Key Highlights:
- Slurp Cacti nerfed just before FNCS 2024: Major 3 Grand Finals.
- Temporary change affects Cacti respawn, causing outrage among pros.
- FNCS 2024: Major 3 Grand Finals features $1.85 million prize pool.
Fortnite Pros Upset Over Last-Minute Slurp Cacti Changes Ahead of Major Tournament
In a surprising turn of events, Epic Games has made a significant change to Fortnite’s Slurp Cacti just one day before the highly anticipated FNCS 2024: Major 3 Grand Finals.
This decision has sparked outrage within the competitive Fortnite community, with many players expressing their frustration over the timing of the update.
The change, announced on 26th July 2024 via the official Fortnite Status account on social media site X/Twitter, affects how Slurp Cacti function in the game.
Previously, these desert-dwelling plants would respawn every 15 seconds after being used, providing players with a reliable source of 30 health or shield. Now, once destroyed, the Cacti will not reappear for the remainder of the match.
When does the nerf last until?
- July 26th until July 29th 2024
This adjustment is set to last only three days, from the 26th to 29th of July, coinciding directly with the FNCS 2024: Major 3 Grand Finals scheduled for 27th and 28th July.
While Epic Games has not provided an official reason for this temporary change, many speculate it’s related to balancing the upcoming tournament.
There was gossip lurking around that pro’s were perhaps teaming in tournaments using this special healing mechanism.
Though, popular Fortnite analyst Aussie Antics cleared up the rumours as false, stating that players were simply using logic!
The accusations came from fans as pro’s would box up and get surge on opponents, use the cactus to heal and then start shooting again with no consequences.
This ensured that both teams were solid for surge and could play comfortably in late game scenarios without having to worry about surge tags.
Slurp Cacti have been a key element of strategy for many professional players, especially those who favour landing in the desert areas of the Chapter 5 Season 3 map.
These plants offer a quick boost of 30 health or shield when hit with a pickaxe or shot at with a weapon, making them a valuable resource in both early and late-game situations.
The sudden removal of their respawn ability forces players to rethink their tactics mere hours before a major competition.
Implications for FNCS 2024: Major 3 Grand Finals
The FNCS 2024: Major 3 Grand Finals is the last big online Fortnite event of the year. It boasts an impressive prize pool of $1.85 million, split across different regions:
- Europe: $880,000
- North America: $650,000
- Asia: $80,000
- Middle East: $80,000
- Brazil: $80,000
- Oceania: $65,000
For fans eager to watch the action, official streams will be available in English and Portuguese across various platforms.
English broadcasts can be found on Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and X/Twitter, all under the Fortnite or FNcompetitive handles.
Portuguese speakers can tune in via YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch on the official Brazilian Fortnite channels.
The timing of this change has left many questioning Epic Games’ decision-making process.
Professional players have spent weeks, if not months, practising and perfecting strategies that rely on the consistent availability of Slurp Cacti.
This last-minute adjustment forces them to adapt quickly or potentially face setbacks in the tournament.
While it’s not uncommon for game developers to make balance changes before major events, the proximity of this update to the FNCS 2024: Major 3 Grand Finals has been met with particular criticism.
Legendary OG player Mr Savage who recently qualified for Grands tweeted:
“woke up to the biggest change in meta before grands in fortnite history”
Many argue that such significant changes should be implemented well in advance of tournaments to allow players adequate time to adjust their playstyles.
As the competitive Fortnite community grapples with this unexpected twist, all eyes will be on the Grand Finals to see how players adapt to the new landscape.
Will this change level the playing field, or will it unfairly disadvantage certain strategies? Only time will tell as the world’s top Fortnite players battle it out for their share of the substantial prize pool.
About The Author
Stephen is the proud owner of a popular gaming news website GLN, where he provides the latest updates on everything gaming-related. With a passion for video games that dates back to his childhood, Stephen is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow gamers around the world.
