Last updated: January 2026
If you’re looking for the best Fortnite loadout right now, it’s important to know one thing first: The South Park update changed the meta.
Several core items were vaulted, including Shockwave Grenades, which means older loadouts no longer work the same way. Because of this, we’ve updated our recommended loadout to match the current Fortnite update.
This loadout works well in Zero Build and regular Battle Royale and focuses on:
Reliable damage
Storm survival
Safer rotations
Consistent healing
Deadeye Assault Rifle
Pinpoint Iron Pump Shotgun
Cheesy Poofs
Crash Pad Jr
Chug Jug
Your main weapon for mid to long-range fights.
Still strong for opening damage and safe pressure.
Best option for close-range fights now that mobility is limited.
New healing item that restores health very fast.
Very strong in storm situations and late-game chaos.
Your main shield and full heal item.
Balances out Cheesy Poofs by covering shields.
Replacement for Shockwave Grenades.
Used for repositioning, escaping fights, and reducing fall damage.
Loadout Status: Active
January 2026
The South Park update removed Shockwave Grenades and Forsaken Vow Blade. This means:
You can’t escape mistakes as easily
Storm damage matters more
Positioning is more important than ever
This loadout is built for that new reality.
In Zero Build, this loadout performs extremely well because movement options are more limited, making positioning and storm survival more important. Cheesy Poofs provide valuable health recovery during storm pressure, while the Deadeye Assault Rifle is very effective in open areas where cover is limited and long-range accuracy matters.
In Build mode, this loadout is most effective when played with controlled positioning rather than aggressive mobility. With Shockwave Grenades removed, players can no longer rely on instant height steals or emergency escapes, which makes early zone positioning and smart rotations more important. The Pinpoint Iron Pump Shotgun remains a strong close-range weapon in build fights, especially when combined with patient edits and defensive play instead of reckless pushes.
The Stick of Truth can completely change how a match ends. When it activates, the storm centers on one player and closes much faster than normal.
To survive and win these endgames:
Avoid late rotations once the Stick is active
Carry a quick healing item like Cheesy Poofs for storm ticks
Do not chase the Stick holder blindly
Focus on positioning near safe terrain and cover
Be ready to heal quickly between storm damage and fights
Cheesy Poofs are especially valuable here, as they allow you to survive short storm dips that would normally eliminate you.
A well-rounded Fortnite loadout should include four essential elements:
At FortniteLoaded, we test weapon combinations through hours of real gameplay to find loadouts that actually work in live matches. Winning in Fortnite is not just about mechanics, but about choosing weapons and items that complement each other and fit the current meta.
With every Fortnite update, we analyze the loot pool and publish new loadouts along with clear strategies to help you play smarter, survive longer, and increase your chances of securing Victory Royales.
December 2025
We had our fun with Season 4. It had arrived with a bug invasion, new POIs, anti-bug weapons, OXR rewards, and many more surprises.
October 2025
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 1 had a new map, weapons, masks, boons, and an exciting battle pass packed with rewards!
December 2024
Check out the loadout in action on our YouTube channel!
If you’re looking for free Fortnite skins and cosmetics, we’ve also covered that for you. There are plenty of ways to grab awesome rewards without spending a dime, and if you’d rather earn free V-Bucks to buy your favorite outfits instead, we’ve got a full guide for that too. Be sure to check out our dedicated pages, which we update regularly with all the latest information.
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