CouRageJD calls for Semi-Auto Sniper’s removal from Fortnite live in the World Cup stream

Last weekend marked the end of the Fortnite World Cup Solo Qualifiers. As usual, Epic Games streamed the tournament with community figures commentating over matches, and streamer Jack “CouRage” Dunlop was part of the team.

While a North America East match was taking place, CouRage said Epic’s investment in a big prize pool like the total $40 million for the World Cup was a good incentive for the game’s esports scene.

“I’ve been involved in esports for so many years, and getting as much competitive support from the developers is key,” CouRage said. “Fortnite is in a good spot here moving forward.”

But CouRage also suggested changes to the game right after.

“Let’s just get rid of this Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle, change up a couple of little things there and I think we’ll be good,” CouRage said.

CouRage’s call for the removal of the Semi-Auto Sniper is because it feels useless in the current Fortnite meta. Epic unvaulted it in season nine when four other snipers were available, and it now often appears in chests and floor loot because of its low rarity. Many professional players don’t like it and feel like it’s taking a slot in the loot pool that could be either used for a better weapon or to increase the drop rate of other useful guns, like the Combat Shotgun.

The Semi-Auto Sniper rifle fills almost no role in the meta. The Heavy Sniper, which is in the same category, is much more versatile since you can take down some opponents with a single body shot due to its 150 minimum base damage. It can also take down almost any structure in a single shot thanks to its high environmental damage, so it’s a good weapon to help you take over opponent structures. The Semi-Auto Sniper has low damage and leaves you vulnerable to shots from other opponents while you’re trying to hit your second or third shot with it to get an elimination.

CouRage’s influence in the community might cause some players to reconsider the role of this gun in competitive Fortnite today, especially since he said this during an official World Cup livestream.

The Fortnite World Cup Finals will take place from July 26 to 28, so Epic has plenty of time to analyze the current loot pool and choose if it’ll vault the Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle.