PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchClose Encounters is a Fortnite limited-time mode (LTM) focused on close-range shotgun fights and Jetpack movement. Its rules and loot have varied across returns: Epic’s 2018 announcement describes a narrower shotgun-and-Jetpack setup, while a July 2025 guide reports grenades and healing items in the later loot pool. Current playlist availability is unconfirmed.
What is the Close Encounters Fortnite LTM?
Epic introduced Close Encounters in its May 22, 2018 v4.2 Content Update, describing it as “Close quarters combat with Shotguns & Jetpacks!” The original announcement said Jetpacks and Heavy Shotguns could appear in chests and supply drops, while other shotgun types spawned as floor loot. It also specified faster storm movement in the mid-to-late game. Epic’s v4.2 Content Update
The mode has returned in later seasons. A July 16, 2025 guide reports a return in Chapter 3 Season 1 in 2022 and another in Chapter 6 Season 3 in 2025. Those return dates and the later configuration are reported by Insider Gaming; Epic’s cited notes establish the original 2018 announcement.
How did the reported rules change between versions?
| Version | Weapons and items | Storm rules | Queues and player count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original announcement, May 2018 | Shotguns and Jetpacks; Heavy Shotguns and Jetpacks in chests and supply drops, other shotgun types as floor loot. Epic’s announcement does not give rarities. | Faster movement in the mid-to-late game. | Not stated in Epic’s v4.2 announcement. |
| Reported return, July 2025 | Shotguns, grenades, Jetpacks, and healing items, according to Insider Gaming’s reported loot table. | Insider Gaming reports a faster storm and a descending upper storm that limits sustained aerial positioning. | Insider Gaming describes 100 players and Solo, Duos, and Squads queues. |
The 2025 description is broader than the original announcement: it includes utility and healing items in addition to shotguns and Jetpacks. Treat the two descriptions as separate versions, not as one permanent ruleset. The 100-player figure and queue options are the 2025 guide’s description, not independently verified details from Epic’s cited 2018 notes.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- GILDED TROOPER: Board the Battle Bus and drop in with Fortnite Legendary Skull Trooper (Gilded)!
- FORTNITE: 6-inch action figure is inspired by the video game Fortnite
- ARTICULATED: Feature 28 points of articulation to win any Battle Royale
- ACCESSORIES: Comes equipped with Back Bling and Harvesting Tools
- BONUS CODE: Code for virtual item included: Mecha-jolly
What is the full loot pool reported for the 2025 return?
The table below reproduces the 12 entries shown in Insider Gaming’s July 2025 loot table. The guide says there are 15 items, but its displayed table lists only 12; the three unshown items cannot be identified from that table.
| Item | Type | Rarity listed |
|---|---|---|
| Pump Shotgun | Shotgun | Uncommon, Rare |
| Tactical Shotgun | Shotgun | Common, Uncommon, Rare |
| Heavy Shotgun | Shotgun | Epic, Legendary |
| Grenade | Utility | Common |
| Impulse Grenade | Utility | Rare |
| Jetpack | Utility | Legendary |
| Bandage | Healing | Common |
| Medkit | Healing | Uncommon |
| Small Shield Potion | Healing | Uncommon |
| Shield Potion | Healing | Rare |
| Slurp Juice | Healing | Epic |
| Chug Jug | Healing | Legendary |
This is the loot table reported for the 2025 return, not a verified current pool. The cited sources do not provide drop rates.
Rank #2
- Fortnite Action Figures Legendary Series Set for Kids - Bundle of 6 Figurines of Red Knight, Zero, and More, Plus Stickers | Fortnite Figures for Boys, Girls, Styles May Vary.
- This Fortnite set includes 6 figurines from the popular video game, Fortnite. Charactes can include Red Knight, Zero, Tomatohead, Love Ranger, and more.
- These Fortnite Legendary Series figures will be great for boys and girls! Perfect for fans and collectors, watch as you assemble your squad with these memorable characters.
- Great for play & display, imaginative storytelling, showcasing, and more. This action figure set is great as party favors, party supplies, goodie bag fillers, loot bag stuffers, and more. Each action figure is 2.5 inches tall.
- Officially licensed Fortnite action figure pack for boys and girls, ages 8 and up. Set also includes a Choose Your Weapon decal sticker.
Is Close Encounters available in Fortnite now?
Current availability is unconfirmed. Epic’s October 1, 2026 Fortnitemares announcement identifies that event’s featured content and the return of Horde Rush, but does not establish whether Close Encounters is in the active playlist. The available official information therefore does not support saying that the mode is live or definitively absent.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
