Fortnite: FNCS Chapter 2 - Season 5 European Semi-Finals/Heats Preview

ESTNN highlights all European heats ahead of this weekend’s FNCS Chapter 2 - Season 5 Semi-Finals.

For the last three weeks, competitive Fortnite players across all seven regions endured grueling days and long hours preparing for this weekend, which is the Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) Semi-Finals. Epic Games kept the same general format intact by separating 132 trios separated into four different heats. The goal is simple; teams must earn enough points for a top-eight finish in their respective heat to advance to the Chapter 2 - Season 5 Finals. However, that's easier said than done, especially in the European region.

Some players involved in Fortnite's most challenging region include MrSavage, benjyfishy, TaySon, Nayte, Andilex, JannisZ, chapix, Hen and many others. Epic has officially released all four heats for Europe, and it's time to take a more in-depth look at which teams standout amongst the pack. Before we do that, Fortnite Coach VHV_Harry took the time to plot out each team's drop spot so that fans can understand who is setting up for success.

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Now, let's take a look at the heat assignments and highlight some of the top trios in each.

Heat 1

GUILD Hen, Wave JannisZ and chapix 74 are the front-runners in heat one. These three dominated the week one qualifier competition and followed that up with two Trio Cash Cup victories. There's not much more to say as this trio has arguably been the best in Chapter 2 - Season 5. Hen, JannisZ and chapix should have Craggy Cliffs without issue and that should be enough for them to secure a top-eight finish in the first heat.

Wave Vadeal, Noahreyli and rezon are right behind Hen and company in terms of raw talent. These are three of the best fighters in Europe and they've flown quietly under the radar since qualifying in week one. Vadeal, Noah and rezon will have Sweaty Sands all to themselves, and there is no reason to think that they won't be one of the eight teams advancing to the FNCS Grand Finals. Trios led by Crr and Queasy will be fighting off the spawn at Catty Corner, which could significantly reduce their chances of advancing to the finals. That storyline will be worth monitoring closely as these 33 teams battle in six crucial matches.

Heat 2

BL Setty, Gamma Kami and GXR teeq lead the way in heat two with one of the best loot paths in competitive Fortnite this season. Located east of Colossal Coliseum, the "Kami split," aptly named for the player in this trio, features guaranteed max materials for all three members and plenty of fishing spots. They might only encounter one or two teams, depending on where zone pulls, but Setty, Kami and teeq will be in a favorable position regardless.

Another team to keep an eye out for is EvozA Helix, SRN Bobby, Flames Deqzyy, who could have Dirty Docks uncontested in heat two. This specific location affords guaranteed metal, fishing spots and upgraded weapons, all of which are an absolute must in Chapter 2 - Season 5. One dark horse team that could find success is that of Grizi Laizen, kyzen and WYZIP. These three players will be landing at Hydro 16 to claim the coveted Rocket Launcher. If they can land and rotate without issue, they'll be in the driver's seat.

Heat 3

Lootboy mexe, Verox and Michael are one of a few teams that should have an uncontested drop spot in heat three. Their chosen location is Dirty Docks, which we already know is one of this season's best. These three may only struggle with unfavorable zones, considering Dirty Docks is a coastal area. If mexe, Verox and Michael can rack up Storm Surge damage early, they should find their way into the top-eight.

Solary Floki, Rams Clement and naek0z are also uncontested at Misty Meadows, which is another ideal location. They'll have the opportunity to upgrade their weapons and stack floppers for a potential end-game healing battle. Also, watch out for Zаra7, fredy7 and darkeroonie in heat three as they look to ride Hydro 16 and the Rocket Launcher into the Grand Finals.

Heat 4

Teams in heat four will have their work cut out for them as it's undoubtedly the most difficult of all. MrSavage, Th0masHD, Andilex, benjyfishy, Nayte, Refsgaard, k1nzell and their respective trio teammates are present in the one group that will end in inevitable heartbreak. Having an uncontested drop spot is more critical in heat four than any of the others. Refer above as we have starred all the teams above who rank out at the top and should not be fighting off the spawn. No matter how you slice it, some dominant teams from heat four will have to compete in the Reboot Round.

100T MrSavage, GUILD TaySon and apeks IDrop7 have the potential to win the entire tournament, but we could say the same for NRG benjyfishy, TrainH Matsoe and TrainH Umplify. Out of all EU heats, this is the one most competitive Fortnite fans will be watching to see how the chaos unfolds. Good luck to the teams who drew this heat, as it'll be a stress-inducing couple of hours.