Fortnite: Chapter 6, Season 4 – Shock ‘N Awesome [IMPRESSIONS]

Epic Games continues to use Fortnite’s seasonal resets as opportunities to reframe the game’s identity, and with Chapter 6, Season 4, aptly named Shock ’N Awesome, the developers lean on a mix of large-scale environmental threats, nostalgic crossovers, and the implementation of some fresh gameplay systems. The result is a season that feels enjoyable and thematically distinct, even if it doesn’t always quite hit its full potential. After spending the past few weeks smashing hours into the season, here’s how the experience stacks up so far.

This season’s premise revolves around a bug outbreak consuming the island, with an organisation known as the OXR working with players to help vanquish it. We’ve seen similar ideas across other chapters in the past, but this time, the creeping spread is more grounded, drawing on bug hives, swarms, and oversized queens.

The atmosphere is different from the clean sci-fi or magical settings of earlier updates, and entering zones like The Hive immediately makes matches more tense. Nests and insect growths stand out sharply against older areas of the map, emphasising the sense that something unnatural has taken hold, and even if not everyone enjoys the bug aesthetic, it succeeds at making Season 4 feel visually distinct from its predecessors.

The integration (and subsequent handling) of these enemy bug swarms stands out as the defining feature of the season. Standard matches have always focused on player-versus-player combat, but now, AI bug enemies patrol certain areas and give players another threat to deal with.

Three main categories of bugs exist:

Swarmers, small and aggressive, that attack in groups and constantly feel like they spawn around you. They’re essentially fodder, but can cause some pain when surrounding you whilst you’re also dealing with the threat of other players.

Bombers attack from afar with ranged attacks, whilst also burrowing underground to keep out of harm’s way. They’ve got a decent amount of HP too, so are a more lasting threat. Don’t worry though, it’s always marked where their ranged attacks are going to land, so they’re never too overwhelming to deal with.

Queen Bugs act as mini-bosses and only spawn once you’ve killed enough bugs in certain areas of the map. Admittedly, they’re pretty easy to deal with, but their large size still make them stand out as impressive foes on the battlefield. They also bring with them some cool goodies when defeated, especially if you’re looking at completing all of the weekly quests.

The encounters with the bugs create unpredictable pacing in gameplay – whether that’s when having to deal with them mid-fight or simply using them to your advantage. Sometimes, you can use the bugs as cover, letting them distract another squad while you flank, whilst other times, you may find yourself overrun when a firefight with players coincides with a bug wave. Solo players may feel especially pressured, since surviving both AI and player gunfire without backup is demanding, and it adds a dramatic sense of tension to battles.

That being said, whilst the bug invasion premise clearly draws inspiration from co-op shooters like Helldivers 2, Fortnite’s execution doesn’t capture the same level of excitement. In Helldivers 2, every encounter with swarms feels coordinated, tactical, and rewarding because the entire game is built around teamwork against overwhelming odds. In Fortnite, the bug enemies often come across as interruptions rather than engaging challenges. They lack the intensity and unpredictability that make Helldivers’ battles thrilling, and instead feel like obstacles layered on top of the existing battle royale loop. As a result, the comparison highlights how Fortnite’s swarm mechanic is more of a novelty than a core experience, and it doesn’t deliver the same adrenaline rush or cooperative satisfaction. I saw a quote recently that described the season as being a case of ‘we have Helldivers 2 at home’, and whilst the implementation of the bugs is undoubtedly enjoyable in Fortnite, it’s an accurate statement.

One cool idea that Fortnite does introduce is your OXR rank, which increases throughout matches (by killing bugs or players) and gives players extra goodies. Each time you rank up (going from C to S), supplies will drop from the sky, offering both weaponry and buffs to give you the upper hand in battle. You’ll also gain access to bunkers offering more powerful gear (and an exotic item) when reaching rank A, but be warned: it’s a race to them, with the bunkers offering some of the most frantic gunfights this season. Finally, you’re also able to interact with OXR NPCs at various locales, with your rank determining the support they’ll give you. It’s not the deepest of systems, but it’s something I’ve enjoyed leaning into this season to add to the sense of prestige when playing through matches.

Four new named locations headline the island update: The Hive, OXR HQ, Ranger’s Ruin, and Swarmy Stash. The Hive is the most striking, designed around infestation imagery. Egg sacs, glowing interiors, and constantly spawning enemies make it a high-risk location, whilst the blue smoke that emits from it gives it an ominous sense of presence as you’re dropping in from above. OXR HQ functions as the human countermeasure to the insect takeover, with it resembling a fortified military base and acting as a hub for purchasing specialised gear. It’s a good place for some frantic gunfights with opponents, with a mixture of buildings, high ground, and handily placed obstacles making it ideal for shoot-outs. Ranger’s Ruin blends the two together by mixing a traditional OXR base with invasive insect architecture, showing what can happen if things do go wrong when facing off against the bugs, whilst Swarmy Stash is similar in design.

These locations feel more dynamic and unpredictable because of the constant AI presence of the bugs, and instead of dropping purely to face other players, squads must weigh whether they are prepared to take on both bugs and opponents simultaneously. As mentioned, using the bugs as a distraction makes it perfect to get the drop on other players too, so surveying the chaos of each of these new areas beforehand can often work to your advantage. In general, though? I really liked them, and whilst Ranger’s Ruin and Swarmy Stash can feel a little similar in design, the distinct feel of The Hive and OXR HQ certainly add a sense of presence to the world.

I was REALLY fond of the new weaponry introduced this season, with the likes of the Swarmstrike rocket launcher clearing groups of bugs or enemies with ease (there’s nothing better than nailing a passing vehicle with it too), the Leadspitter 3000 minigun delivering sheer volume of devastating bullets, the Bug Blaster adding a destructing blast that can be charged to cause extra damage to foes, or the Shock n’ Slow Shockwave Launcher combines area control with mobility to knock enemies away. My personal favourite, though? The Wrecker Revolver – a pistol that utilises shells and causes intense damage from up-close and afar. It’s become my weapon of choice this season, and when I find myself equipped with one, I feel unstoppable… ok, maybe it’s a little over-powered, but who cares when it feels so good to use?

Update: 27/08/25
It just so happened that on the day we published this article, an update released that added some REALLY cool extras to the season. Firstly, you have the Precision Air Strike, which allows you to use a laser pointer to mark an area and blast rockets down from the sky. Know that some foes are lingering in one spot or want to deal some extra damage to a Queen Bug? Yeah, it’s perfect for that. Then you have the Hammerhead Choppa vehicle, which allows you to fly across the map (and with passengers in tow if you’re playing as a team). Admittedly, I haven’t spent a lot of time using this yet, but it’s an undoubtedly cool way to get around the map and plays perfectly into the Helldivers-like theming of the season. I’d criticised Shock ‘N Awesome for not fully embracing the whole Helldivers 2 inspiration, but these additions really push in the right direction – I’m a big fan.

There’s one other key addition too: Roly Poly. What is Roly Poly, I hear you ask? Well, it’s a bug-based vehicle that’s cute and harmless, but that players can ride to roll, bounce, and bash through the environment. Not only is this a really neat addition, but it can be used tactically, with players able to bounce their way across the map and smash down with the Roly Poly to cause shockwave damage. The only caveat? If it takes damage, you’ll need to soothe it before being able to use it again… kinda sweet, really, especially after doing so much bug-killing on the side. Again, it’s a wonderful addition that plays into the theme of the battle pass (and the charm of Fortnite) perfectly, all whilst giving players more strategic (and cute) options with dealing with foes.

One of the most discussed aspects each season is the Battle Pass, and this is no exception. You’ll be able to unlock a selection of cool OXR-themed characters, and I gotta admit, they’re some of the coolest designs I’ve seen from Epic in some time. The Panda-themed Agent Patch, Idol-inspired Yoo-mi, and gamer girl Battle Gamer Mae were my favourites of the bunch, and with plenty of unlockable gear coming alongside them, they make for great additions to the roster.

However, it’s the guest characters that shine the most. Having the UNSC Spartan is cool, especially as a fan of Halo (and it’s the first thing you unlock with the battle pass), but it’s the Green and White Power Rangers that stand out the most. As a long-time Power Rangers fan and a sucker for nostalgia, I absolutely LOVED their addition, and after putting hours in, I’m happy to announce that I unlocked the White Ranger a couple of nights ago. I LOVE playing as him and crashing down of the White Tigerzord… makes me wish I was young again. And with MORE Power Ranger-themed items coming mid-season (including the Dino Megazord), this battle pass has been a real treat that complements the chaotic nature of the season as a whole.

Overall, Shock ’N Awesome is a season that succeeds in giving Fortnite a distinct identity, even if some of its ideas feel more novel than fully realised. The bug invasion adds unpredictability to firefights and creates memorable moments, though it doesn’t always carry the same thrill as games built entirely around swarm combat (I’m looking at you, Helldivers 2). The new locations are imaginative, the OXR rank system provides an extra layer of progression, and the weapons are some of the most enjoyable the game has introduced in recent memory, and most importantly, the Battle Pass is strong, with both original character designs and nostalgic crossovers that will appeal to long-time players. It really has a lot going for it, with enough fresh content and style on show to keep Fortnite’s momentum going. And, of course, I haven’t gone into detail of everything here (including some of the mid-season content which I’m VERY excited for), so there are plenty of surprises to come across when playing – both now and over the coming weeks. Heck, just look at the most recent update that brought new gear and vehicles… very, very cool.

Whether you’re here for the new gameplay twists or just to suit up as a Power Ranger, there’s a lot going on in Fortnite: Chapter 6, Season 4 – Shock ‘N Awesome to keep players hooked in for a long time, even IF the execution doesn’t always live up to the ambition.