Finding Melee Weapons in Fortnite (Updated May 2025)
Fortnite's arsenal is vast, featuring everything from long-range rifles to explosive launchers. But sometimes, the fight gets up close and personal, and that's where melee weapons come in. This guide will walk you through the melee options available in Fortnite.
Your Trusty Default: The Pickaxe
Every player drops onto the island with one constant companion: their pickaxe. While primarily used for harvesting materials, your pickaxe is always available as a basic melee weapon. It deals consistent damage and doesn't require ammo, making it a reliable fallback option in close quarters or for breaking down structures. Don't underestimate it for finishing off a downed opponent or in those frantic first moments after landing!
Beyond the Pickaxe: Special Melee Weapons (Current Season - May 2025)
While the pickaxe is permanent, Fortnite frequently introduces more powerful or unique melee weapons, often tied to specific seasons, events, collaborations, or game modes. These are usually temporary additions to the loot pool.
Here's what to look out for, especially considering today is May 4th (Star Wars Day!):
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Lightsabers:
- Status: Highly likely to be ACTIVE right now due to the May the 4th Star Wars event!
- How to Get: Typically found in special Imperial Chests, as floor loot in specific areas, or sometimes by defeating Star Wars characters like Darth Vader or Stormtroopers if they are present on the map.
- Why Use Them: Lightsabers deal significant melee damage, can block incoming projectile fire (a huge defensive advantage!), and often come with unique animations and sounds. Different colors (Blue - Luke Skywalker/Rey, Green - Luke Skywalker/Yoda/Qui-Gon, Red - Darth Vader/Kylo Ren, Purple - Mace Windu) might be available. Check the current event details in-game!
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Current Season Mythic/Exotic Melee:
- Status: Varies season by season. Check the current Battle Pass or map for specific bosses or characters who might drop a unique melee weapon. These are often powerful Mythic or Exotic items.
- How to Get: Usually obtained by defeating a specific AI boss at a named location or sometimes purchased from an NPC using Gold Bars.
- Why Use Them: These often have unique abilities beyond just damage, such as movement enhancements or special attacks. Check the current season's loot pool to see if any are available.
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LEGO Fortnite Melee Weapons:
- Status: Available consistently within the LEGO Fortnite game mode.
- How to Get: These are crafted using resources found within the LEGO Fortnite world, such as wood, granite, bones, etc., at a Crafting Bench. Examples include basic Shortswords or Longswords.
- Why Use Them: Essential for combat against creatures and skeletons within the LEGO Fortnite mode. Note: These weapons cannot be brought into Battle Royale or other modes.
A Look Back: Notable Past Melee Weapons
Fortnite has seen many powerful and memorable melee weapons over the years. While these are not currently available (unless Epic Games decides to unvault them for a limited time), they show the kind of items that can appear:
- Infinity Blade: A Mythic sword from Chapter 1 Season 7, incredibly powerful but quickly vaulted due to balance issues.
- Sideways Scythe: Available during Chapter 2 Season 8's "Cubed" theme, found in Sideways encounters.
- Darth Vader's Lightsaber: Featured in Chapter 3 Season 3, often dropped by defeating Darth Vader himself.
- Kingsman: A unique umbrella melee weapon from Chapter 2 Season 2, which could also block damage and allow short glides.
- Wolverine's Claws: A Mythic ability during the Chapter 2 Season 4 Marvel crossover, granting rapid melee attacks and movement.
- She-Hulk Fists: Another Mythic from Chapter 2 Season 4, offering powerful ground pounds and smashing attacks.
Why Bother with Melee Weapons?
- Ammo Conservation: Melee weapons don't use ammo.
- Close Quarters Dominance: Can often outperform shotguns or SMGs right up close if you connect your hits.
- Unique Utility: Blocking (Lightsabers, Kingsman) or movement abilities.
- Quest Completion: Specific challenges might require melee damage or eliminations.
- Stealth: Quieter than firearms for surprise attacks.
- Fun Factor: Wielding a Lightsaber or a powerful Mythic is just plain cool!
Conclusion
While your pickaxe is always ready, keep an eye out for special melee weapons added during new seasons, events (like the current May the 4th celebration!), or collaborations. They can offer significant advantages and change how you approach close-range fights. Always check the latest patch notes or in-game news to see what powerful melee options might be waiting for you on the island!
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