Fortnite can be daunting to start. Even if you’re comfortable with survival-shooter gameplay, there are many systems unique to Fortnite that can significantly alter the game.
Resource gathering and positioning are key; it’s a big map with a lot of options, so we’ve narrowed down some of those for you. Here are some starting tips to help players who understand shooters but could use some tips to give them an in-game edge.
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Getting Started | Combat Tips
For first-time players, larger team games are the way to go. Join teams of 20 or 50v50 to take a lot of pressure off your individual performance and give you more time to breath while you’re getting familiar with the game.
- Hitscan (weapons with no projectile simulation) are the best weapons for beginners, hell they’re preferred by most experts too.
- Assault Rifles (even scoped), shotguns and pistols are all hitscan.
- Bolt action sniper rifles, semi-auto rifles, the crossbow, grenade launcher and the RPG are actual projectiles.
- Some guns, like the scoped AR have obvious projectile tracers when fired; ignore these, they DO NOT accurately reflect where you are shooting, they’re just for show.
- One of the most consistent builds for competitive play is maining a pump shotgun and a tactical shotgun.
- Aggressively pursue your opponent, firing first with the pump shotgun for big damage before switching to the tactical shotgun for remaining shots if that didn’t put them down.
- You can get remaining shots out much faster with this method rather than sticking with just a pump shotgun.
Be aggressive and make use of building to get the best of your enemies. One strong strategy is to quickly build two walls and a ramp when in an encounter. Many players will attempt to destroy the walls instead of firing at you.
Starting Location Tips
The six most popular and populated starting drop points are Tilted Towers, Greasy Grove, Anarchy Acres, Pleasant Park, Retail Row and Fatal Fields.
These are probably the best places to go when you’re just starting out and want to get the hang of the frantic pace of the endgame.
- Tilted Towers especially can be very unforgiving for starting out, but it’s always a popular spot and a good trial-by-fire area. Be prepared for a fight.
- Snobby Shores is a good starting place if you’re looking for light opposition; it’s usually overlooked but tends to have a lot of easy to get weapons.
- Depot is another good starting place that’s light on enemies. You’ll usually find at least a few other players there on average, but the tight sight-lines make it easy to dart in and out of view and avoid other players until you get a decent weapon.
The top of the mountain peak north of Salty Springs is a strong start as well. There are always at least two guns up, and up to three chests easily visible. It’s just a good central location with views into Tilted Towers, Salty Springs or Dusty Depot.
Got your own tips and tricks for Fortnite? Let us know in the comments section below!
