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Fortnite melee weapons and what's classed as a melee weapon explained

Who needs guns?

Melee weapons in Fortnite allow you to attack your foes without having to worry about ammunition.

You can also use them to gather resources, like wood, to help build structures on the Fortnite map.

In Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 2, you need to use melee weapons to complete certain quests and challenges.

Below you'll discover what a melee weapon is in Fortnite, along with where to find them.

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What is a melee weapon in Fortnite?

There are currently two melee weapons in Fortnite - your harvesting tool, also known as the pickaxe, and the Kinetic Blade.

The Shockwave Hammer is also a melee weapon, but was vaulted at the start of Chapter 4, Season 2.

The easiest melee weapon to use is, of course, your harvesting tool, because you automatically start every match with this weapon. Simply select your favourite from your Locker and away you go!

If you wish to wield the power of a Kinetic Blade, you will need to find it in loot chests, or as floor loot. We also found two displayed near CRZ-8's character location, northwest of Mega City.

Keep an eye out for its purple glow to quickly spot a Kinetic Blade!


Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 is here! It brings a free Lego Insider skin and redemption codes with it, along with a new Victory Umbrella. We've also got pages on new features like Medallions, Weapon Mods, and how to complete a Train Heist. Meanwhile, learn what the best weapons are in the current season, how to get XP fast, and what the best PC settings are to help earn a Victory Crown.


Unlike your pickaxe, the Kinetic Blade has two attack modes: Dash and Knockback Slash. Dash, as the name implies, dashes you forwards in an attacking motion with your blade. Knockback Slash on the other hand requires you to power up for a bit before unleashing a powerful strike that propels you foward.

Dashing on the left, and using the Knockback Slash on the right

If you would like to learn more about Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 1, visit our guides on character locations, Augments, how to get XP fast, and when Geralt is coming to Fortnite.