One of Fortnite’s biggest strengths is how much it changes with time. Play the game at a certain point, and the next time you boot it up, it might feel like an entirely new game. However, this same strength is a double-edged sword. Sometimes these revolutionary changes bring gear in different shapes and sizes and by the time you have to say goodbye to them, you’re just not ready! In this article we’re going to reminisce about some of the most famous items that got vaulted by the game so we can reminisce. They might make it back in the game one way or the other!
If you’re one, like many, that used to play the game and fell off of it for whatever reason and now, coming back to it much later, the game feels different. You probably missed out on great skins and ranked rewards! Luckily there’s still a way to get these cosmetics anyway and that’s by getting Fortnite accounts. That way you can catch back up, get whatever you missed and even some items that won’t be making a comeback, that’s without mentioning you can use this method to skip the rank and battle pass climb!
-
The Pump Shotgun
Let’s start with the obvious. This is Fortnite’s classic gun, the beloved of every player that got into the game early on. Even the sound it makes is iconic, and the way it could one-shot its opponents was why it was used as much as it was. It taught aim discipline, rewarded positioning, and, let’s be honest, felt incredible to use!
Over time, the Pump has been replaced or rebalanced in various forms: the Charge, the Primal, the Striker, the Havoc, and the Thunder. But none have truly matched the visceral satisfaction of the original Pump.
Why It Should Return:
In Chapter 5’s current fast-paced meta, where mobility and first-shot accuracy dominate fights, the Pump could bring balance back to close-quarters gameplay. With tweaks to its headshot multiplier or a slower reload speed, it could be reintroduced without overpowering the current loadout variety.
-
Shadow Bombs
Mobility is king in Fortnite — and no item made escaping (or ambushing) more cinematic than the Shadow Bomb. These throwable items turned you into a ghostly ninja for a few seconds, letting you wall-run, double-jump, and phase through enemies’ builds. They offered high-skill movement without being overpowered, especially compared to launch pads or shockwaves.
Why It Should Return:
Shadow Bombs are perfect for the Zero Build meta, where outplaying your opponent with movement is often your best (and only) option. With their stealth mechanic and creative potential, they’d also be a great fit for both casual and competitive modes.
-
The Infinity Blade
When the Infinity Blade was introduced in Season 7, it was an absolute menace. Capable of one-shotting players, tearing through structures, and granting HP on kill, it quickly became one of the most controversial additions in Fortnite history. Epic vaulted it shortly after the Winter Royale debacle.
The weapon was also a big reference to a mobile game epic put out also named “Infinity Blade” that was quite a big hit at the time, and in hindsight? The weapon was very fun to use!
Why It Should Return:
Bring it back as a limited-time Mythic, perhaps in a designated POI or Creative map. In the age of frequent anime sword collabs and wild Mythic weapons, the Infinity Blade would no longer feel as broken as it once did. With reduced damage or cooldowns, it could be balanced into a fair and nostalgic part of the loot pool.
Image generated with ChatGPT
-
Flint-Knock Pistol
One of the first items in Fortnite that would mix mobility with offense. This weapon would blast enemies forward and you backwards. Creating distance and the opportunity to escape or switch your approach to a given fight. You could even use it to give yourself a boost in different directions!. It wasn’t meta-defining, but it was memorable.
Why It Should Return:
The Flint-Knock aligns perfectly with today’s fast-paced, clip-worthy Fortnite. Its mobility could offer an alternative to Shockwave Grenades, and its damage profile could make it a skill-based backup weapon. Plus, it’s just fun — and Fortnite should always make room for that.
-
The Baller
Remember rolling across the island like a Spider-Man wannabe hamster? The Baller was one of Fortnite’s most creative vehicles: a hamster ball with a grappling hook that let you swing around trees, buildings, or cliffs. It offered stealthy movement, protection from gunfire, and stylish rotations, especially in competitive play.
Why It Should Return:
In Chapter 5, where mobility is still vital but not always innovative, the Baller could provide an exciting twist. It wouldn’t even need a combat buff, just bring back the joy of flinging yourself across the map! If Epic’s aiming for more traversal fun, this is a clear candidate.
-
Storm Flip
The Storm Flip was a throwable that created a mini storm field on impact. Used creatively, it could force enemies out of hiding, block off revives, or even allow temporary safety inside the actual storm. It blurred the line between offensive and defensive items and was a strategic favorite for competitive players.
Why It Should Return:
With the rise of Creative 2.0 and more emphasis on sandbox tactics, the Storm Flip could thrive. It encourages positional gameplay and map awareness.
-
Junk Rift
What’s more Fortnite than summoning a giant rift in the sky to drop a toilet, T-Rex, or meteor on your enemies? The Junk Rift was chaos incarnate, and it was incredibly satisfying when timed well! It punished campers, destroyed builds, and brought wild randomness into an often too-serious endgame.
Why It Should Return:
In casual modes or special LTMs, the Junk Rift would be a hilarious re-addition. Fortnite thrives on surprise and absurdity, and the Junk Rift is a perfect embodiment of that energy. It’s like a meme weapon… with purpose.
Image generated with ChatGPT
In Conclusion
Epic Games has always treated Fortnite like a living platform, rotating out content not just for balance, but to make room for new experiments. And it’s worked. Fortnite in 2025 is practically a genre of its own, thanks to Creative 2.0, UEFN, and its endlessly rotating gameplay styles.
Still, there’s value in bringing back old favorites. Not just for nostalgia, but to breathe life into stale metas or rekindle a sense of wonder in longtime players. Vaulted items aren’t mistakes — they’re time capsules. And in many cases, they’re ready for a second chance.
Whether it’s the pinpoint precision of the Pump Shotgun or the unexpected chaos of a Junk Rift, these items made Fortnite unforgettable. It’s time some of them got the return they deserve.
