If you’re anything like most people who play Fortnite for the first time, you’re probably utterly bewildered by the building aspect. Sometimes, people come in from other games, and some aspects cross over easily. Take shooting, for example. That’s a pretty basic idea that many games have, so it isn’t too hard to transfer. Taking cover, using strategy, teamwork, and all that jazz is roughly easy to understand, but there’s one thing that trips people up more than anything: the building. It’s weird, primarily unique to Fortnite, and it’s so crucial to success that it ends up being more of a frustration than a tool for gamers. Fear not! In this Fortnite Building Tips guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about becoming a master builder in the game and using your skills to catch a win!
Why Building in Fortnite Can Be Difficult
Let’s be honest: building can be overwhelming, especially if you’re starting. What in the blazes is it? Why is it so important, and why can you never win build battles? Shake your controller, mouse, or weapon of choice and blame it on the lag. It may be lag, but you’re like most people who struggle to build. I’ve come across god builders. I’ve come across people with nearly 30 kills halfway through the match who would go on a building frenzy and come out on top. But why? Why is it so challenging? Here’s why: It’s different.
Building isn’t like any other kind of game, for the most part, because it introduces a whole new aspect that you’re probably not used to. You may have been playing shooters for as long as you can remember, but throwing up a wall? Not exactly – it’s fast-paced. I know many people who hate building because it’s so frantic. If you blink, if you miss one ramp, you’re probably falling behind. It’s so stressful. Though some people relish build-battles, most people prefer shooting it out like they’re used to just because it isn’t so intense.
How Can I Improve?
Git gud, scrub!
We’re going to skip all that nonsense and come to grips with the fact that many talented players struggle with building just because it’s something they haven’t mastered yet. Sometimes, people pick it up in days. Other people take longer. Whether you’re in the first or second group, I can throw your way to provide this solution: practice. Practice every chance you get. Some people land and mine materials to practice building so that when the chance comes, they’ll be prepared. Other people create custom games and spend tons of time perfecting the art of build battling. Don’t wait to build until you need to.
Gain the Higher Ground
Have you ever gone on a build battle with someone, and you think you’re doing pretty good, then the other player just appears above you, and you have no idea how? Here’s how to combat that: fight for the high ground.
Never, ever, under any circumstances, try to stay below the other player if you’re build-battling. They can shoot you in the head because it’s right there without even meaning to, but you can perfectly line up on their head and shoot their foot because it’s a lot harder to do from below.
Subtracting Those Health Points
This may be the most aggravating circumstance in Fortnite – you may be a superior player, but if the other player keeps throwing up walls and making sure that you never get a good shot in, you’re going to struggle to beat them. Don’t get shot; the best builders aren’t hyper-aggressive because they aren’t letting someone take potshots at them. They make sure that their risk is minimized while still playing for the win. Keep a wall between you and your enemy, edit if you’re feeling spunky, or just get on top and fire away.
Confusion is the Solution
Have you ever fought someone, and you had no idea what was happening? You stop feeling like you’re fighting someone, and it’s like you’re going against a tornado. Maybe they know what they’re doing, or they’re just spamming. But you keep getting trapped, and it can be confusing. Be the person who confuses everyone. Don’t be predictable. Keep the upper hand by throwing up all kinds of walls to trap the enemy, frustrate them, pin them, and keep them where you want them.
What Kind of Material Should You Use?
This is a big question and one that deserves proper recognition because it very much matters. Wood is best for constant build battling simply because it reaches full health quickly and is easy to replenish. Stone is good if you have some more time for constructing a base but are still fighting. Metal is best for creating a permanent structure that you can use as a good hiding spot, a sniping nook, and a protective cocoon because of its massive health and its hard to see into.
Build Well!
Buildings can be your friend. If you learn how to build, you’ll be better off! Play so that you can finesse your enemy, avoid getting shot while building by protecting yourself, stay high, and perplex your enemy to stay ahead. Also, use suitable material for the right job. Nobody will yell at you for using the wrong one, but it can make a significant difference depending on timing and location.
