Fortnite is one of the most popular video games in the world. Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite offers a unique battle royale experience that has captivated gamers across all platforms. With its free-to-play model, engaging gameplay, and frequent updates, it’s easy to see why Fortnite has become such a global phenomenon.
What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is an online video game released in 2017 and developed by Epic Games. It is available in distinct game modes – primarily Fortnite Battle Royale and Fortnite Creative. Fortnite Battle Royale is a free-to-play battle royale game in which up to 100 players compete against each other to be the last person standing on an ever-shrinking map. Weapons, items, resources, and even structures can be scavenged as players fight to survive. Fortnite Creative allows players to create their arenas and games using Fortnite assets and tools.
Fortnite Game Modes
There are two main game modes in Fortnite:
Fortnite Battle Royale
This is the standout, free-to-play mode that has made Fortnite one of the biggest games in the world. Up to 100 players compete against each other on a large island loaded with weapons, items, and traps. As the match goes on, the playable area shrinks in size due to an incoming storm, forcing the remaining players closer together. The last player or team standing wins the Victory Royale. This mode can be played solo, in duos, trios, or squads.
Fortnite Creative
This sandbox mode allows players to design and build their unique islands and games using Fortnite’s building tools and assets. Creations can be played alone or shared online for others to try too. Popular player-made games include deathruns, zone wars, and prop hunts. Fortnite Creative promotes fun, and social interaction and helps improve building skills.
How to Play Fortnite
Step 1: Download Epic Games Launcher
To play Fortnite on PC or Mac, you’ll first need to download the Epic Games Launcher from the Epic Games website. This acts as the hub for installing and opening Fortnite. The launcher is also required to manage updates and purchases.
Step 2: Create an Epic Games Account
Once you have the launcher, create your free Epic Games account. This allows you to play Fortnite and access other Epic services like chat, user content, and the item shop. You can sign up with an email address or use existing Facebook, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Nintendo, or Google accounts to link up.
Step 3: Install Fortnite
With your Epic account ready, install Fortnite through the Epic Games Launcher. You only have to do this once – future updates roll out automatically. The installer and initial update may take a while depending on your internet speed.
Step 4: Choose Game Mode
Once installed and updated, launch Fortnite and select Battle Royale, Creative, or Save the World mode from the main menu. Each offers a different gameplay experience. New players should start with Battle Royale to experience the core Fortnite gameplay loop.
Step 5: Party Up
Playing with friends makes Fortnite way more fun. Add friends through your Epic social tab, then create a party to join the same matchmaking queue. Use in-game voice chat or apps like Discord while playing. Teaming with others is key to success.
Now let’s look at how to specifically play Fortnite online.
How to Download and Play Fortnite Online
Fortnite is an exclusively online multiplayer game, so every match requires an internet connection. Here are the steps to get into games online across all platforms:
On PC
- Download and open the Epic Games Launcher
- Sign into your Epic account
- Make sure Fortnite is installed, then launch the game
- Select Battle Royale, Creative, or Save the World mode
- Choose your matchmaking options like solo, duos, etc
- Ready to join the matchmaking queue and play online
On Console
- Turn on your compatible console – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
- Sign into your Epic account if prompted
- Launch Fortnite from your library or store
- Pick your game mode and matchmaking preferences
- Ready up to start matchmaking and play online
On Mobile
- Download and install Fortnite from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Samsung Galaxy Store
- Sign into your Epic account or create a new one
- Grant any permissions required
- Select Battle Royale, Creative, or Save the World
- Choose matchmaking options
- Tap ‘Ready’ to play online
Cross-platform lobbies allow players on all these devices to compete or cooperate online. Make sure your platform account is linked to your Epic ID to team up with friends across different systems.
Can You Play Fortnite Without the Internet?
An internet connection is required to play Fortnite. Unlike some multiplayer titles, there is no offline mode available. All game modes – Battle Royale, Creative and Save the World – can only be played online. This allows for live social gameplay and enables updates delivered seamlessly from Epic’s servers. To play Fortnite, your gaming platform or device needs to be connected to the internet. Solo practice or training modes require online access too. Having a stable, low-latency internet connection is recommended for the best Fortnite performance.
Is Fortnite Free?
Fortnite is a free-to-play game, meaning the core experience won’t cost you anything to download and play. The Battle Royale and Creative modes have no upfront costs. All gameplay-affecting weapons, items, and characters can be unlocked just by playing. However, Fortnite does offer optional in-game purchases through microtransactions. These are largely for cosmetic items like character skins, emotes, gliders, and weapon skins. A seasonal Battle Pass offers more cosmetics that can be purchased using V-Bucks, the in-game currency bought with real money. So while 100% free to play competitively, many players spend money to customize their experience.
Fortnite Gameplay Elements
Fortnite seamlessly combines crafting, building, and shooting gameplay set in an ever-changing island environment. Here are some key elements that make Fortnite gameplay so engaging:
- The Storm– This deadly storm damage forces players closer together into tighter areas as matches progress. Staying ahead of the storm is critical to survival.
- Building– Harvesting materials around the island lets you build defensive structures for cover or access to high ground. Creative building is a skill that separates good from great players.
- Crafting– Make weapons, healing items, and other useful tools by collecting and combining materials found on the island. Crafting on the fly is vital for battle.
- Looting– Search chests, supply drops, and loot llamas to get powerful weapons, healing items, resources, and gear to help you survive longer.
- Combat– Use your harvested resources to build cover and get the upper hand in hectic firefights. Mastering weapons and aiming is crucial.
- Victory Royale– The ultimate goal is being the last player or team remaining by any means necessary. Winning these intense battles provides exciting rewards and bragging rights.
By combining these survival, exploration, and building elements with fluid combat mechanics, Fortnite creates an addictive, high-skill-ceiling BR experience that’s enjoyed by over 350 million registered players.
Fortnite Characters & Skins
One way players can customize their appearance in Fortnite is by collecting and equipping character skins. Here are some things to know about Fortnite characters and skins:
- Skins come in different rarities – Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary – denoted by their color. Higher rarity skins are more unique but typically harder to obtain.
- Outfits can be unlocked via the Battle Pass, purchased directly, or earned through events and tournaments. Prices range from 800 to 2,000 V-Bucks.
- As well as outfits, skins let you change your pickaxe, glider, emote, backpack, and more to create your style.
- Popular skin characters include Peely, Fishstick, the Mandalorian, Spider-Man, Darth Vader and Ariana Grande.
- Icon Series skins depict real-world celebrities like Neymar Jr., Lebron James, and Marshmello who have appeared in Fortnite via in-game events.
- Some outfit variants evolve by completing challenges, allowing you to unlock alternate styles.
- Locker presets let you create and save multiple outfit combinations to switch between easily.
Collecting skins adds plenty of fun personalization and personality to the game for many players.
How to Get V-Bucks in Fortnite
V-Bucks are the in-game currency used in Fortnite to purchase Battle Passes, skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items from the Item Shop. Here are some ways to get V-Bucks in Fortnite:
- Purchase V-Bucks– Prices start from $8 for 1,000 V-Bucks. More can be bought at discounted rates. This is the quickest way to get V-Bucks to spend.
- Battle Pass– Completing the 100 tiers in the current season’s Battle Pass earns you up to 1,500 V-Bucks. You get more by subscribing with paid tiers.
- Save the World– Earn up to 200 V-Bucks daily by completing missions and daily quests in this PvE Fortnite mode. Slow but steady income.
- Gifting– Players can gift you V-Bucks, which you can then spend in-game. Great for birthdays or special occasions!
- Giveaways & Contests– Follow Fortnite social media for opportunities to win V-Bucks prizes during giveaways and contests.
Free V-Buck sources are limited, so purchasing them directly is the most reliable method to unlock the exact cosmetics you want for your character.
How to Refund Items in Fortnite
If you’ve purchased an item in Fortnite and want a refund, here is how the refund process works:
- All Fortnite players get three-lifetime refund tokens for Battle Royale purchases. These tokens allow you to return three items for V-Bucks.
- Refunds can be requested in-game via the Item Shop tab. You’ll be asked to confirm the refund with your remaining tokens.
- Items are eligible for refunds provided they were purchased in the last 30 days. Refunds can’t be processed after this period.
- Cosmetics can be returned in exchange for V-Bucks equal to the original purchase price.
- Refunds can take 1-7 days to process once approved. V-Bucks will be returned to your account.
- Refunds only apply to cosmetic items, not V-Bucks themselves. Consumables also can’t be refunded.
- Once all three refund tokens have been used, no more refund requests can be made for that account. Tokens do not reset or replenish.
- Refunds are designed for accidental purchases or item shop regrets. Use tokens wisely in case of future buyer’s remorse!
Following the above guidelines allows you to return items you don’t want for V-Bucks to spend on more suitable cosmetics instead.
How to Report Players in Fortnite
Maintaining good player conduct is important for the Fortnite community. Here is how to report players who are exhibiting toxic behavior:
- In-Game Reporting– Bring up the fullscreen menu and select ‘Report Player’. Choose a report category and add optional details.
- From Lobby– Use the ‘Report Player’ option when inspecting teammates or recent opponents before matchmaking.
- From Replays– Open the menu during a replay and select Report Player. The game timestamp will be submitted with your report.
- Support Website– Serious offenses can be reported directly via the Fortnite Player Support website for additional investigation.
- Provide accurate player names, descriptions of their behavior, and any evidence that supports your report.
- Potential infractions include cheating, teaming, offensive language, harassment, and offensive usernames.
- Reporting falsely can lead to your account being banned, so only submit accurate reports.
- Take a few moments after heated matches to make reports calmly and thoughtfully.
- You can help make Fortnite more welcoming by reporting any unacceptable conduct seen in-game.
Submitting detailed, truthful reports helps Epic take appropriate action against players violating the community rules and standards.
FortniteCross-Platform Capabilities
A major appeal of Fortnite is that it allows for cross-platform play. Here’s an overview of playing Fortnite across multiple systems:
- Cross-Platfom Matchmaking– Players on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac, Switch, and mobile can match them together.
- Shared Progression– Your account, stats, unlocks and purchases carry across all platforms linked to your Epic ID.
- Cross-Platform Parties– Form parties with friends even if they are on different gaming systems.
- Cross-Platform Voice Chat– Chat with teammates no matter what platform they are using.
- Cross-Platform Commerce– Purchase items from the Item Shop on one device and access them on another linked device.
- Limited Exceptions– PlayStation and Xbox do not allow direct cross-play. Players have separate matchmaking pools.
- Opt-Out Option– Console players can opt out of playing against opponents using a mouse & keyboard for fairness.
Cross-platform support has been a major factor in Fortnite achieving its huge player base. Friends can squad up together regardless of their system and keep progress unified.
Competitive Fortnite Esports Scene
Fortnite features a thriving competitive esports scene with various tournaments and leagues. Here’s an overview:
- Fortnite World Cup– The pinnacle global esports tournament with a prize pool in the tens of millions. Open qualifiers are held online.
- FNCS– The Fortnite Champion Series features the best players and trios competing for cash prizes and glory across regions.
- Cash Cups– Weekly cups allow players to compete against similarly skilled opponents for cash rewards.
- Third-Party Tournaments– Organizations like ESL and DreamHack run major Fortnite tournaments with invites for top talent.
- In-Game Events– One-time in-game events will feature special competitive modes and prizes for participants.
- Pro Scrims– Pros practice squad matches in custom lobbies to prepare for upcoming events and tournaments.
- ** Signed Esports Teams** – Organizations like FaZe Clan, TSM, and 100 Thieves sign Fortnite pro players and squads.
The competitive environment lets talented Fortnite players test their skills for prize money and fame. For spectators, esports tournaments provide exciting high-level matches to enjoy.
Beginner’s Tips for Fortnite Battle Royale
For new players jumping into Fortnite Battle Royale, here are some useful tips to help you get that first Victory Royale:
- Land on the edges– Avoid hot spots early to gear up safely. Move inwards as the storm shrinks.
- Gather materials– Chop trees, break objects, mine cars. Materials let you build forts and access high ground.
- Stay low, move slow– Crouch walks to stay quieter and attract less attention. Be patient and alert.
- Manage your inventory– Carry a short- and long-range weapon, healing items, shield potions, and grenades.
- Use cover– Build structures or duck behind terrain to shield from enemy fire during shootouts.
- Learn weapon strengths– Shotguns are deadly up close. Assault rifles work at most ranges. Snipers dominate long distances.
- Change direction– Never run in a straight line while being fired at. Zig-zag unpredictably.
- Third-partying– Cleaning up mid-fight and taking out weakened enemies can lead to wins.
- Keep moving with the storm– Always try to stay just ahead of the deadly encroaching storm circle.
Following these tips when first starting will help you learn good habits and get that Victory Royale faster.
Advanced Fortnite Strategies & Tactics
Once you’ve gotten familiar with Fortnite and want to take your skills to the next level, incorporating these advanced strategies and tactics into your gameplay can help:
- Master building– Specifically ramp rushing, the 90s, editing for speed, unpredictability, and getting the high ground.
- Learn lead distances– Judge how far ahead to aim for targets moving at different speeds and directions.
- Practice edit shots– Edit structures rapidly to take quick pump shotgun shots at unsuspecting enemies.
- Bait opponents– Fake actions to misdirect enemies into traps or ambushes.
- Flank and third-party– Use stealth, distance, and distractions to attack players mid-fight for the advantage.
- Watch battle flow– Note bus path, circle locations, and nearby fights to anticipate combat hot zones before rotating.
- Manage healable– Balance carrying heals with other items depending on current HP, upcoming circle distance, and inventory space.
- Trap and ambush– Set traps and hide in buildings to surprise rushers and pursuers.
Applying more advanced skills like these examples can help take your Fortnite mechanics and decision-making to the
Fortnite World Cup
The Fortnite World Cup is the largest Esports competition for the game, where the best Fortnite players compete for huge cash prizes and the title of Fortnite World Champion. Here are some key facts about the Fortnite World Cup:
- First held in 2019, with the finals taking place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. The total prize pool was $30 million.
- Open online qualifiers allow anyone to compete, but competitors must be at least 13 years old.
- Separate solo and duo tournaments culminate in a Championship series featuring the top performers.
- In 2019, solo winner ‘Bugha’ won $3 million at just 16 years old. Duo winners ‘Nyhrox’ and ‘aqua’ shared $3 million.
- Epic Games announced the 2022 return of the Fortnite World Cup, but no date has been set yet.
- Events feature live performances from musicians Marshmello and RL Grime to kick off the competitions.
- Fortnite World Cup draws millions of viewers on Twitch, YouTube, and within Fortnite’s ‘Watch’ tab.
Winning the Fortnite World Cup brings life-changing money, global recognition, and prestige to talented competitive players at the top of their game.
Where to Watch Fortnite Esports Tournaments
There are several places for spectators to watch the best Fortnite players competing in high-level Esports tournaments and events:
- Within Fortnite– Use the ‘Watch’ tab to view live and upcoming tournaments directly through the game.
- Twitch– Top players regularly stream tournaments on their Twitch channels. The official Fortnite channel also hosts events.
- YouTube– Events get streamed on Fortnite’s official YouTube channel. Players also post tournament VODs.
- Twitter– The @FNCompetitive Twitter account provides commentary on major tournaments as they unfold.
- Fortnite World Cup Site– Follow along with brackets, standings, and schedules for the World Cup.
- Esports Sites– Outlets like ESPN Esports cover the latest Fortnite competition news and drama.
- Competitor Streams– Watch individual player POV streams on Twitch to see specific strategies and gameplay.
With so many viewing options, it’s easy to catch all of the Fortnite Esports action from any major tournament.
Fortnite Controller Settings & Sensitivity
Tuning your controller settings properly in Fortnite can give you an edge in battles. Here are some tips for settings and sensitivity on gamepads:
- Sensitivity– Most pros play between 40-50% sensitivity for aiming and targeting accuracy.
- Response Curve– The ‘Linear’ input curve allows smooth fine aim control. ‘Exponential’ is better for fast turns.
- Aim Assist– Keep this on to track opponents and assist aiming close-range. Disable for long-distance shots.
- Vibration– Turning vibration off reduces distraction allowing you to focus on visual and audio cues.
- Sprint Cancels Reloading– Enable this so you can fire again more quickly if sprinting while reloading.
- Tap to Search/Interact– Stops accidentally opening ammo boxes and doors mid-fight when pressing buttons.
- Advanced Look Controls– Fine-tune aim acceleration and response for your preferences and play style.
- Deadzones– Increase to avoid stick drift. Decrease for faster response and turns.
Don’t copy pro settings blindly. Experiment to find the ideal controller configuration tailored to your skills and reactions.
How to Reduce Lag in Fortnite
Lag can destroy your Fortnite experience. Here are some ways to reduce connection issues and improve performance:
- Internet Connection– Lag is often caused by low bandwidth, WiFi issues, ISP throttling, or distance to game servers. Upgrade internet if needed.
- Hardware– An outdated or underpowered PC/console can create frame drops lowering FPS. Upgrade hardware over time if possible.
- Game Settings– Enable ‘Performance Mode’ on supported devices and lower graphics settings to hit higher FPS.
- Update Drivers– Keep GPU drivers updated, plus chipset and peripheral drivers. Update Windows/console OS too.
- Close Background Apps– Stop any bandwidth-hungry programs and limit devices on your network while playing.
- Restart Router– Simply power cycling your router can help resolve internet connection problems causing lag.
- Use Ethernet– For serious players, use wired internet instead of WiFi to eliminate wireless interference and packet loss.
- Select Low-Ping Servers– Pick servers with the lowest pings in your region for smoother online performance.
Making at least some of these tweaks could mean the difference between an intense Victory Royale and an unplayable lag-filled loss.
Fortnite – Conclusion
Since launching in 2017, Fortnite has cemented itself as one of the most impactful video games of all time. Offering an innovative building-focused take on the battle royale genre, Fortnite has cultivated a massive following, impacting pop culture with signature dances and brand mash-ups. The game is a global phenomenon spanning mobile, PC, and console platforms. Millions of daily players still build, fight, dance, and compete across its now numerous modes, featuring engaging live events like in-game concerts and one-time battles with Avengers and Star Wars characters.
