Epic Games just slammed Fortnite with a surprise FNCS Globals hotfix, unlocking double XP gains and fan-favorite weapon unvaults this weekend.
Another patch changed the O.X.R. Rank mechanics, raising points for Banner Captures (250 to 400) and Hot Drop Drones (15 to 80), while decreasing Duos’ rank requirements to promote aggressive playstyles. Now, right on the day before Globals, another secret hotfix has dropped, and Epic has made some big changes to the BR loot pool and more game modes, even bringing a double XP weekend.
Fortnite FNCS Hotfix Brings Double XP Weekend and Iconic Legendary Pump Shotgun
Epic Games rolled out a hotfix for Fortnite’s FNCS Globals, activating a Double XP Weekend that lets players level up twice as fast through matches and challenges. This update also unvaults the Iconic Legendary Pump Shotgun, bringing back the classic weapon with its signature power for competitive play. Players can jump into the mode now to stack rewards and test the returning shotgun in high-stakes battles.
Fortnite has deployed a Twitter ahead of FNCS Globals 2025, taking place this weekend in Lyon, France, where the best pros from all over the world will compete against one another. To begin with, the hotfix brings Double XP Weekend starting now until September 8 where players will earn twice the XP in each game mode.
Celebrate FNCS with the Weekend of Champions
— Fortnite (@Fortnite) September 5, 2025
⚡ Double XP all weekend long!
⤴️ BR: Thunderpumping returns with Grapple Gloves + Pump Shotguns!
💯 Reload: 100% Rare Chests & skill-shot loot update!
🦙 Blitz: Starting mythic melee weapons + Golden Llamas! pic.twitter.com/gfBsPqnAqb
The hotfix also unvaulted the following weapons in Battle Royale and Zero Build lobbies:
- Lawless Accelerant Holo Twister AR
- Double Trouble
- Legendary Pump Shotgun
- Boom Bow
- Grapple Glove
- Holo Twister Assault Rifle
Coming to Reload, Rare Chests now spawn 100% which means you’ll get higher rarity weapons in every match than the Common and Uncommon loot. The update also brings a Skill Shot loot event, which means you’re more likely to find more Marksman Rifles and Snipers in those chests to use during a match.
What weapons were unvaulted and where to find them
Legendary Pump Shotgun, Lawless Accelerant Holo Twister AR, Double Trouble, Boom Bow, Grapple Glove, and Holo Twister Assault Rifle were unvaulted in the FNCS Globals hotfix for Battle Royale and Zero Build modes.
Loot Sources
These weapons appear in the standard loot pool, dropping from floor loot, chests, and supply drops across the map during the Double XP Weekend from September 5-8, 2025. No specific POIs were highlighted for guaranteed spawns; players found them through regular rotation in solos, duos, and trios. Reload mode featured Rare Chests with 100% spawn rates, prioritizing Marksman Rifles and Snipers, while Blitz included Golden Llamas and Mythic Melee starters like the Ageless Champion’s Shockwave Hammer.
Tips for Finding Them
Land at high-loot areas like Tilted Towers or major POIs to maximize early-game encounters. The hotfix encouraged aggressive playstyles, with these items integrated to refresh the meta ahead of FNCS Globals 2025 in Lyon, France. They were temporary for the event period only.
Which unvaulted weapons are best for close range combat
Legendary Pump Shotgun stands out as the top unvaulted weapon for close-range combat from the FNCS Globals hotfix, delivering high burst damage ideal for quick eliminations in tight spaces. Double Trouble offers rapid dual-barrel fire for sustained pressure indoors or during builds fights.
Weapon Breakdown
-
Legendary Pump Shotgun: Excels under 10 meters with 108 base damage per shot; pair with movement for peeks, found in chests and floor loot. Its one-pump potential crushes shields fast.
-
Double Trouble: Semi-auto shotgun unvaulted for hip-fire sprays at 5-15 meters, shredding squads in CQC; reliable from ground loot post-hotfix.
-
Boom Bow: Viable secondary for explosive close blasts but slower reload limits it versus pure shotguns.
Combat Tips
Prioritize Pump in solos/trios for box fights; switch to Double Trouble when ammo runs dry. These dominated FNCS prep due to their meta-refreshing power during the September 2025 event.