Getting Started with Fortnite
This guide will teach you everything you need to know to start playing Fortnite Battle Royale and work toward your first Victory Royale.
Step 1: Download and Setup
Download the Game
- PC: Download Epic Games Launcher from epicgames.com
- Console: Download from your platform's store
- Mobile: Download from Epic Games website (Android)
Create an Epic Games Account
- Sign up at epicgames.com
- Link your platform accounts for cross-progression
Complete the Tutorial
- Learn basic movement and shooting
- Practice building mechanics
- Understand the storm mechanic
Step 2: Understanding the Basics
The Objective: Be the last player (or team) standing out of 100 players
The Storm: A deadly storm circle that shrinks over time, forcing players closer together
The Map: A large island with various named locations, each offering different loot and experiences
Step 3: Pre-Game Lobby
Battle Bus Route:
- Check the bus path across the map
- Plan your landing spot based on the route
- Consider distance from the first storm circle
Choosing a Landing Spot:
- Hot Drops: Named locations with good loot but many enemies (Tilted Towers, Retail Row)
- Safe Drops: Unnamed locations with less loot but fewer enemies
- Balanced Drops: Medium-sized POIs with decent loot and moderate action
Step 4: Landing and Early Game
Landing Technique:
- Jump from the bus when near your target location
- Dive straight down to reach the ground faster
- Deploy glider at the last moment for speed
- Aim for building rooftops for quick loot access
First Priorities:
- Find a Weapon: Immediately search for any gun
- Gather Materials: Break furniture, trees, and structures
- Find Shield: Look for shield potions to increase survivability
- Loot Efficiently: Grab weapons, ammo, healing, and materials
Step 5: Building Basics
Building is what makes Fortnite unique. Master these fundamentals:
Basic Structures:
- Wall: Press Q (default) - Use for protection
- Floor: Press Q twice - Use for high ground or covering gaps
- Ramp: Press Q three times - Use for pushing or gaining height
- Pyramid: Press Q four times - Use for protection or editing plays
Building Tips:
- Always carry 300+ materials of each type
- Practice building in Creative Mode
- Learn to build a 1x1 box for protection
- Master the 90-degree turn for quick height
- Use turbo building (hold down build button)
Material Types:
- Wood: Fastest to build, weakest (200 HP max)
- Brick: Medium speed and strength (300 HP max)
- Metal: Slowest to build, strongest (400 HP max)
Step 6: Combat Fundamentals
Weapon Rarity (weakest to strongest):
- Gray (Common)
- Green (Uncommon)
- Blue (Rare)
- Purple (Epic)
- Gold (Legendary)
- Mythic (Special)
Weapon Types:
- Assault Rifles: Versatile, medium range
- Shotguns: High damage, close range
- SMGs: Fast fire rate, close to medium range
- Sniper Rifles: Long range, high damage
- Pistols: Backup weapons, early game
Ideal Loadout:
- Assault Rifle or SMG
- Shotgun
- Healing items
- Shield items
- Utility (sniper, explosives, or mobility)
Combat Tips:
- Always build when taking damage
- Aim for headshots (2x damage multiplier)
- Use cover and peek shots
- Keep moving to avoid being an easy target
- Practice editing builds for quick shots
Step 7: Mid-Game Strategy
Positioning:
- Stay near the center of the safe zone
- Avoid running in open areas
- Use natural cover (hills, trees, buildings)
- Listen for enemy footsteps and gunfire
Resource Management:
- Maintain 300+ materials at all times
- Carry 2-3 healing items
- Keep shield items for emergencies
- Don't waste ammo on long-range spam
Third-Partying:
- Avoid extended fights that attract other players
- Listen for nearby battles
- Be ready to disengage if a third party arrives
Step 8: End-Game Tactics
Final Circles:
- Build high ground when possible
- Keep materials stocked (500+ recommended)
- Position near the center of the zone
- Be aware of all remaining players
Building in End-Game:
- Build 1x1 towers for height advantage
- Use metal for stronger structures
- Edit quickly for surprise attacks
- Carry healing for storm damage
Winning the Game:
- Stay calm under pressure
- Don't overcommit to fights
- Use storm positioning to your advantage
- Save materials for the final fight
Step 9: Essential Settings
Sensitivity:
- Start with lower sensitivity for better aim
- Gradually increase as you improve
- Find what feels comfortable for you
Keybinds (PC):
- Bind building pieces to easily accessible keys
- Use side mouse buttons for building
- Keep weapon slots on number keys
- Bind edit to a comfortable key (E or F)
Graphics:
- Lower settings for better performance
- Prioritize frame rate over visual quality
- Disable motion blur and shadows
Step 10: Practice and Improvement
Creative Mode Practice:
- Build courses for editing and building speed
- Aim training maps for accuracy
- Box fight maps for combat practice
- Zone wars for end-game scenarios
Learning Resources:
- Watch professional players and streamers
- Study tournament gameplay
- Join Fortnite communities and Discord servers
- Review your own gameplay to identify mistakes
Common Beginner Mistakes:
- Not building enough in fights
- Landing in hot drops without experience
- Ignoring the storm timer
- Carrying too many of the same item type
- Not farming enough materials
Game Modes for Practice
Team Rumble: Large team deathmatch, great for practicing combat without pressure
Creative Mode: Practice building and editing without combat pressure
Zero Build: Focus on gunplay and positioning without building mechanics
Arena Mode: Ranked competitive play once you're comfortable with basics
Tips for Your First Victory Royale
- Play Passively: Avoid unnecessary fights early on
- Land Away from Others: Choose quieter landing spots
- Stay in the Storm Edge: Avoid being caught between enemies
- Build Defensively: Focus on protection over aggression
- Use Healing Wisely: Save big heals for safe moments
- Stay Patient: Let other players eliminate each other
- Practice Building: Spend time in Creative Mode daily
- Learn from Deaths: Watch replays to understand mistakes
Remember, Fortnite has a steep learning curve, especially with building mechanics. Don't get discouraged by early losses - every player started as a beginner. Focus on improving one aspect at a time, and you'll see steady progress toward that first Victory Royale! ```
