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Fortnite's latest addition, the Lock-On assault rifle, has become a focal point of player discontent. The weapon, introduced in Chapter 7, is accused of committing a dual sin: it feels weak in the hands of the user yet intensely annoying to fight against.
The rifle's gimmick is in its name. By aiming vaguely at an enemy, it locks on in four stages, each representing a three-round burst. While this seems designed to aid beginners, its base damage is so low that users often lose direct fights against any other rifle. Even a full lock-on delivers only 120 damage, giving the target ample time to react.
Many argue it represents bad game design. It doesn't effectively help new players due to its poor damage output, but its lock-on mechanic feels unfair in combat, especially during third-party engagements where it requires zero aiming skill to finish weakened players. This encourages passive, camp-heavy playstyles that reduce match dynamism.
The weapon appears intended as a counter to players fleeing combat with shockwaves, addressing what Epic calls a "combat fleeing issue." However, this undermines the utility of mobility items and the thrill of a skillful escape. The community's response has been largely negative, with many players avoiding the rifle and calling for its removal from the game entirely.
The consensus is that the Lock-On rifle is too weak to be useful and too annoying to be buffed, leaving its only logical destination the back of Fortnite's vault.