Content update v7.10 has given us the Boom Box. More of a utility, this new item quickly destroys player built structures. Although it does no damage to the player, the new item shines as an opener or a counter to an engagement. Aptly nicknamed “the musical C-4” during the WSOE Fortnite Tournament, pros and hopefuls used the new item and quickly realized that the same strategy that C-4 had can be used for the Boom Box. During said tournament we saw it mostly used for mid and late game. As it stands, the most notable counter to the Boom Box is distance. Positioning and having a solid foundation to a build is key when dealing with the Boom Box. So with all that in mind, just how viable is the new item in each phase?
Fortnite Scorpion Following up a Boom Box with a Quad launcher // in-game capture by cosinejoe
Bringing the Ruckus at the beginning phase of the game with the Boom Box is a gamble. No matter where you are dropping the Boom Box, there needs to be a good follow up. Finding a green pistol or a grey tact shotgun may not be the best follow up when using the this item. Even if you do get good loot from a chest, the odds of being third partied is pretty high depending on where you land. It’s not advised to use the item so soon in a match.
Middle phase with the Boom Box is like chess: you must think before you strike. The Boom Box is a play maker. To get the most out of the item during this phase, it’s best to be a 3rd party. Resetting the fight may be a good call in some situations. Destroying the foundation to a build can catch your opponent(s) off guard. The more flustered your opponent is, the more mistakes they will make, thus putting you in a prime position to win that engagement. The new Item is viable in middle phase, just make sure you think before you strike.
End Phase — can it be all so simple? Yes it can. During the WSOE Fortnite Tournament, pros and hopefuls have made intense plays with the item, all the while making it look simple. During end phase, around the 7th circle of the match, players toss down the Boom Box to reset everyone below them. In short, the Boom Box is viable during end phase.
Fortnite Scorpion Spamming shots while Boom Box is active // in-game Capture by Cosinejoe
Distance is a solid counter to a Boom Box, and taking long shots or ultimate high ground for late game is a solid counter to the new item. When at close range, if your opponent throws the box directly at you, it’s best to shoot it down right away. It would be a big disservice to you if you don’t focus it, unless you are confidant in your close quarter combat capabilities. With a short throw range, it is not the best item to use for long range engagements. If the lobby has thinned out to 5 people for late game, and it’s pretty spread out, it’s best to swap it over for a more practical and safe item. Found Virtually anywhere, the Boom Box has an Epic rarity and is able to be thrown at close range. The Boom Box has 600 HP and deals 200 Damage to structures 2-3 units away from its location.
The Boom Box shines in the mid to late phases of the game and in highly congested areas. It also works as a good opener when engaging on a one on one or as a third party build fight. The only core draw back to the item is its short range. Unless you have ultimate high ground, the item fits more to an aggressive play style.
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