Fortnite players have noticed Shield Breaker EMP grenades appearing in black markets, and the situation could change at any moment. With the latest update, rocket rams and business turrets are back in the loot pool. These items can be found by looting or visiting black markets. Recently, some players found Fortnite EMPs for sale at the black market outside Masked Meadows. When players tried to buy these grenades, Fortnite still took their gold but did not provide any EMPs.
Are Shieldbreaker EMPs back in?!?
byu/Benaar406 inFortnite_Over40
<script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
The black market rotates different items, so EMP grenades do not appear every match. Still, their appearance signals something. Epic Games likely plans to return them soon, or there could be a bug causing this situation. Either way, the chance to see Shield Breaker EMPs for sale means players need to pay attention.
Shield Breaker Fortnite EMPs Not Truly Unvaulted Yet
Players currently cannot actually obtain Shield Breaker EMP grenades, even though they see them for sale in black markets. Buying them only spends gold without giving the grenades. This issue suggests two things. First, Epic Games may plan to bring back the EMPs very soon, perhaps during next week’s update before the Star Wars season on May 2. Second, Epic may have tried to unvault the EMPs in the recent update but faced a technical problem.
Epic Games can vault or unvault items with minor updates. Items sometimes reappear in the loot pool if there is a balance change or a bug. The EMP grenades may arrive as a small content drop, possibly on Tuesday before the Star Wars event. This theory matches previous leaks and rumors that pointed to their return.
How EMP Grenades Affect the Current Meta
Shield Breaker EMP grenades played a key role in Chapter 5. Players used them to counter cars, which were a major part of the game during the “wrecked” season. At that time, EMPs shut down vehicles and forced players out of cover. Alongside EMPs, items like the nitro fist gave great mobility, allowing players to handle multiple situations.
In the current Fortnite loot pool, the meta has shifted. Shockwaves are still strong for mobility, and the rocket drill offers another way to avoid fall damage. Fewer cars now spawn on the map compared to previous seasons. Because of this, most players prefer carrying double mobility items over EMP grenades. With less vehicle activity, the demand for EMPs dropped. Earlier this season or last season, Epic reduced the number of cars spawning, making them less common. EMP grenades remain useful, but they no longer solve a major problem for most players.
Should Players Use Fortnite EMP Grenades If They Return?
Players who hate dealing with vehicles or want an edge in black market or vault fights may still find value in Shield Breaker EMP grenades. These grenades can force opponents out of cover or cars. In specific endgame scenarios, they could make a difference. But now, with cars playing a smaller role, players tend to use shockwaves, drills, and other movement tools instead. For many, double mobility offers more advantages throughout the match.
Some players remember the usefulness of EMPs during Chapter 5 and would welcome their return. The appearance of EMP grenades in the black market points toward an official comeback. Whether Epic Games is fixing a bug or planning their release for the next update, players should stay alert. If EMP grenades do come back, they may become a situational pick rather than a default choice.
At the moment, EMPs exist in a strange place. Players can see and attempt to buy them, but they cannot actually use them. Epic Games may fix this soon, either by resolving a bug or through a planned update. Until then, the EMP grenades sit in limbo—visible but out of reach. If they do return, players can experiment to see if they fit into their current strategies.
