The latest Fortnite update brings back two powerful weapons: the Hand Cannon and the Falcon Eye Sniper. Both deal heavy damage and use heavy ammo, making them strong mid- to long-range options. While neither weapon completely reshapes the current meta, their unvaulting introduces fresh strategies, especially with the reduced dominance of red dot ARs this season.

Hand Cannon Stats and Damage Breakdown

The Hand Cannon is available in Rare, Epic, and Legendary rarities. It delivers impressive burst damage:

  • Body Shots: 76 (Rare), 80 (Epic), 84 (Legendary)

  • Headshots: 152, 160, and 168 respectively

  • Fire Rate: 0.8 shots per second

  • Magazine Size: 7 rounds

Its hitscan nature with first-shot accuracy makes it highly effective at medium range, but the slower fire rate forces precise timing. Swapping from the Hand Cannon to the Wrecker Revolver remains smooth, but swapping the other way introduces a short delay, limiting double-pistol strategies this season.

Falcon Eye Sniper Performance Analysis

The Falcon Eye Sniper returns with all rarities, including a Mythic version available from high-tier drops. Damage varies by rarity:

  • Body Shots: 76 (Common) up to 92 (Legendary)

  • Headshots: 171 to 207 depending on rarity

  • Mythic Variant: 97 body damage, 218 headshot damage

  • Scope: Adjustable zoom levels

  • Bullet Mechanics: Projectile-based with drop and travel time

Despite being versatile, it cannot one-shot full HP players in Zero Build due to the 250 HP overshield. In Build Mode, however, the Legendary and Mythic variants can still eliminate full HP opponents with a single headshot, rewarding players with steady aim.

Meta Impact of the Hand Cannon Update

This season’s weapon pool favors weapons with precision over sustained fire. With fewer red dot ARs available, the Hand Cannon now has more room to shine, especially in mid-range fights. Its role as a potential AR replacement gives players an alternative for clean tap-fire battles.

The Falcon Eye Sniper benefits from the same environment. While not as dominant as higher-damage snipers, its combination of adjustable zoom and respectable headshot damage makes it valuable for positioning control in team modes. However, its projectile travel time and inability to one-shot overshielded opponents keep it balanced.

Strategies for Zero Build and Team Modes

In Zero Build, the Hand Cannon offers better value than the Falcon Eye Sniper due to its hitscan precision and consistency. Players who prefer aggressive positioning can pair it with a Sentinel Pump Shotgun or mobility items like Shockwave Grenades for clean fight resets.

In Team Rumble and trios/squads, the Falcon Eye Sniper becomes more useful. Its long-range zoning potential and bullet damage scaling make it a solid support weapon when coordinated with teammates. Using it alongside precision SMGs or bloom-controlled ARs can create strong hybrid loadouts.