How to use Overshields in Fortnite

Hamza Khalid
Agent Jonesy in Fortnite

Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2 has removed the building mechanic for the first time, with the new Overshields feature providing extra protection instead. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

There is a ton of fun content to explore in Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2, like brand-new Battle Pass challenges, a tactical sprint mechanic, along with new Doctor Strange and Prowler skins to unlock.

One of the most significant changes in the new season is the removal of the building mechanic from the battle royale’s gameplay. Now, you’ll need to use a brand-new addition known as Overshields instead to protect you in gunfights.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about Fortnite Overshields.

Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2 poster image

How do Fortnite Overshields work?

The Fortnite Overshields provide you with an additional 50% shield and take damage before you lose any health. This extra protection helps you stay in the game during intense combat situations.

While Overshields can be extremely useful in battle, they don’t protect you from the storm, and you will gradually take damage to your health bar if you get stuck outside the shrinking circle.  

You don’t need to search for Overshields as they’re automatically applied to your character at the start of the match. This means that players can have up to 250 combined health and shield throughout each game. 

doctor slone and the prowler in fortnite

If your Overshield takes too much damage, you’ll need to find cover and avoid engaging other players in battles for at least 5-10 seconds. It will then recharge itself and you can hop back into the fight.

While Epic Games haven’t officially confirmed when exactly players will be able to build again, one Fortnite leak points towards the mechanic’s return on March 29. It’s unclear whether or not Overshields will stay in the game after that point.


For more on Fortnite Chapter 3, be sure to check out the player count in 2022, as well as our piece on all Fortnite Chapter 3 Exotic weapons locations.

Image credits: Epic Games

About The Author

Hamza is a Content Creator & Publisher at Charlie INTEL, who graduated from Bahria University with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He's spent the past few years covering news and guides for various video games, including Call of Duty and Apex Legends. He loves digital art, movies, and comic books. You can contact Hamza at [email protected].