Fortnite for Dummies

Play—and survive—in the game of Fortnite!

Zombies. Battle. Survival. Fortnite has it all—and if you want to keep your gameplay going until the bitter end to outlast your competition, this book is the ace in your back pocket!

• Choose a gaming platform
• Download and optimize the game
• Play in each of the gameplay modes
• Scavenge, loot, and collect resources
• Avoid death and outlast your opponents 

Who will be the last person standing? When you want to outlast the competition and make Fortnite yours, this book makes it easier than ever to come out on top.

Bill Loguidice is co-founder and managing director for the online publication, Armchair Arcade, and co-founder of the creative services firm, Armchair Creative Services. Bill is also a strategy and content lead for AtGames Digital Media and an editorial board member for The Computer Games Journal.

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Foolish Assumptions 2

Icons Used in This Book 2

Beyond the Book 3

Where to Go from Here 3

Chapter 1: Entering the Fortnite Universe 5

Choosing PC/Mac, Console, or Mobile 6

Considering PC/Mac 6

Considering iOS/Android 8

Considering PlayStation 4/Xbox One 8

Considering Nintendo Switch 9

Registering a Fortnite Account 9

Associating Additional Accounts 10

Installing Fortnite 11

Installing on PC/Mac 12

Installing on iOS/Android 13

Installing on console 13

Getting to Know the Game Options and Modes 13

Understanding Save the World 14

Understanding Battle Royale 14

Understanding Creative 15

Understanding V-Bucks 16

Purchasing V-Bucks 17

Spending V-Bucks 18

Getting to Know Seasons 18

Understanding Cross-Platform Play 20

Chapter 2: Customizing Settings, Gameplay, and Controls 21

Selecting a Game Mode 21

Getting to Know the Lobby 22

Adjusting Settings 26

Video tab 28

Game tab 29

Brightness tab 31

Audio tab 31

Accessibility tab 33

Input tab 33

Controller tab 33

Account tab 33

Getting to Know the Controls 35

Understanding the fundamentals 35

Using a keyboard and mouse 36

Using a gamepad 42

Using a touchscreen 44

Buying Accessories 46

Chapter 3: Playing Your First Games 51

Understanding the Sequence of Play 51

Practicing in the Pre-Deployment Area 52

Knowing When to Jump 53

Knowing Where to Land 54

Searching for and Gathering Loot 56

Staying Ahead of the Storm 57

Surviving on Your Own 59

Playing with Other Players 60

Communicating effectively 60

Healing injuries and sharing supplies 61

Chapter 4: Getting to Know the Map 63

Understanding Map Coordinates 63

Selecting a Starting Location 64

Getting to Know the Points of Interest 65

Northwest points of interest 65

Northeast points of interest 66

Southwest points of interest 67

Southeast points of interest 68

Chapter 5: Mastering Weapons, Items, Health, and Defenses 71

Understanding Weapon Power and Rarity 71

Understanding Weapon Characteristics 73

Short range weapons 75

Mid range weapons 76

Long range weapons 78

Other weapons 79

Learning to Aim Guns 80

Learning to Aim Projectiles and Explosives 85

Managing Your Health and Maximizing Defenses 90

Understanding healing and shield items 90

Understanding camouflage and defensive items 95

Chapter 6: Building and Creating in Fortnite 101

Understanding Raw Materials 101

Harvesting Raw Materials 104

Building Simple Structures 107

Editing Structures 117

Editing walls 118

Editing floors 121

Editing ramps 121

Editing pyramids 126

Building with Purpose 129

Putting it All Together in Creative Mode 135

Chapter 7: Getting to Know Battle Pass 145

Placing Value on the Battle Pass 145

Understanding the Progression System 147

Understanding Daily, Weekly, and Special Challenges 151

Using Party Assist 154

Chapter 8: Enhancing Fortnite Through Premium Cosmetic Items 155

Acquiring Cosmetic Items 156

Getting to Know the Item Shop 158

Filling Your Locker 162

Customizing Character Skins 166

Customizing Pickaxes, Back Bling, and Pets 167

Customizing Gliders and Contrails 168

Getting Funky with Emotes, Emoticons, Toys, and Music 170

Applying Sprays, Wraps, Banners, and Loading Screens 173

Chapter 9: Ten Strategies for a Victory Royale 177

Pick Your Battles 177

Learn to Aim 178

Build Ramps 179

Focus on Structural Weak Spots 180

Manage Supply Drops 180

Have Building Materials 181

Know the Map 181

Let Time Dictate Strategy 182

Coordinate with Your Teammates 183

Practice 184

Chapter 10: Ten Keys to Understanding Save the World 185

Mandatory Tutorial 186

Mission Structure Based on Objectives and Quests 188

V-Bucks and Llamas 189

Heroes 190

Command Center 193

Weapons 193

Traps 194

Player Statistics 194

Upgrade Points 196

Monsters 196

Chapter 11: Ten Great Fortnite Creative Codes 199

Choice! A Choose Your Own Adventure Map 200

Freaky Flights 200

Hoo Baller Pinball Island 201

Lundle’s Puzzle Escape! 202

Raft Wars 202

Rainbow Road 203

Snipers vs Runners 204

Space Parkour! 204

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’s “Warehouse” 205

Weezer World! 206

Chapter 12: Ten Ways to Enjoy Fortnite When Not Playing 209

Action Figures and Playsets 209

Apparel 210

Board Games 211

Calendars, Journals, and Notebooks 211

Collectibles 213

Costumes 213

Home Goods 214

NERF Blasters and Super Soakers 215

Plushies 215

Spectating 216

Index 217

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.