The key selling point to the suppressed catalog is that the user is almost untraceable. When getting damaged by a normal weapon, the victim can detect which direction the damage came from. With the suppressed weapons, though, not so much. The suppressed catalog is viable during the beginning and middle phase of a match but it’s encouraged to swap to a non-suppressed weapon as soon as possible due to better damage output. Mostly mid- to long-range weapons, the suppressed catalog encourages a more reserved and third-party play style.
Suppressed in Solos
In solo, the suppressed weapons are fair. Players who take a more passive role and don’t usually do hot drops will like this weapon type. Better used in beginning and mid phase, this weapon type shines as a stealth weapon and encourages 3rd party plays. It is not recommended to take any suppressed weapon to a one-on-one build fight unless the user is confidant in their aim and building ability. For how close a build fight can be, and with the Suppressed Submachine Gun being vaulted, suppressed weapons are no longer viable for close combat. If a player has no other option, it’s best to keep your target at a safe distance and make sure you have both a means of a disengagement and and adequate amount of materials.
Phases
Beginning phase with suppressed weapons is not the best. Shotguns and non-suppressed Assault Rifles reign supreme during this phase. However, the Suppressed Pistol does have its place. Dealing consistent and reliable damage, the only drawback to this weapon is the reliance on the user’s aim and trigger discipline. The same can be said about the Suppressed Assault Rifle, although it’s more useful at mid to long range. Finding a suppressed weapon during a Hot Drop is disheartening, but not the end of the world.
Mid phase with suppressed weapons is not for the aggressive player. Trading damage for stealth, the Suppressed Assault Rifle excels when rotating or gatekeeping. Sneaking in shots on an unsuspecting opponent can cause them to panic, waste materials or force them to use any form of healing they have in their inventory. It is possible to use the suppressed assault rifle to push an opponent for a 1v1; however, you would be better off using the Heavy or Normal variant. The Suppressed Sniper Rifle is the weakest out of the scoped sniper rifles, and it is recommended to use the Heavy or Normal variant.
End Phase with any suppressed weapons is a gamble. In a normal match, where there are less than seven players during end game, a suppressed weapon may be useful. While in competitive matches via scrims/snipes/tournaments, though, the Heavy weapons will always outclass the Suppressed Weapons. The current end game meta has no need for a suppressed weapon, unfortunately.
Verdict
The suppressed catalog is fair and viable in solo public matches, but not so much in competitive. Faster reload speed and quieter shots are both nice, however, it still doesn’t compare to the normal and heavy variant. If Epic brings back the Suppressed Submachine Gun, it would give the suppressed type the buff it needs to be competitively viable.
The current meta of Competitive Fortnite has no need for stealth. Players either fully engage on a player or just avoid confrontation altogether until endgame. There are so many items and styles readily available that going stealth in Fortnite is more of a liability than an asset. In short, Suppressed weapons are good, but they’re not the best option in game.
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other TGH writers along with Joseph.
You can also follow Joseph @Cosinejoe.