Fortnite new player guide: Tips and tricks for new players

Diving into the world of Fortnite can be both exciting and overwhelming for new players. With its unique blend of survival, building, and combat mechanics, mastering the game requires a blend of strategy, quick thinking, and creativity. This guide is crafted specifically for newcomers, offering essential tips and tricks to help you gain a competitive edge.

From understanding the basics of resource gathering and building to navigating the battlefield with precision, our comprehensive guide will set you on the path to victory. Whether you’re looking to improve your shooting accuracy, learn efficient building techniques, or simply survive longer, these expert insights will help you transition from a beginner to a formidable opponent in no time. Embrace the Fortnite experience with confidence and start your journey towards becoming a pro player today!

Brief Introduction to the Game Fortnite

Fortnite is a popular online multiplayer game developed by Epic Games. Released in 2017, it quickly gained a massive following. The game features vibrant graphics and fast-paced gameplay. Players can choose between various modes, but the most famous is the Battle Royale. In Battle Royale, 100 players fight to be the last person standing. The game combines shooting, building, and strategy, making it unique and engaging. Fortnite is free to play but offers in-game purchases for cosmetic items. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. With regular updates and events, Fortnite continues to evolve, keeping players excited and engaged.

How to Install and Start Playing Fortnite

Getting started with Fortnite is simple. Follow these steps to install the game and jump into the action.

System Requirements and Supporting Platforms

Before downloading Fortnite, ensure your device meets the necessary requirements. The game is available on various platforms:

• PC: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit + Mac OSX Sierra
• Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Mobile: Android (iOS is currently unavailable)

Minimum PC requirements:

• OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit or Mac OSX Sierra
• Processor: Core i3 2.4 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: Intel HD 4000

Recommended PC requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Core i5 2.8 GHz
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870

Instructions for Downloading and Installing the Game

1. Visit the official Fortnite website: Go to fortnite.com.
2. Download the Epic Games Launcher: Click on the download button to get the launcher.
3. Install the launcher: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
4. Create or log into your Epic Games account: You’ll need an account to access Fortnite.
5. Download Fortnite: Once logged in, find Fortnite in the launcher and click “Install.”
6. Launch the game: After installation, open Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher.

Create Account and Initial Setup

1. Create an Epic Games account:
   • Go to the Epic Games website and click “Sign Up.”
   • Fill in the required information, or sign up using Google, Facebook, or other options.
   • Verify your email to activate the account.
2. Initial game setup:
   • Open Fortnite from the Epic Games Launcher.
   • Log in with your Epic Games account.
   • Choose your preferred settings for graphics, controls, and audio.
   • Complete the tutorial to understand the basics.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to start your Fortnite adventure.

Interface and Game Modes in Fortnite

Understanding the interface and game modes in Fortnite is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started.

Overview of the User Interface

The Fortnite user interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Key elements include:

• Main Menu: Where you access game modes, settings, and your profile.
• Lobby: This is where you wait before a match starts, and you can invite friends.
• HUD (Heads-Up Display): Shows your health, shield, inventory, and map during gameplay.
• Settings: Allows you to customize controls, graphics, and audio.

Main Game Modes: Battle Royale, Save the World, Creative

Fortnite offers three main game modes, each providing a unique experience:

1. Battle Royale:
   • Description: A free-for-all mode where 100 players compete to be the last person standing.
   • Features: Solo, Duos, and Squads modes; building mechanics; and frequent updates with new weapons and events.
2. Save the World:
   • Description: A cooperative campaign mode where players work together to fight off zombie-like creatures.
   • Features: Story-driven missions, base building, and resource gathering.
   • Note: This mode is a paid option.
3. Creative:
   • Description: A sandbox mode where players can create their own maps and game experiences.
   • Features: Customizable islands, various building tools, and the ability to invite friends to play on your creations.

Instructions for Choosing the Appropriate Game Mode

1. Open Fortnite: Launch the game from the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Navigate to the Main Menu: Once in the game, you will be on the main screen.
3. Select ‘Change’ button: Located just above the ‘Play’ button.
4. Choose your mode:
   • Battle Royale: Select “Battle Royale” to join the competitive, last-man-standing mode.
   • Save the World: Choose “Save the World” if you want to play the cooperative campaign (purchase required).
   • Creative: Pick “Creative” to enter the sandbox mode where you can build and design your own maps.
5. Click ‘Play’: Once you’ve chosen your mode, click “Play” to start.

By familiarizing yourself with these interfaces and game modes, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy all that Fortnite has to offer.

Basic Tips for New Players

Starting in Fortnite can be challenging, but these basic tips will help you get a strong start.

How to Move and Control the Character

1. Movement Basics:
   • WASD keys: Use W to move forward, A to move left, S to move backward, and D to move right.
   • Mouse: Use the mouse to look around and aim.
   • Spacebar: Press to jump and avoid obstacles.
2. Combat Controls:
   • Left mouse button: Click to shoot or use your current item.
   • Right mouse button: Hold to aim down sights for better accuracy.
   • R key: Press to reload your weapon.
3. Building Controls:
   • Q key: Quick access to building mode.
   • F1-F4 keys: Select building pieces (walls, floors, ramps, and roofs).
   • Mouse click: Place the selected piece.

Use Maps and Search for Resources

1. Accessing the Map:
   • M key: Press to open the map and see the current game area.
   • Plan your drop: Choose a location with good loot and fewer players.
2. Gathering Resources:
   • Harvest materials: Use your pickaxe (default key 1) to break objects like trees, rocks, and buildings for wood, stone, and metal.
   • Search chests and floor loot: Look for glowing chests and items on the ground to find weapons, ammo, and healing items.
3. Resource Management:
   • Collect enough materials: Always gather materials for building during combat.
   • Prioritize essentials: Focus on weapons, ammo, and healing items.

Survival Strategy in the First Minutes

1. Safe Landing:
   • Choose a less crowded area: Avoid popular spots to minimize early encounters with other players.
   • Land quickly: Aim to land first to grab weapons and gear.
2. Early Looting:
   • Search buildings: Quickly loot buildings for weapons and shields.
   • Use headphones: Listen for chest sounds and footsteps to locate loot and avoid enemies.
3. Early Game Tactics:
   • Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid unnecessary fights.
   • Move strategically: Keep an eye on the storm circle and plan your movements to stay inside the safe zone.

By mastering these basics, you’ll improve your chances of survival and success in Fortnite.

Advanced Tricks to Win

Mastering advanced tricks will significantly boost your chances of winning in Fortnite. Here are some expert strategies to enhance your gameplay.

Combat and Confrontation Tactics

1. Positioning:
   • High ground advantage: Always seek higher ground for better visibility and shooting angles.
   • Cover usage: Use natural cover and structures to protect yourself from enemy fire.
2. Shooting Techniques:
   • Aim for the head: Headshots deal more damage and can quickly eliminate opponents.
   • Strafing: Move side to side while shooting to make yourself a harder target to hit.
3. Engagement Strategy:
   • Pick your battles: Avoid unnecessary confrontations and engage only when you have an advantage.
   • Third-party opportunities: Take advantage of fights between other players to eliminate weakened opponents.

How to Take Advantage of Items and Weapons

1. Weapon Variety:
   • Carry a mix: Have a variety of weapons, such as an assault rifle, shotgun, and sniper, to handle different situations.
   • Upgrade weapons: Use upgrade benches to improve the quality of your weapons.
2. Healing and Shields:
   • Always carry healing items: Keep medkits or bandages and shield potions for quick recovery.
   • Use shields first: Prioritize using shields to increase your survivability in fights.
3. Utility Items:
   • Use grenades: Utilize grenades and other throwable items to flush out enemies from cover.
   • Traps: Set traps in buildings or choke points to surprise and eliminate unsuspecting players.

Fast and Effective Construction Skills

1. Building Basics:
   • Quick structures: Practice building walls, ramps, and floors quickly to create cover during fights.
   • Edit structures: Learn to edit your buildings swiftly to create new pathways and confuse opponents.
2. Defensive Building:
   • Box up: When under heavy fire, build a box around yourself for protection.
   • Turtle technique: Build multiple layers of walls and ramps to fortify your position.
3. Offensive Building:
   • Push with ramps: Use ramps to close the distance between you and your opponent while maintaining high ground.
   • 90s technique: Build a rapid series of walls and ramps to gain height advantage quickly during confrontations.

By incorporating these advanced tactics into your gameplay, you’ll be well-equipped to outmaneuver and outplay your opponents, increasing your chances of securing a victory in Fortnite.

Items and Weapons You Need to Know

Understanding the various items and weapons in Fortnite is crucial for success. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose and use them effectively.

List and Classification of Weapons

1. Assault Rifles:
   • Types: Common (Gray), Uncommon (Green), Rare (Blue), Epic (Purple), Legendary (Gold)
   • Usage: Versatile for mid to long-range combat.
2. Shotguns:
   • Types: Pump Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Lever-Action Shotgun
   • Usage: Best for close-range combat due to high damage output.
3. Submachine Guns (SMGs):
   • Types: Compact SMG, Suppressed SMG
   • Usage: Effective in close to mid-range encounters, with high fire rate.
4. Sniper Rifles:
   • Types: Bolt-Action Sniper, Heavy Sniper
   • Usage: Ideal for long-range engagements with high damage per shot.
5. Pistols:
   • Types: Standard Pistol, Hand Cannon
   • Usage: Good for close-range combat, but generally secondary to other weapons.
6. Explosive Weapons:
   • Types: Grenade Launcher, Rocket Launcher
   • Usage: Useful for destroying structures and dealing area damage.

Support Items and How to Use Them

1. Healing Items:
   • Medkits: Restore full health; use when in a safe place.
   • Bandages: Restore up to 75 health; use for quick recovery during a fight.
2. Shield Items:
   • Shield Potions: Large potions give 50 shield points; small potions give 25 shield points (up to 50).
   • Slurp Juice: Gradually restores health and shield over time.
3. Utility Items:
   • Grenades: Use to flush enemies out of cover or to damage structures.
   • Boogie Bombs: Makes opponents dance, leaving them vulnerable.

Choose the Right Weapon for Each Situation

1. Close-Range Combat:
   • Shotgun and SMG: High damage output and rapid fire rate are essential for close encounters.
2. Mid-Range Combat:
   • Assault Rifle: Provides a good balance of accuracy and damage, making it ideal for medium distances.
3. Long-Range Combat:
   • Sniper Rifle: Necessary for engaging enemies from a distance with precision shots.
4. Structure Destruction:
   • Explosive Weapons: Grenade and rocket launchers are effective for taking down enemy structures quickly.
5. Versatile Loadout:
   • Combination: Carry a mix of weapons, such as an assault rifle, shotgun, and sniper, to handle different combat scenarios.

By familiarizing yourself with these items and weapons, you can make strategic decisions and improve your overall gameplay in Fortnite.

How to Build and Defend Effectively

Mastering building and defense in Fortnite is essential for survival and success. Here’s how you can do it effectively.

Basic and Advanced Construction Skills

1. Basic Skills:
   • Walls: Build walls for immediate cover during firefights.
   • Ramps: Use ramps to gain high ground quickly.
   • Floors: Create floors to bridge gaps or stabilize structures.
   • Roofs: Place roofs to protect yourself from above attacks.
2. Advanced Skills:
   • 90s: Rapidly build a series of walls and ramps to gain height advantage quickly.
   • Tunneling: Build a protective tunnel while moving towards the safe zone or an enemy.
   • Editing: Edit structures to create windows, doors, or change the shape of your buildings for better mobility and surprise attacks.

Defense Strategy in Battle Royale

1. Boxing Up:
   • Create a box: Build a 1×1 structure with walls and a roof to shield yourself from all sides.
   • Layering: Add extra layers to your box for enhanced protection.
2. High Ground:
   • Build upwards: Always aim to get the high ground for better visibility and shooting angles.
   • Defend the height: Use ramps and floors to secure your position and prevent enemies from overtaking you.
3. Trap Placement:
   • Set traps: Place traps inside buildings or chokepoints to catch opponents off guard.
   • Bait enemies: Use loot or your own position to lure enemies into trap zones.

How to Create Solid Structures

1. Resource Management:
   • Collect materials: Always gather wood, stone, and metal to ensure you have enough resources for building.
   • Prioritize materials: Use wood for quick builds, stone for medium strength, and metal for maximum durability.
2. Reinforcement:
   • Double-layer walls: Build double walls to increase durability against enemy fire.
   • Structural integrity: Ensure your structures have multiple supports to prevent them from being easily destroyed.
3. Fortifying Positions:
   • Base fortification: Strengthen your base with multiple layers and a variety of materials.
   • Windows and doors: Edit your walls to create windows and doors for better defense and shooting positions.

By developing both basic and advanced building skills, employing strategic defense tactics, and creating solid structures, you can significantly improve your ability to survive and win in Fortnite.

Note About the Community and Events in the Game

Engaging with the Fortnite community and participating in events can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Here’s how you can get involved.

Interact and Communicate with the Gaming Community

1. Join Online Forums:
   • Reddit and Discord: Participate in Fortnite-related subreddits and Discord servers to share tips, strategies, and experiences.
   • Epic Games Forums: Engage with the official forums for updates and community discussions.
2. In-Game Communication:
   • Voice Chat: Use the in-game voice chat to coordinate with teammates and make new friends.
   • Emotes and Quick Chat: Express yourself and communicate non-verbally with emotes and quick chat options.
3. Social Media:
   • Follow Fortnite Accounts: Stay updated by following official Fortnite accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
   • Content Creators: Watch YouTube videos and Twitch streams from popular Fortnite content creators for tips and entertainment.

Regular Events and Updates

1. Seasonal Updates:
   • New Seasons: Each season brings new themes, challenges, and updates to the game, keeping it fresh and exciting.
   • Battle Pass: Purchase the Battle Pass to unlock exclusive rewards and challenges each season.
2. Limited-Time Events:
   • Special Modes: Participate in limited-time game modes that offer unique gameplay experiences and rewards.
   • Collaborations: Enjoy events featuring collaborations with popular franchises, offering exclusive skins and items.
3. Live Events:
   • In-Game Concerts: Experience virtual concerts and live events that bring the community together for memorable experiences.
   • Storyline Events: Engage in events that progress the game’s storyline and introduce new content.

Participate in Tournaments and Special Activities

1. In-Game Tournaments:
   • Compete for Prizes: Join in-game tournaments to test your skills and win prizes, ranging from in-game currency to real-world rewards.
   • Open to All: Many tournaments are open to players of all skill levels, providing a chance to compete and improve.
2. Community Challenges:
   • Collaborative Goals: Participate in community-wide challenges that require collective effort to unlock rewards for everyone.
   • Exclusive Rewards: Earn unique items and cosmetics by completing special challenges and activities.
3. Esports and Pro Play:
   • Watch and Learn: Follow professional Fortnite tournaments and esports events to learn from the best players.
   • Aspire to Compete: Improve your skills and aim to participate in higher-level competitions as you progress.

By actively engaging with the community, staying updated on events, and participating in tournaments, you can make the most out of your Fortnite experience and connect with fellow players worldwide.

Starting your journey in Fortnite can be both thrilling and challenging. By understanding the basics of movement and control, utilizing the map for resource gathering, and developing survival strategies for the early game, you’ll lay a strong foundation. As you progress, mastering advanced combat tactics, weapon usage, and fast building techniques will elevate your gameplay. Engaging with the vibrant Fortnite community and participating in regular events and tournaments further enriches your experience. Remember, practice and patience are key. With time, you’ll improve and enjoy the game even more. Use this guide to navigate your early days in Fortnite, and soon you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable player. Dive in, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun! Happy gaming! If you are having trouble with the game, please contact us at Games Fortnite Nice for detailed advice.