My Experience with 'Fortnite'

If you haven't heard of Fortnite by now, I am not sure what fort you've been hiding in (pardon the cheap pun). Thousands upon thousands of players compete in Solo, Duo, Squad, and LTM modes every day in the hopes of getting a Victory Royale, or being the last one(s) standing, and as a player of Fortnite I can say from firsthand experience that it is quite intense being locked in this struggle for survival, whether it is in a firefight or a build battle. As with any video game, there will be those with insane skills (if you don't believe me, check out YouTube or Twitch to see skilled gamers do their thing) and those who are just starting the game for the first time ever. When I first started, I can say without a doubt, I was terrible, but after gaining some courage to actually fight and not hide behind bushes, I can safely say I improved (at least a little). What are some things I have learned in the time I have been playing this game? Well, I'll tell ya...

1. Always be alert.

This should go without saying, no matter what you do, but staying alert in a do-or-die game like Fortnite is critical for your survival. You never know if the bush, or even snowman you are running by could be your downfall, or if there are people that are rushing your location. Not to mention the threat of traps and snipers that could catch you off-guard at the most unexpected moments. So remember to keep your headset at a comfortable volume, and keep your eyes peeled and your ears perked for any signs of danger.

2. Be a good squadmate.

Fortnite doesn't just have the famed Solo mode, it also has Duo and Squad modes that allows players to play with their friends, or even make new ones by allowing the game to fill empty slots with random players. When playing with others, it is important to share resources when able to, call out enemies when they're spotted, and also stick with your squadmate(s) to increase chances of survival. With online services such as Xbox Live and Playstation Plus, meeting new people and making friends in-game has never been easier.

3. Conserve your resources.

In Fortnite, you are able to harvest three types of resources: Wood, brick, and metal. These are found from trees, walls, and cars/trucks/etc., and are used to build structures that allow players to make cover or gain an advantage while in a fight. However, your materials are not limitless, so it is important to not waste what you have. This goes the same for ammo, which is also a valuable resource, as running out of ammo in a firefight will put you in a whole lot of trouble. Ammo is found from ammo boxes, supply drops, Loot Llamas, floor loot, and when you eliminate a player.

4. Learn to be a quick thinker.

I can say from experience that choking, or mentally falling flat, in the middle of an engagement can cost you dearly. As a Fortnite player, it is essential that you learn how to think quickly, creatively, and effectively in order to maximize your ability and gameplay. If an enemy is closing in on you, knowing what to build and which weapons to use is crucial. If you see an enemy at a distance, it is critical to know how to close the gap and put them under pressure, and in the unfortunate case you don't have weapons or materials, you might need to sneak away from the action or use the chaos to your advantage. Fortnite requires a great deal of mental fitness on the player's part.

5. Don't let scary or high-tier skins scare you.

Remember how I (just) said that Fortnite requires a great deal of mental fitness on the player's part? Well, strength in the face of adversity (or type of skin) is part of that. Even though the skins offer no competitive advantage in the game, some of them can be quite intimidating and let opposing players know they are a veteran and/or mean business. However, don't let the looks or show of skill get the better of you in an engagement. Keep your cool, be alert and focused, and see what happens—even if you get eliminated, you can be rest assured that you tried your best.

6. Watch professional players.

There are many professional gamers on YouTube, Twitch, Mixer, and other platforms that play Fortnite at a pretty high level, and by watching these people play, I have been able to learn some tips and tricks that have helped me to improve my game. It does not hurt to take some time to watch how other players play the game and learn something from them.

7. Make each match a learning experience.

Fortnite is a game where players have to learn and improve through repeated failures, so try to take something away from each match, whether it's the location of your drop, to how you build, and to the quality of your aim. Always try and do just a little better than the last time.

8. Be used to wacky events.

Fortnite's island has seen some pretty strange things over the past year and change—from the meteor that destroyed Dusty Divot, to the Visitor launching the missile to the giant Rift in the sky, to the mysterious Cube, and currently in Season seven, the ice storm brought in by the Ice King. Always be alert and watch out for even the most subtle changes on the island.

9. Don't get too careless.

I know the thrill of eliminating someone in a firefight or build battle, but don't be too quick to dance or celebrate, as you never know who is approaching or watching the fight—and trust me, it sucks to get knocked out right after a hard-fought kill. Also, be careful when entering buildings, as people can be waiting around a corner, and traps can be a formidable unseen threat.

10. Have fun!

This sounds VERY cliche, but it is important to remember to have fun and loosen up a bit while playing. If you don't, then it won't be as enjoyable.

Thanks for reading this list. Hopefully, it can help you improve, or at least help you understand the game a bit more!