Fortnite leaks hint at 'Glider release' feature for quicker landings

Time of India

12-05-2025

Fortnite
players may soon get a new way to drop into battle, thanks to a leaked feature that could significantly change early-game strategies. According to several reliable sources in the Fortnite community,
Epic Games
is testing a 'Glider Release' mechanic, allowing players to cut their glider mid-air and hit the ground faster than ever before.
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The information, first leaked by well-known Fortnite data miner @Wensoing and later confirmed by @HYPEX on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has sparked discussions among fans and competitive players alike.
What is the Glider release mechanic?
As it stands, players in Fortnite are required to glide a fixed distance before hitting the ground. The glider automatically opens once they reach a certain height, which helps prevent
fall damage
but often slows down landings significantly.
The
Glider Release
mechanic appears to change that. According to leaks, players will be able to manually open - and then release, their glider during descent. This gives them more control over landing speed and location, but also introduces the threat of fall damage if they drop from too high.
The mechanic could introduce a new skill gap, rewarding experienced players who can calculate the optimal point to release their glider and land without damage.
Potential impact on competitive and casual matches
Early landings are a key part of Fortnite, especially in competitive modes where getting to high-value loot areas first can decide the outcome of a match. With Glider Releasing, players might reach the ground much faster, helping them grab weapons and secure positions before anyone else.
Some leaks suggest that landing in water will negate fall damage, something already seen in other parts of the game. This could lead to new strategies, such as aiming for lakes or rivers to land safely while descending at full speed.
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However, the community has also expressed concern. If players can drop too quickly, there's a chance it could unbalance the game, especially in competitive play. Some fans worry about exploits, like diving from maximum height to beat other players to the ground every time.
For now, the Glider Release mechanic remains just a leak, nothing has been officially announced by Epic Games. But with multiple reputable insiders discussing it, there's a good chance we may see it tested or introduced in a future update.
Whether it adds more excitement or causes gameplay issues, one thing is clear - Fortnite may be getting a fresh twist to how matches begin.