So you’ve decided to drop into Fortnite, huh? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Fortnite is a game where one minute you’re fighting off 99 other players, and the next you’re also fighting alien bug monsters while a Halo Spartan runs by (yes, really). It can feel overwhelming for new players, but a little guidance (and humor) goes a long way. Here are 10 essential tips to help you survive and have a blast in both Fortnite’s classic Battle Royale and the Zero Build mode, all updated for the latest season’s meta. Let’s jump in – preferably after the Battle Bus is over a safe spot!
1. Pick Your Landing Spot Wisely
Your match begins before you even touch the ground. As a beginner, resist the urge to drop into the busiest named location like you’re the hero of an action movie – those spots are crawling with seasoned players and in this season, actual crawling bugs. Locations such as The Hive are “insect central,” swarming with alien bugs and aggressive opponents. Sure, there’s great loot in hot zones (Ranger’s Run is rife with quality loot if you’re willing to get your hands dirty), but you’ll also face instant action. Instead, aim for a quieter area at the edge of the map or a smaller POI (Point of Interest). This gives you time to scoop up weapons and shields in peace, so you’re not eliminated in the first 30 seconds. Remember, you can always rotate into busy areas later, but you can’t undo a lobby return because you landed in a war zone (literally, this season). In short: land smart, live longer.
2. Loot First, Shoot Second (Shield Up!)
When your feet hit the ground, your number one priority is gearing up. Grab a weapon immediately – even a common pistol beats harvesting tool high-fives. Then, shield up before seeking fights. In Fortnite, shields are your lifebar’s best friend, effectively doubling your health. Chug small shield potions (minis) first (they cap at 50 shield), then top off with a big shield potion. This season has plenty of healing options: Chug Splashes (quick team heals) are unvaulted, and the quirky Flowberry Fizz drink is back – it heals you and gives a low-gravity boost for quick escapes. Always carry some heals or shields in your inventory; you’ll thank yourself after surviving a close call. The rule of thumb is loot before lootin’ (shooting) – a well-prepared player will trump an unarmed jokester 99% of the time.
3. Build or No Build? Play to Your Strengths
Fortnite offers two main ways to play: the classic Battle Royale (Build Mode) and Zero Build Mode. If the idea of instantly throwing up skyscraper forts makes your head spin, Zero Build is your new BFF. In Zero Build, you can’t build at all – meaning the focus shifts to movement and gunplay (positioning matters a lot here). It’s like skipping the IKEA furniture assembly and jumping straight to the action. For beginners, Zero Build can be a great way to learn shooting and map navigation without getting out-built by cranky 90’s (those lightning-fast towers veterans whip up). On the other hand, don’t completely write off building – it can save your life in regular mode. Start with the basics: learn to put up a quick wall or ramp for cover when under fire. Even a simple one-by-one panic box can turn a fight in your favor. If you want to practice building, try creative mode or sandbox maps where you won’t get pummeled while placing floors (think of it as Fortnite’s version of a safe training montage). Whether you choose Build or Zero Build, play to your comfort zone, and gradually expand your skills. The beauty of Fortnite is having options – embrace the mode that keeps you smiling (and alive).
4. Aim for Success (Literally)
No matter how fancy your gun, it won’t matter if you can’t hit the broad side of a barn. Aiming is king in Fortnite gunfights – this is a shooter after all, that’s how you win. First, make sure your sensitivity settings feel comfortable (not so high that you’re doing wild 360° spins, but not so low that turning feels like wading through molasses). Next, practice! Fortnite’s Creative mode has excellent aim-training maps (some even simulate moving targets and recoil patterns) – a few minutes of aim practice here and there can work wonders for your confidence and accuracy. Also, take advantage of the weapons that feel easiest for you. This season, all guns are hitscan (no bullet drop – if your crosshair’s on target, you’ll hit) and some rifles like the Hammer AR have a red-dot sight for precise aiming. If you struggle with recoil, keep an eye out for the new Agile Aiming Boon – it reduces recoil and spread while aiming. Lastly, turn on “Visualize Sound Effects” in your audio settings; it gives you on-screen cues for things like footsteps and gunshots. It’s like a legal wallhack for your ears and can alert you to enemies sneaking up (because getting shotgunned from behind is only fun for the other guy). Bottom line: practice your aim, use your senses (all of them!), and soon you’ll be beaming opponents instead of spraying and praying.
5. Positioning Is Power (High Ground & Cover)
In Fortnite, where you fight can be just as important as how you fight. One golden rule: always consider the high ground. Obi-Wan was right – high ground wins duels. Elevation gives you a clearer view and makes it easier to hit enemies (it’s much easier to shoot down on someone than up at them). Whether you’re in Build mode (build a ramp or tower for height) or Zero Build (use hills, rooftops, or natural terrain), try to gain the height advantage before a fight. Speaking of terrain, always have some form of cover nearby. Fortnite’s world is full of rocks, trees, houses, and weirdly indestructible porta-potties – use them! Standing out in the open is a great way to become swiss cheese, as veteran players (and Rambo-wannabes) learn quickly. Between fights, move from cover to cover, and when the bullets start flying, use walls (built or natural) to break your opponent’s line of sight. In Zero Build, this is absolutely critical – if you’re caught out in the open with no buildable cover, zigzag and slide to harder-to-hit positions or toss a Port-a-Bunker (if you found one) for instant cover. Good positioning also means being mindful of your surroundings: keep your back to the storm edge or map boundary when possible so fewer enemies can sneak up behind you. And always be scanning for movement or listening for footsteps – awareness can turn would-be ambushes into easy wins. Remember, a well-positioned player is a scary player. Be the scary player.
6. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Fortnite is a blast solo, but it truly shines when you squad up. If you’re playing Duos, Trios, or Squads, communication and teamwork are your secret weapons. Use the ping system (middle mouse or <insert controller button of choice>) to mark enemies, items, or locations – it’s an easy way to “talk” even without a mic. Share the loot love: if you find extra shields or a spare high-tier gun, ping it for a teammate. A squad that’s well-fed and armed stands a much better chance in a fight than one guy hogging all the weapons and leaving his buddies with gray pistols. Coordinate your moves – double-teaming an enemy or syncing up an ambush is oddly satisfying and effective. Revive and reboot your teammates when possible; a risky rescue is often worth it to get your friend back in the game (just make sure to secure the area first – no heroics in the open, please). This season even rewards team play explicitly: your mid-match O.X.R. Rank is shared among all party members. That means when one of you eliminates a player or pest, everyone benefits with progress toward those sweet drop pods of loot. In short, stick together. Watch each other’s backs, call out threats, and remember there’s no “I” in team (but there is one in “Victory Royale”). Besides, it’s way more fun to celebrate a win (or laugh off a loss) with friends. So squad up, communicate, and turn Fortnite into the best buddy-cop action comedy you can imagine.
7. Master Your Loadout (Use the Right Weapons)
Walking out of the spawn island, you’ll find an arsenal of weapons – but which should you carry? A good rule for beginners is to keep a balanced loadout: ideally a weapon for every situation. Think one long-range gun, one mid-range, one close-range, plus a slot for heals or shields (and maybe one for utility or mobility). For example, you might carry an Assault Rifle (mid/long range), a Shotgun (close range powerhouse), an SMG or DMR (to bridge gaps or for rapid fire), and some Mini Shields or Med Mist for healing. In the current season’s meta, certain guns are absolute standouts. The new O.X.R. Rifle (assault rifle) and Wrecker Revolver are dominating matches right now – if you see these, give them a try, they pack a punch. The Sweeper Shotgun and trusty Sentinel Pump Shotgun are top-tier for close encounters, as is the classic Hammer AR for versatile mid-range fire. (The Hammer AR was unvaulted this season and remains a strong pick.) On the flip side, SMGs aren’t as overpowered as they used to be – you can still use them for spray-and-pray, but shotguns and ARs are generally more reliable right now. If you come across special or Exotic weapons (e.g. the Leadspitter 3000 minigun or Swarmstrike rocket launcher), remember they can be situational – fun to use, but they might take up a slot you could use for something more generally useful. As a beginner, stick to weapons that feel comfortable. Hitscan weapons (which is basically everything this season) mean as long as your aim is on point, you’ll hit the target. So pick up that rifle and shotgun combo, keep them loaded, and you’ll be ready for whatever (or whomever) jumps out at you.
8. Take Advantage of Augments (Boons)
One unique aspect of Fortnite is the perks system that grants you special abilities each match. In past seasons these were called Reality Augments; this season they come as high-tech Boons from the O.X.R. labs. Don’t ignore them – they can turn the tide of battle. As you play, you’ll earn or find Boons that give you passive boosts. For example, you can snag an Agile Aiming Boon to steady your aim (less recoil while ADS), an Extended Magazine Boon to increase magazine size, or a Storm Forecast Boon to see the next storm circle in advance. Each boon basically buffs your character: more sprint time, faster reloads, better accuracy, you name it. You even get a Super Soldier Boon that improves as your in-match rank increases, eventually granting things like unlimited stamina and reduced recoil at the highest rank. How do you get these perks? This season, many drop from O.X.R. Drop Pods you earn by ranking up, or from clearing out bug-infested areas and opening special chests. Whenever you see an option to activate or pick up a Boon/augment, do it! As a beginner, a perk like Storm Forecast (revealing the next storm) can literally be a lifesaver for rotations, and extended mags mean fewer awkward reloads mid-fight. These bonuses are free advantages – and who wouldn’t want a little super-soldier serum in their back pocket? Just remember, Boons won’t make you invincible; they’re helpers, not crutches. Combine them with solid gameplay (and these tips), and you’ll notice the difference.
9. Know When to Fight (and When to Flee)
Every battle in Fortnite is optional until it’s not. A common rookie mistake is taking every fight you see, even ones you probably shouldn’t. Smart players size up the situation first. Did you spot a lone enemy wandering cluelessly? Sure, take that fight. But if you hear two teams already duking it out, it might be best to third-party (swoop in after they’ve softened each other up) or sometimes just steer clear entirely. If you have the advantage – say, better weapons, higher health, or you caught someone by surprise – that’s a green light to engage aggressively. Conversely, if you’re low on health, stuck in a bad position, or notice another squad ready to third-party you, consider a tactical retreat. There’s zero shame in running to fight another day (pro tip: tactical sprint and use cover while disengaging, so you’re not shot in the butt on the way out). In this season, knowing when to run is extra important because the chaos factor is high – you might be battling an opponent and suddenly a bunch of NPC bug creatures join the fray. If a fight gets too hot (say, you’re getting swarmed by players and pests), bail out and regroup. Also, always keep the storm in mind. Getting caught fighting in the storm as it closes is a rookie trap – nothing’s worse than winning a tough fight and then immediately dying to storm damage. If the zone is moving, prioritize moving with it or ahead of it. In short, pick your battles. Sometimes the best way to win is not to fight – at least not right now. Play smart like you’re Deadpool plotting an escape (sometimes a wisecrack and exit is better than a head-on charge). Live to fight (and joke) another day.
10. Keep It Fun and Enjoy the Ride
At the end of the day, Fortnite is a game – and games are meant to be fun. It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive side, but don’t forget to enjoy the wacky, wonderful world Epic Games has created. This isn’t your typical shooter; where else can a neon-cat DJ, Darth Vader, and Ryan Reynolds (well, Deadpool) have a dance-off before battling giant alien insects? Fortnite’s latest season alone has you squashing bugs, collecting sci-fi weapons, and even teaming up with iconic heroes (Halo Spartans, anyone?). Embrace the silliness! Try out that new Power Rangers blaster when it arrives, do a goofy emote after a victory (or a defeat – laughter is the best medicine after all), and don’t be afraid to play around with different weapons or strategies. Every match is a learning experience. You will lose – a lot – and that’s okay. Even the best players got dumpstered when they first started (trust us). The key is to learn from each fight and improve little by little. Maybe you got sniped while standing still; next time, you’ll remember to keep moving. Maybe you forgot to build or use cover; file that away and try it going forward. Most importantly, stay positive. Beginner’s luck might net you a win early on, or it might take a while to get that sweet Victory Royale. Either way, enjoy the journey. Fortnite is updated constantly, keeping things fresh – so jump in, have fun with the seasonal mechanics and metas, and make some memories (even if they’re of you heroically running into a wall… it happens). As Ryan Reynolds might say, “Fortnite is like an amusement park – you’re gonna scream, laugh, and occasionally throw things, but it’s one heck of a ride.” Now get out there and bus-dive your way to glory!
Conclusion
Whether you’re building towering forts or dodging bullets in Zero Build, these tips should help you get a leg up in Fortnite. Remember to practice the basics, keep your cool, and maybe pack some bug spray for this season. 😉 Above all, have fun out there. See you on the Battle Bus – I’ll be the one landing in a slightly safer spot, thank you very much. Good luck and enjoy Fortnite!
