Epic Games has returned from its annual summer break with a fresh update, which includes the return of the Close Encounters LTM to Fortnite.
While the countdown to Chapter 6, Season 4 has begun, there is still plenty to do and enjoy in Fortnite, with leaked skins for the Fantastic Four on the horizon, and Epic Games continues to be busy tackling cheaters.
If the array of usual game modes isn’t enough to satisfy you, the popular Close Encounters LTM has returned, and we’ve got all the details on the rules and the available loot.
What is the Close Encounters Fortnite LTM?
Close Encounters is a limited-time mode in Fortnite featuring 100 players, with a limited loot pool featuring close-range weapons and equipment.
The Close Encounters LTM is geared around close-range combat, with it pretty much impossible to eliminate players from distance, and it’s a great way to practice your combat in tight spaces up against groups of enemies.
Queues for Solo, Duos, and Squads are available, while in matches, the Storm moves much more quickly, and an upper Storm is also present, slowly descending throughout the match and restricting you from taking up strategic aerial positions. However, aerial traversal can still come in extremely handy if you get your hands on a Jetpack.
Close Encounters was originally introduced in May 2018, then made a return in Chapter 3: Season 1 in 2022, before its most recent return in Chapter 6: Season 3. At this stage, it has not been announced when the mode will disappear again.
Complete Close Encounters Fortnite Loot Pool
There are 15 items in the loot pool for the Close Encounters LTM, with Shotguns as the only available weapon type.
Grenades and Impulse Grenades are available, giving you slightly more options in combat to deal damage, but the big gamechanger, if you can get your hands on one, is the Jetpack.
As for healing items, there’s no shortage of options, with Chug Jug and Slurp Juice being the best available, if you can find them.
The full loot pool is listed below.
| Loot | Type | Available Rarities |
|---|---|---|
| Pump Shotgun | Shotgun | Uncommon, Rare |
| Tactical Shotgun | Shotgun | Common, Uncommon, Rare |
| Heavy Shotgun | Shotgun | Epic, Legendary |
| Grenade | Utility | Common |
| Impulse Grenade | Utility | Rare |
| Jetpack | Utility | Legendary |
| Bandage | Healing | Common |
| Medkit | Healing | Uncommon |
| Small Shield Potion | Healing | Uncommon |
| Shield Potion | Healing | Rare |
| Slurp Juice | Healing | Epic |
| Chug Jug | Healing | Legendary |
What other limited-time modes do you want to see return to Fortnite? Let us know in the Insider Gaming forum.
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