The Explosive Repeater was one of the most dominant weapons in Fortnite during Chapter 4 Season 3. That season, remembered for its jungle biome, was also notorious for the overwhelming power of the Explosive Repeater when paired with a Pump Shotgun. This combination effectively mimicked the double pump strategy, allowing players to alternate shots between the Pump and the Repeater for devastating damage output.

Since the Explosive Repeater’s shots detonate on impact, direct hits weren’t even necessary. Simply hitting the ground near an opponent dealt around 40 splash damage, creating a reliable method to soften enemies before landing a Pump Shotgun shot. Ideally, a fight would start with a solid Pump shot, followed by an Explosive Repeater hit, and then another Pump shot for lethal damage. While shotguns in Fortnite can be inconsistent, this combo was incredibly effective in an ideal scenario.

Direct hits with the Repeater dealt even more damage, ranging from 70 to 80, compared to splash damage, which hovered around 35 to 40 depending on rarity. A well-placed shot sequence—Pump into Repeater headshot into another Pump—could quickly eliminate opponents. However, using the Repeater too close to an enemy posed a risk of self-damage, forcing players to balance aggression with positioning.

The Shift in Power: How Chapter 6 Affects the Repeater

While the Explosive Repeater remains a strong weapon, it is not as overwhelming as it was in Chapter 4 Season 3. One of the biggest changes is the removal of augments that previously enhanced its effectiveness. Back then, the Soaring Sprints augment allowed players to hover in the air after shockwaving, letting them rain down explosive shots from above with little risk. Some players even carried two Explosive Repeaters, swapping between them for continuous aerial bombardment.

Additional augments, such as On The Go Bag, made acquiring Shockwaves easier, while another augment allowed enemies to be marked upon taking explosive damage. These mechanics created a powerful synergy with the Explosive Repeater, making it even more oppressive. With those augments gone, the weapon remains viable but no longer dominates engagements in the same way.

Best Situations to Use the Explosive Repeater

Despite the changes, the Explosive Repeater still has distinct advantages in combat. Its splash damage is particularly effective against opponents using vehicles or cover. If an enemy is inside a car, landing a shot near them can deal consistent damage through the vehicle. Though the damage isn’t game-changing—typically 30 to 40 per shot—it adds up, especially when targeting weakened players attempting to escape.

The weapon also excels against enemies hiding behind cover or in bushes. When positioned above an opponent, splash damage becomes significantly easier to land. This made the Soaring Sprints strategy extremely powerful in Chapter 4, but even without it, the Repeater remains useful for flushing out hidden enemies. However, the effectiveness of splash damage depends on angles—shooting directly at a bush from the front may not yield the best results, but attacking from above increases the chance of hitting enemies.

How to Counter the Explosive Repeater

Understanding how the Explosive Repeater works is essential for countering it effectively. Players should avoid treating vehicles or cover as absolute protection, as the weapon’s splash damage can still reach them. If an enemy is using a Repeater, positioning becomes key—being below them puts you at a disadvantage since they can easily land splash damage.

When fighting an opponent using the Explosive Repeater, try to maintain equal ground or higher ground whenever possible. If stuck in a vulnerable position, using mobility to reposition is often the best choice. Additionally, recognizing when an opponent has a Repeater can help players adjust their playstyle to minimize its effectiveness.