Big Pot Fortnite: Shield Potion Guide & Strategy Tips
In Fortnite, the Big Pot (Shield Potion) is a rare healing item that provides 50 shield points when consumed, taking 5 seconds to use and allowing players to reach full 100 shield protection.
The Evolution of the Big Pot in Fortnite
The Big Pot, officially known as the Shield Potion, has been a staple item in Fortnite since the game’s early days. This blue healing item has undergone several changes throughout the game’s history, making it an interesting subject for both veteran and new players.
Original Design and Rarity Changes
When Fortnite first launched in 2017, the Big Pot had a gray rarity, similar to the Medkit. Epic Games quickly changed this, upgrading it to the blue (rare) rarity we know today. This change reflected the item’s importance in gameplay strategy and survival.
The rarity adjustment wasn’t the only modification made to the Big Pot. In the early seasons of Fortnite, players could carry up to five Big Pots in their inventory. However, Epic Games eventually reduced this limit to three Big Pots per player, creating a more balanced gameplay experience that forced players to make strategic decisions about their inventory management.
Recent and Upcoming Changes
According to leakers, Epic Games is planning to implement a significant change to how Big Pots function. The new mechanic will allow players to consume only part of a Big Pot, using just what they need and saving the rest for later. For example, if a player is only missing 20 shield points, they can use the Big Pot for just two seconds (at a rate of 10 shield points per second) and save the remaining portion for future use.
This partial consumption feature represents the most substantial change to the Big Pot since its introduction and will likely alter how players approach shield management in the game.
Big Pot vs. Mini Shields: The Great Debate
One of the most enduring debates in the Fortnite community centers around which shield item is superior: carrying six Mini Shields or three Big Pots. Both options have their advocates, and the choice often comes down to personal playstyle and strategic preferences.
The Case for Mini Shields
Mini Shields, also known as Small Shield Potions, offer several advantages that make them appealing to many players:
- Quick Application: Mini Shields take only 2 seconds to consume, compared to the 5 seconds required for Big Pots.
- Flexibility During Combat: The shorter consumption time makes Minis ideal for quick healing during intense firefights.
- Quantity Advantage: With a maximum stack of six, Minis provide more individual healing opportunities.
However, Minis have a significant limitation: they can only fill shield up to 50 points. This means players relying solely on Minis will never reach full shield protection without finding additional shield items.
The Case for Big Pots
Big Pots have their own set of advantages that many players find compelling:
- Full Shield Potential: Unlike Minis, Big Pots can fill shield all the way to 100 points.
- Efficiency: Three Big Pots can potentially provide 150 shield points total, compared to 150 from six Minis.
- Peace of Mind: Many players report feeling more secure knowing they can reach full shield whenever needed.
As one player put it, “I’m a 3 big pot person. It stresses me out when I don’t have full shield or can’t get to full shield if I wanted to.”
How Game Mechanics Affect the Choice
The debate between Minis and Big Pots has evolved alongside changes to Fortnite’s healing mechanics. In earlier seasons, players had to complete the full healing animation before gaining any health or shield, making Minis more valuable due to their shorter consumption time.
However, recent updates have changed this dynamic. As one player noted, “Mini’s were the preferred choice in the past because you had very little time to heal during fights… now that you can use a big and stop at 30 shield if you get pushed, makes bigs the better choice.”
With the upcoming partial consumption feature for Big Pots, this balance may shift even further in favor of Big Pots, as they will offer both the ability to reach full shield and the flexibility to use only what’s needed.
Big Pot Availability and Spawn Rates
A recurring topic in the Fortnite community is the perceived rarity of Big Pots in certain game modes or seasons. Player experiences with finding Big Pots vary widely, leading to interesting discussions about spawn rates and loot distribution.
The “Big Pot Shortage” Phenomenon
Many players have reported difficulty finding Big Pots in certain game modes, particularly in Fortnite OG mode. This has become such a common complaint that it has spawned numerous memes comparing finding a Big Pot to finding a legendary weapon like the Golden Scar.
One content creator addressed this issue, suggesting that the perceived shortage might be due to the layout of the Chapter 1 map: “The chapter 1 map is very spread out. The locations are not like modern day Fortnite with the chest at every little spot. The map is a lot wider which also makes it harder to rotate in.”
Another factor contributing to the perceived rarity is the limited shield items in certain game modes. In some versions of Fortnite, Mini Shields aren’t in the loot pool, making Big Pots and the rarer Slurp Juices the only shield items available.
Inconsistent Player Experiences
Interestingly, player experiences with Big Pot availability vary dramatically. While some players struggle to find even one Big Pot per match, others report finding them in abundance:
- “I’m having trouble locating any minis; all I seem to come across are large pots.”
- “Recently, I managed to score around eight in a single match.”
- “I usually come across around 15 pots in every game; they seem to appear quite frequently for me.”
These conflicting reports suggest that Big Pot distribution might be influenced by factors like landing locations, looting patterns, or possibly even random chance more than actual programmed spawn rates.
Big Pot in the Context of Fortnite’s Healing System
To fully understand the Big Pot’s role in Fortnite, it’s essential to consider it within the broader context of the game’s healing and shield system.
Fortnite’s Health and Shield Mechanics
In Fortnite Battle Royale, players have two primary health metrics:
- Health: The base hit points (HP) that every player starts with, maxing out at 100 points.
- Shield: Additional protection that sits on top of health, also maxing out at 100 points.
When a player takes damage, their shield is depleted first, followed by their health. This makes shield extremely valuable as it effectively doubles a player’s survivability in combat.
The Complete Healing Item Hierarchy
The Big Pot is just one of several healing items in Fortnite. Here’s how it compares to other options:
| Name | Rarity | Time | Healing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandages | Common | 4 sec | 15HP | Use up to 75HP |
| Med Kit | Common | 10 sec | 100HP | Full heal |
| Small Shield Potion | Uncommon | 2 sec | 25 Shield | Can only be used up to 50 Shield |
| Shield Potion (Big Pot) | Rare | 5 sec | 50 Shield | No limit |
| Slurp Juice | Epic | 2 sec | 25HP 25 Shield | Heals over time |
| Chug Jug | Legendary | 15 sec | 100HP 100 Shield | Complete heal, complete shield |
This hierarchy shows that the Big Pot occupies a middle ground in terms of rarity and effectiveness. It’s more powerful than Minis but less comprehensive than items like the Chug Jug.
Strategic Considerations for Big Pot Usage
Given its place in the healing hierarchy, the Big Pot requires strategic thinking about when and how to use it:
- Early Game: Finding a Big Pot early can provide a significant advantage, allowing a player to enter their first engagements with extra protection.
- Mid-Game: During the middle phase of a match, players often need to decide whether to use Big Pots immediately or save inventory space for other items.
- Late Game: In the final circles, having Big Pots can be crucial for maintaining full shield after intense fights.
The upcoming partial consumption feature will add another layer to these strategic considerations, allowing players to be more efficient with their shield usage throughout all game phases.
Cultural Impact and Community References
Beyond its gameplay mechanics, the Big Pot has become a cultural touchstone within the Fortnite community, appearing in memes, discussions, and even terminology debates.
Terminology and Nicknames
The Shield Potion goes by several names in the community, with “Big Pot” being the most common. Other terms include:
- Big Shield
- Shield Pot
- Blue Pot (referring to its color)
- 50 Pot (referring to the amount of shield it provides)
This variety of names demonstrates how deeply embedded the item is in Fortnite’s community culture.
Memes and Community Jokes
The perceived rarity of Big Pots in certain game modes has spawned numerous memes and jokes within the community. Players often post celebratory messages when finding Big Pots, with comments like “HE IS THE CHOSEN ONE” and “Holy crap!” appearing in response.
These community interactions show how even a basic healing item can become a significant part of the game’s culture and shared experiences among players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much shield does a Big Pot give in Fortnite?
A Big Pot (Shield Potion) provides 50 shield points when consumed completely. Unlike Mini Shields, Big Pots can be used to reach the maximum shield capacity of 100 points.
How long does it take to use a Big Pot?
Currently, it takes 5 seconds to consume a Big Pot in Fortnite. This is longer than the 2 seconds required for Mini Shields but shorter than the 15 seconds needed for a Chug Jug.
Can you stack Big Pots in Fortnite?
Yes, players can stack up to three Big Pots in a single inventory slot. This limit was reduced from five Big Pots in early versions of the game.
What’s better: Big Pots or Mini Shields?
The answer depends on playstyle and situation. Big Pots allow players to reach full shield (100 points) but take longer to consume. Mini Shields are quicker to use but can only fill shield up to 50 points. Many players prefer Big Pots for the security of full shield, while others value the flexibility of Minis during combat.
Are Big Pots rare in Fortnite?
The rarity of Big Pots varies by game mode and season. In standard Battle Royale, they have blue (rare) rarity. Some players report difficulty finding them in certain game modes like Fortnite OG, while others claim to find them frequently. This inconsistency suggests that perceived rarity might be influenced by factors beyond programmed spawn rates.
What changes are coming to Big Pots in Fortnite?
According to leaks, Epic Games plans to implement a partial consumption feature for Big Pots. This will allow players to use only the amount of shield they need (at a rate of 10 shield points per second) and save the remainder for later use.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
