Fortnite Season 2 introduces many gameplay twists, but none have been as disruptive as the current state of the Brutus NPC. Found at Magic Moss’ black market, Brutus is a heavy specialist NPC that can be hired for 1,000 gold. Typically, hired NPCs add support to fights, dealing minor damage and drawing fire away. However, Brutus is operating outside those expectations. He currently deals an abnormal amount of damage, often capable of eliminating enemies in a single attack.

Fortnite Brutus NPC: Location, Abilities, and Hiring Gold Route

Players can locate Brutus at the black market building in Magic Moss. Hiring him costs 1,000 gold, but getting that amount early in a match is easier than it sounds. Fletcher Kane, the area’s boss character, now spawns in Magic Moss every game and drops roughly 750 gold upon elimination. Near that location is a jewelry store containing cases that can provide an additional 200 gold per drop.

This setup makes Magic Moss an extremely lucrative landing spot. Players can gather the necessary gold quickly, hire Brutus, and immediately have one of the most lethal allies in the game by their side. The consistent Fletcher Kane spawn also guarantees repeatability of this method across multiple matches, giving players a reliable way to fund this hire.

Why the Brutus NPC Is Overpowered in Fortnite Season 2

Brutus falls under the heavy specialist NPC type. That means he uses explosives and a shotgun to engage enemies. But in the current patch, both weapon types seem to be dealing much more damage than intended. Reports show that his shotgun blasts deal upwards of 170 damage in one shot. Meanwhile, his grenades can instantly eliminate players caught in the blast radius—even if they have more than 100 health and shield.

Clips have surfaced showing Brutus completely eliminating players like Shogun X with a single grenade volley. This makes him extremely powerful in fights, especially when pushed aggressively alongside a player. Most players treat hired NPCs as background threats, rarely focusing on them. With Brutus, this approach is no longer viable. He demands attention in every fight due to his overwhelming damage output.

It’s also important to note that Brutus’ grenades can damage allies. The player who hired him is not immune to the blast, and in some cases, Brutus has eliminated himself through friendly fire. While this is a notable drawback, most players can avoid these hazards by maintaining some distance and positioning Brutus away from chokepoints or tight corridors.

How to Counter Brutus in Fortnite and Play Smart Around Him

Brutus is OP, but not unstoppable. His accuracy remains inconsistent like other NPCs, so ranged fights offer the safest option. Avoid pushing players who have hired Brutus without a plan. If possible, eliminate the NPC from afar before engaging the player. Many times, Brutus will be exposed or out of cover, especially while throwing grenades or pushing up with a shotgun.

Players must also be aware of their surroundings when Brutus is in the area. He can quickly turn fights with unpredictable damage. Prioritize eliminating him when possible or maintain distance to minimize the risk. Playing around terrain and keeping vertical advantages can also help, as Brutus often struggles with elevation changes.

Hiring him is still a strong choice despite the risks. His damage potential outweighs the drawbacks, especially when used with awareness. Players who plan around his grenade radius and keep him active in mid-range fights can dominate engagements. Magic Moss, with its high loot potential and now constant Brutus presence, is becoming a heavily contested zone because of this.