Fortnite 17.21 Update patch notes: Plasma Cannon, Rift Zones, Ariana Grande concert

It’s just a week since the game’s last major patch, but Fortnite’s 17.21 update is set to bring the Plasma Cannon weapon, Rift Zones, and Ariana Grande concert to PC, Xbox Series X, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

Fortnite’s 17.20 patch introduced the long-awaited Preferred Item Slots system, but it proved to be a slightly underwhelming patch for many fans of the battle royale. That shouldn’t be the case this week though, as things look set to shake up in quite a dramatic way.

This week’s patch finally introduces the Plasma Cannon for players to use, along with Rift Zones, and an Ariana Grande concert & ICON Series skin. Here’s everything you need to know about the July 27 update.

Plasma Cannon weapon

The headline addition in the Fortnite 17.21 update is the introduction of the Plasma Cannon. Found in both IO and normal Chests, the Plasma Cannon fires an “electrical dome” that should an enemy get caught in, “will take heavy damage and be impulsed back.”

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Players can also craft the weapon for themselves by combining a Legendary Pistol with Alien Nanite.

Rift Zones return

Epic Games are reintroducing Rift Zones with the Fortnite 17.21 update, complete with a fresh twist to differentiate them from previous versions.

This season, they will be created by the Mothership which floats above the island, and will include things like low gravity, ice slides, and Rifts to change things up.

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They are set to appear over the next few weeks, but we’re not sure which one will be the first Rift Zone just yet.

Epic are bringing back the idea of Rift Zones, The Mothership is planned create these zones (probably with a beam):

– Low Gravity
– Prop Disguise (Like Season X but limited to the props in the right pic thanks to @gameshed_, prop gun is not limited)
– Rift/Teleport
– Ice Slide pic.twitter.com/Xnx6LX1GsR

— HYPEX (@HYPEX) July 21, 2021

Ariana Grande concert & skin

Leaked following the 17.20 update, it appears that Ariana Grande is heading to the game in the near future, and could be added to the files with the July 27 update.

According to leaks, Grande will not only have her own skin, but will also follow in the footsteps of Travis Scott and Marshmello by hosting her own concert. Details haven’t been confirmed just yet, but keep an eye out for possible in-game hints.

While there aren’t many bug fixes this week, Epic Games have confirmed that they have fixed an issue with the Inflate-A-Bull that was turning players invisible and will re-enable the item in competitive playlists.

Image Credits: Epic Games / Melissa Rose via Wikimedia Commons