Healing Item (Med-Kits and Shield Potions)

This loadout is for the player who wants to constantly push enemies. The Sentinel Pump and SMG combo is incredibly lethal, and the Swarmstrike Launcher is a great tool for dislodging enemies from behind cars, rocks, and trees. The focus is on overwhelming your opponents with a flurry of damage. The mobility items are essential for closing the gap and getting the drop on an unsuspecting enemy.