Top Tips to Get Started in Fortnite: A Newbie's Guide

Picking up some advice on how to play Fortnite before you jump into the battle royale can provide a firm foundation, especially if you haven't been to the island before. You should already have a general idea of how the game works, where you're fighting it out amongst other players to take home the win by being the last one standing, but there's plenty more going on in the background.

With a variety of systems to learn and mechanics to get proficient with, it can be difficult to know where to start, but if you make an effort to learn the basics, then you'll survive longer and may even earn that coveted Victory Royale. Although it can feel overwhelming when you first join, particularly when facing others who already have months or years of experience, stick with it, and Fortnite could become your next favorite game.

Starting Off Right

When you're new to Fortnite, every little detail can seem overwhelming. Here are key tips to help guide you in your early experiences:

You Can’t Take Items from Spawn Island

When you first spawn on the island, you’ll notice various items and building materials scattered around. Feel free to grab them for practice, but remember, these won’t carry over once you deploy them onto the main map. Treat Spawn Island as a warm-up area before leaping into the actual battle.

Wait to Drop from the Battle Bus

Resist the urge to jump from the Battle Bus as soon as the horn honks. Waiting until the bus is almost at the end of its flight path will minimize competition for landing spots and loot. Aim for a secluded house or structure, which often contains valuable chests or at least basic loot.

Your Glider Deploys Automatically

When descending from the Battle Bus, your glider will automatically deploy when you reach a certain altitude above the ground. Focus on steering towards your chosen landing spot rather than worrying about when to deploy the glider.

Combat and Survival Tips

Managing combat and survival is key to lasting in Fortnite. Here are essential strategies:

Small Shield Potions First

When you come across shield potions, always drink the small ones before the large ones. You can't consume small shield potions once your shield reaches 50 or higher, so use them first to maximize inventory efficiency.

Stick to Beginner-Friendly Weapons

As you’re starting out, prioritize using assault rifles or SMGs. These weapons are user-friendly and effective at various ranges. Sniper rifles, while powerful, are less useful in close combat situations, so reserve them for long-distance encounters only.

Understand the Rarity Scale

Weapons come in different rarities: grey, green, blue, purple, and gold. The rarer the weapon, the more powerful it is. Don't hesitate to swap out weapons for ones of higher rarity.

Use Headphones

Wearing headphones can significantly enhance your situational awareness. Hearing footsteps and gunshots will allow you to pinpoint the direction of other players, giving you a tactical edge.

Building Basics

Building is a crucial component of Fortnite that can make or break your game:

Build Before Healing

Always build walls around you before starting to heal. Healing takes several seconds, during which you’re completely vulnerable. Surrounding yourself with walls can provide crucial protection.

Mind the Fall Damage

Falling from a height greater than three stories will inflict damage on your character. Build ramps or slide down slopes to descend safely.

Gain the High Ground

Having a height advantage can provide a significant combat advantage. Build upwards using ramps and ensure you're above your enemies to gain better control and shooting angles.

Inventory Management

Efficiently managing your inventory is key to staying prepared for various situations:

Keep Essentials on Hand

• Grenades: Useful for breaking enemy cover.
• Bandages and Healing Items: Essential for recovery.
• Shield Potions: Important for maintaining high shields in combat.

Don't Fully Destroy Trees

When harvesting wood, leave trees with a small amount of health so that enemies can’t easily track your movements by following a trail of destroyed vegetation.

Customizing Your Experience

Familiarize yourself with personalization options for a better in-game experience:

Choose the Right Mode

Fortnite offers different game modes such as Solo, Duo, Trio, Squad, Zero Build, and Ranked Play. Before you start a match, ensure you’ve selected that matches your preferences and skill level

Crouch to Stay Quiet

Moving while crouched minimizes the noise you make, making it more challenging for enemies to detect your location. Use this tactic to sneak up on opponents or avoid confrontations.

Purchase the Battle Pass for Rewards

To access the majority of Fortnite’s exclusive skins and items, consider purchasing the Battle Pass. It costs 950 V-Bucks and opens up a plethora of rewards as you complete in-game quests.

Continuing Your Journey

Once you’ve got a handle on these basics, continue to practice and refine your strategies. Fortnite is a game of skill and quick decision-making, and the more you play, the better you’ll become. Explore different tactics, experiment with various weapons and building techniques, and always be on guard to gain an advantage over your opponents. Happy gaming, and may your next drop lead to a Victory Royale!