There looks to be something major in the works withFortnite’s Dr. Slone already as the new season begins. The latest season’s theme is based on jungles and exploration as the island’s newest features include several ruins nestled in the jungles that cover much of the island’s newest incarnation. However, just as big as the new version of the island could be the return of one ofFortnite’s most important NPCs after being absent for several seasons. A character like Dr. Slone wouldn’t be dropped into a season randomly, so there’s good reason to suspect a major plotline development.
After starting as one ofFortniteChapter 2 Season 7’s NPCs, Dr. Slone quickly became a major character. Originally appearing as a powerful ally against the alien invasion, at the end of the season Slone revealed her true colors, becoming the main antagonist for the next few seasons leading the powerful Imagined Order organization. The ending of Chapter 3 Season 2 seemed to spell the end of Slone’s role in the series, as the tank she was driving got crushed during the finale, and the very next season celebrated the end of the Imagined Order’s rule with a giant party, complete with the new Rave Cave POI.
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Dr. Slone’s Return Promises Intrigue for Fortnite
Despite Slone’s apparent demise, thenew island ofFortniteChapter 4 Season 3features her return. She makes an appearance at the end of the intro, watching the new characters escape from ruin with a grin. In addition, players can find her on the island itself near Rumble Ruins, setting up camp near the remains of her tank. Now known as Innovator Slone, she has traded her old formal clothes and battlesuit for a white tactical outfit with accessories suiting a more adventurous role. Although not a major player yet, Slone is unlikely to remain on the story’s sidelines for long.
Doctor Slone has already had quite a character journey, going fromwarningFortnite’s island citizens of impending doomto taking control of the island for herself. Even so, it’s hard to tell where her morality will fall in this new chapter. Slone has audio logs around the island that the player can find, where she details her survival and explorations in the jungle, seeming particularly interested in the ancient technology being discovered. Interestingly, if the player speaks to her as Gunnar, she will disavow the Imagined Order. This could mean that she’s turning over a new leaf, although nothing can be truly confirmed yet.
Although Slone’s new role isn’t quite clear yet, some other parts of the seasons could provide hints. Among thenew quests inFortniteChapter 3 Season 4are Snapshot quests, which have the player researching the ruins of the island. Since Slone’s interest in the island’s artifacts has already been shown, as the player discovers more information, Slone’s role in the grand scheme of things could become clear. Whether she is exploring for the benefit of her own scientific curiosity or is seeking to return to her old ambitious goals will likely become more clear as more information is gathered.
While the return of Doctor Slone is quite a surprise, her coming back onto the scene injects a lot of intrigue intoFortnite’s coming season. Out of all theFortnitecharacters who could return to the story, Slone is easily one of the choices that would have the most impact. After her stint as the game’s primary antagonist, she is in a prime position to steer the narrative, and she is likely to become a major player by this season’s end. The next phase ofFortnite’s story may hinge on what Slone does next.
Fortniteis available now for Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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