Fortnite Chapter 2, Season 2 has been revealed, and it’s Top Secret. No, not top secret as in we can’t tell you, but as in it’s all themed around spies and spec-ops missions.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/20/fortnite-chapter-2-season-2-top-secret-launch-trailer"]The season introduces several key elements based on two new cover operative factions - Ghost and Shadow - which have taken over the battle royale island. Their arrival coincides with a set of new locations that can be discovered across the map, including hideouts.
Limited Time Operations will further the spy theme, with tasks including infiltrating enemy bases, dispatching henchmen guards, and defeating evil masterminds, all of which will reward powerful and unique weapons.
The spy theme wouldn’t be complete without a variety of 007-style gadgets, so expect to find decoy grenades, proximity mines, and disguises that allow you to sabotage rival agents. There are also secret passages that tunnel into enemy hideouts, security cameras to sneak past, and auto-turrets to destroy.
Akin to Apex Legends’ vaults that were introduced with its new map last season, Fortnite is adding its own vault system in Top Secret. Finding keycards will grant you access, but it’s currently unknown what enemies you need to eliminate to pick them up.
Stealth mechanics have also been introduced to the game. A Hitman-like disguise system is part of this season, as well as being able to sneak around in a ‘Creepin’ Cardboard’, which sounds as if it may be a homage to MGS’s carboard box. Stealthy getaways are also promised, but the official notes have redacted the finer details.
Intel gathering is, naturally, an important part of a spy’s work, so now you can gain enemy intel from downed foes. This intelligence will provide temporary disclosure of certain locations of which the Fortnite patch notes are currently keeping, well, top secret.
The cinematic trailer for the season features a variety of Fortnite characters engaging in spy behavior - hiding, wearing disguises, using gadgets, and definitely still making a mess in order to make it to the final circle. The music is distinctly Bond, which is well-timed considering No Time To Die releases in just a couple of months.
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The Battle Pass trailer provides a little more detail on how Top Secret works: the pass unlocks a secret base and a set of agents, including Meowscles, Midas, Maya, and TNTina. Completing missions within matches of Fortnite will unlock variant skins for these battle pass agents - Ghost or Shadow versions - so you can customise your look with dark or light colours. The trailer also promises that the Limited Time Operations will “change the fate of the island.”
Hinted at in the trailer, before being shown in the final Battle Pass poster, is a new Deadpool skin. It’s not clear yet how you’ll gain Deadpool, but as he’s part of the Battle Pass trailer it seems sensible to imagine that he’ll be a reward for pass holders. The small print says “Battle Pass Now, Deadpool Later, Maximum Effort!”, suggesting that the merc with a mouth’s skin won’t arrive with the launch of Chapter 2, Season 2.
Fortnite Season 2, Chapter 2 is now live, so you can dive in and start recruiting your agents. Keep an eye out on IGN, as we’ll bring you further news and guides to help you learn your way around the new additions.
[poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter.