The 5 easiest ways to win your first Fortnite match

Even if you’ve never played a video game in your life, you’ve probably heard of Fortnite. The smash hit from Epic Games is known for its Battle Royale mode, a game that drops 100 players into a massive map to fight to the death. The last player standing wins, and there are no respawns and no second chances.

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These odds may seem impossible, especially for new gamers or those unfamiliar with Battle Royale games. Whether it’s your first time playing Fortnite or you’re simply looking for a few pointers to finally get to the top of the leaderboard, this article will outline five easy tips to help you snag the elusive Victory Royale.

1. Plan Your Drop

Every round of Battle Royale begins with all 100 players crammed into the Battle Bus. After a timer counts down, players can choose when and where to drop into the map, either skydiving or using a glider to control their descent. Though it may be tempting to drop into one of the many towns or settlements on Fortnite’s map, most other players will have the same idea. Though more developed areas contain more supplies, this means that they are a magnet for enemies, and should be avoided until you are properly equipped. Dropping into an isolated patch of wilderness and then searching for chests or exploring through areas after the first few chaotic minutes of a round is a smart way to stay alive.

2. Be a Better Builder

New players may be tempted to think of Fortnite as a shooter, but mastering the game’s building mechanic is an essential part of climbing to the top of the leaderboard. The general rule of thumb in Fortnite is to build first and shoot second. This means spending time stockpiling supplies, learning building controls, and being ready to throw up a quick defensive wall should the bullets start flying. You can check out this article for more in-depth and detailed strategies to help you become a master builder.

3. Use Your Inventory Wisely

Inventory space in Fortnite is limited, and with so many different items it can be difficult to decide what to keep and what to discard. So, what should you have in your five inventory slots? The first three slots should be reserved for weapons. Usually, this means an assault rifle, a shotgun, and either an explosive weapon or sniper rifle, depending on your play style. Which weapons should you pick? Check out this article for the best three weapons that will give you the best bang for your buck (pardon the pun). The final two slots should be reserved for shields and healing items, should you find yourself in a sticky situation. It pays to keep your inventory well rounded, rather than hoarding more weapons or more healing items. Having a balance of both means you’ll be prepared for whatever a battle might throw at you.

4. Keep Moving

Staying alive means staying on the move. The quickest way to die is standing out in the open with no cover. From the second the game starts, the storm begins closing in. What is the storm, you might ask? It’s essentially a wall of death that shrinks the map, forcing players into combat. This means hunkering down and waiting for other players to kill each other isn’t a viable strategy. Sure, you can do it for a while, but eventually, you’ll have to move. When you do, make sure your shields are full, and make sure you keep an eye on the storm timers and mini map. These will keep you updated as to how long you have left until the storm closes in, and where the new safe area is.

5. Pick Your Battles

Though it may be tempting, you don’t have to fight every player you see. For example, if you see a player running along a hillside in the distance, taking potshots at them with a shotgun might not be the smartest idea. Sometimes avoiding a fight can be a better option than picking one. If you’ve got the drop on another player, think strategically.  Before starting a fight, ask yourself if what advantages you might have. Do you have the high ground? Better weapons? Better cover? If the answer to these questions is yes, then start shooting. If you aren’t feeling confident, then avoid the encounter if you can and live to fight another day.

Though all this information may seem a little overwhelming for first timers, fear not. Fortnite is incredibly fun once you get the hang of it, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your very first Victory Royale.