What is Siphon in Fortnite?

Fortnite has achieved immense global popularity by incorporating an array of engaging elements that enhance the overall gameplay experience. Among these features, one standout is the Siphon mechanic, which has been present in the game for a considerable period. The Siphon enables players to recover a portion of the damage they sustain during gameplay, effectively intensifying the action. However, Epic Games stirred controversy by unexpectedly eliminating Fortnite's Siphon mechanic, catching many players off guard with their decision.

What is Siphon in Fortnite?

The Siphon mechanic in Fortnite functions as an advantageous perk that grants players the ability to regenerate health by sapping it from enemy players. This unique feature is prominently showcased in the newly introduced "Shotgun Striker" Combat Augment. When equipped, the Siphon augments your shotgun attacks against other players, replenishing your health with every successful hit.

The amount of life restored through Siphon varies depending on the specific shotgun utilized, making weapon selection a strategic consideration. Essentially, the Siphon mechanic operates as a health and shield-stealing mechanism within Fortnite. Whether by eliminating opponents or inflicting damage upon them, players can regain health and shield points.

In certain game modes, it replenishes anywhere from 25 to 50 points of health, with any surplus health being converted into shield points. Notably, achieving an elimination in select Fortnite game modes instantaneously refills your shield, providing a substantial defensive advantage. Consequently, adversaries aiming to best you must endure the arduous task of depleting your shields anew before achieving victory.

Originally, the concept of siphoning health and shield points was introduced through the limited-time Siphon game mode, which Epic Games debuted on December 20th of 2022 as part of the special modes rotation during the 14 Days of Fortnite event. In the initial iteration, the only means of replenishing health involved dealing damage or eliminating opponents, a characteristic that has since evolved in subsequent versions of the Siphon mechanic.

How to use Siphon?

To activate and utilize the formidable capabilities of Siphon in Fortnite, players must acquire the necessary Augments: Shotgun Striker or Rarity Check. These Augments, obtained randomly during gameplay, serve as the key to unlocking the potential of Siphon. Once in possession of the Shotgun Striker or Rarity Check Augments, players can harness the power of Siphon.

Engaging in combat and eliminating enemy players becomes the catalyst for rejuvenation and resilience. With each successful defeat of opponents, players can exchange the damage dealt for a vital resource—a significant boost to their health and a fortified shield.

The amount of healing and shield replenishment gained through Siphon depends on the specific type of enemy eliminated. Each victory over a different opponent brings its own distinct contribution to the restoration process. This variation adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, as players can adapt their approach based on the encountered threats and tailor their gameplay accordingly.

Has Siphon been removed from tournaments?

In a surprising turn of events, the latest Fortnite Patch Notes unveiled an unexpected decision by Epic Games to remove Siphon from all competitive tournaments. This puzzling move has sparked discontent within the community, particularly given its proximity to the launch of Fortnite Ranked just a week prior.

Throughout Fortnite's history, players have become accustomed to the rewarding nature of Siphon in competitive play, where eliminating enemies would grant them this advantageous perk. Previously, Arena served as the closest mode to FNCS and offered players the opportunity to benefit from Siphon. However, with the introduction of Ranked, Epic Games shockingly discontinued Arena, along with Siphon and Trios.

This discontinuation took the community by surprise. Furthermore, Epic Games has now solidified their stance by permanently removing Siphon from Fortnite, stating in the recent Patch Notes that all gameplay features in tournaments will align with those found in Ranked. Consequently, competitive Fortnite will, for the first time, be devoid of the once-beloved Siphon mechanic.

Accompanying this significant change, several other alterations have been implemented in the game. Material caps have been reduced to 500, marking a departure from the previous higher limits. Harvesting rates have also been slightly decreased, modifying the efficiency with which players gather resources. Additionally, players now drop 50 units of each material upon elimination, adding a new dynamic to the resource economy.

Although players still retain the ability to collect materials from defeated opponents, the absence of Siphon looms as a substantial setback for Fortnite's competitive scene.