Step into the shadows of Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4, where the island transforms under the ominous reign of Doctor Doom. Explore three brand-new Marvel-inspired points of interest-Castle Doom, Doomstadt, and The Raft-each dripping with eerie green hues and packed with fresh secrets. Meanwhile, the weapon loot pool gets a dramatic shake-up, introducing powerful new gear like War Machine’s arsenal, the Sovereign Shotgun, and the iconic Captain America’s Shield, reshaping the battlefield for an epic showdown in Absolute Doom.
We’re still seeing some of the Greek mythology points of interest from earlier in the chapter, and the southwest part of the map still has the Mad Max-esque wasteland areas from Chapter 5 Season 3. The northern half of the map has gotten quite a few new Doctor Doom POIs and you’ll be able to find bosses and NPCs from the battle pass around the map, like Emma Frost.
Below, we explain the map and loot pool changes for Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4.
Fortnite map changes for the Chapter 5 Season 4 update
Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4 introduces significant map changes centered around a Marvel theme, particularly focusing on Doctor Doom’s influence. The northwest quadrant of the island has been heavily overhauled with three new major points of interest (POIs): Castle Doom, a large and imposing fortress; Doomstadt, a village under Doom’s control; and The Raft, a high-security prison for powerful villains. Additionally, two new landmarks, Doom’s Courtyard and the Fractured Four remains, add to the thematic atmosphere. Some older locations like Lavish Lair and Classy Courts have been replaced or altered, while others like the Nitrodrome persist but with changes reflecting the evolving storyline. These updates create a gloomier, green-tinged environment that immerses players in the “Absolute Doom” season narrative.
As mentioned above, the northern part of this map got the most changes, all focused around Doctor Doom. There are four new points of interest: Doomstadt, Doom’s Courtyard, Castle Doom, and The Raft.
Fortnite weapon loot pool for the Chapter 5 Season 4 update
Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4, titled “Absolute Doom,” features a significantly overhauled weapon loot pool that introduces a mix of new, unvaulted, and returning weapons, many inspired by Marvel characters. Key additions include Dual Micro SMGs, War Machine’s Arsenal, Auto Turrets, Monarch Pistol, Sovereign Shotgun, and re-tuned favorites like the Striker Burst Assault Rifle and Doom’s Arcane Gauntlets. Iconic items such as Captain America’s Shield also make a comeback with updated mechanics. The season emphasizes Marvel-themed mythics and weapons, offering players a diverse arsenal that reshapes the gameplay meta, with more unvaults and reveals expected as the season progresses.
These items have been unvaulted for the new season:
- Doom’s Arcane Gauntlets
- Striker Assault Rifle
- Combat Assault Rifle
- Ranger Pistol
- Hammer Pump Shotgun
- Gatekeeper Shotgun
- Hyper SMG
- Shockwave Grenade
- FlowBerry
- Chug Splash
These are also new items added for Chapter 5 Season 4:
- Striker Burst Rifle
- Emma Frost’s Striker Burst AR
- Sovereign Shotgun
- Mysterio’s Sovereign Shotgun
- Dual Micro SMGs
- Gwenpool’s Dual Micro SMGs
- Monarch Pistol
- Doctor Doom’s Monarch Pistol
- Captain America’s Shield
- War Machine’s Arsenal
- War Machine’s Auto Turret
- War Machine’s Hover Jets
- Avengers Chest
Some of the weapons in the above list will only drop from taking on the respective boss. For example, you’ll get the mythic Emma Frost’s Striker Burst AR for eliminating Emma Frost. Some of the bosses do appear to drop medallions, too, just like last season.
What has been vaulted in Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4?
In Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4, titled “Absolute Doom,” a significant number of weapons and items have been vaulted to make way for the new Marvel-themed content. Notable vaulted weapons include the Combat Shotgun, Oscar’s Frenzy Auto Shotgun, Enforcer Assault Rifle, Minigun, Tri-Beam Laser Rifle, Warforged Assault Rifle, Tactical Assault Rifle, Huntress DMR, Heavy Impact Sniper Rifle, and several mythic and special weapons such as Magneto’s Power and various Boom Bolts. Additionally, several medallions and unique items related to previous seasons’ themes have been removed. This vaulting aligns with the season’s shift from the wasteland theme to a Marvel superhero focus, introducing new weapons like Captain America’s Shield and War Machine’s Arsenal while retiring many older ones to balance gameplay and refresh the loot pool.
- Tri-Beam Laser Rifle
- Warforged Assault Rifle
- Tactical Assault Rifle
- Minigun
- Huntress DMR
- Combat Shotgun
- Thunder Burst SMG
- Harbinger SMG
- Heavy Impact Sniper Rifle
- Remote Explosive
- Shield Breaker EMP
- Magneto Power
- Tow Hook Cannon
- Conductor Hand Cannon
- Boom Bolt
- Nitro Fists
- Crash Pad Jr.
- Nitro Splash
- Med-Mist
- Nuka-Cola
In addition to the above, the specialty weapons dropped by bosses (like Megalo Don’s Nitro Fists) have been vaulted, since those are no longer featured bosses. These versions of boss medallions have also been vaulted, though as mentioned above, there are new versions of boss medallions that fit with the season’s theme now.
How do the new map locations like Castle Doom change gameplay strategies
The new map locations like Castle Doom in Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4 significantly alter gameplay strategies by introducing large, heavily fortified areas that encourage intense close-quarters combat and tactical positioning. Castle Doom, a sprawling medieval fortress, is guarded by a powerful Doombot boss, making it a high-risk, high-reward drop spot where players must prepare for tough fights and strategic engagements. Its design, featuring multiple levels and tight corridors, favors players who excel in building and close-range weaponry, while also offering valuable loot that can turn the tide of battle. The prominence of Castle Doom on the map naturally draws many players early in the match, leading to fast-paced skirmishes and dynamic team strategies focused on controlling this key location.
How does Castle Doom’s size and layout influence early game landing choices
Castle Doom’s vast size and complex multi-level layout heavily influence early game landing choices by making it a high-risk, high-reward spot for players seeking abundant loot-boasting 82 chests including rare Avengers and Dr. Doom chests. Its sprawling corridors and rooms can be confusing for newcomers, demanding strong map awareness and quick navigation skills to avoid being caught off guard. The central courtyard is a notorious kill zone due to high ground advantages around it, encouraging players to plan their landing and movement carefully to avoid early elimination. Additionally, Castle Doom’s northeastern location on the map means players must consider storm timing and escape routes, as leaving the area swiftly can be challenging without proper positioning or mobility items. These factors make landing spots within Castle Doom a strategic choice, balancing the lure of powerful loot against the danger of intense early combat and complex terrain.
