A successful Fortnite early game begins with an optimal landing. A well-executed drop provides a significant advantage over opponents, whereas a poorly executed one can lead to immediate disadvantages. In Battle Royale mode, gliding mechanics differ slightly from Reload Mode, where players can descend lower before reaching glider lock.
Glider lock occurs when the glider can no longer be manually closed, forcing a slower descent. This mechanic is based on the character’s proximity to the ground rather than a fixed altitude, meaning flying over mountains results in an earlier lock, while diving over water delays it. To optimize landing, players should aim to get glider locked near their intended Point of Interest (POI) rather than directly above it. This prevents unnecessary floating and allows for a faster descent.
Competitive players often use drop maps to identify the best spots for glider lock. While not necessary for casual matches, understanding this technique can improve overall landing efficiency. The goal is to reach the POI quickly while maintaining control over positioning.
Selecting the Best Landing Spots (Fortnite Early Game Guide)
Once on the ground, choosing the right landing spot within the POI is crucial. Several factors influence this decision:
- Loot Density – Buildings with multiple loot spawns provide faster access to weapons and resources.
- High-Value Chests – Special chests, such as elemental chests, offer additional rewards like weapons and healing items.
- Shield Barrels – Locations with shield barrels allow for quick shielding without consuming inventory space.
- Terrain Advantage – High ground locations offer better sightlines and positioning over opponents.
- NPCs & Vendors – Some POIs have NPCs that sell useful items, influencing landing choices.
Landing in exposed areas with limited loot, such as the Typhoon Blade stand in Masked Meadows, is risky. While high-value items can be obtained, the lack of cover makes players easy targets for enemies positioned in buildings.
Early Game Engagements and Third-Party Awareness
Observing enemy landings provides valuable information on how the match will unfold. If multiple players land in the same area, aggressive third-partying becomes an option. Players clustered in one section of a POI tend to have weaker loot due to increased competition, making them easier targets. Conversely, when an entire POI is uncontested, a more aggressive looting strategy can be used.
Audio cues from the visualized audio setting enhance awareness of nearby enemy gliders. This setting helps determine whether an area is heavily contested or relatively safe. Additionally, shooting enemies out of the sky may seem rewarding but can be detrimental in Zero Build Mode due to overshield mechanics. Instead of focusing on air eliminations, prioritizing immediate loot acquisition is often the better strategy.
Optimizing Looting and Combat Readiness
Efficient looting can make a difference in survival rates. Close-range weapons typically provide an advantage in early fights, as engagements in confined spaces are common. Weapons like the Surge Fire SMG are preferable over long-range alternatives, even if they aren’t ideal choices for later phases of the match.
Time-Saving Looting Techniques
- Break Structures for Loot – Instead of opening a chest manually, breaking the surface it rests on provides quicker access to its contents.
- Efficient Shield Collection – Destroying the ground beneath shield barrels collects them faster than breaking each one individually.
- Weapon Selection – Close-range weapons are more effective early on, ensuring immediate combat readiness.
- Use of Preferred Item Slots – Setting up inventory preferences in Fortnite’s settings ensures that weapons automatically arrange in optimal positions.
- Auto Pickup & Scroll Wheel Interact – Features like auto pickup allow instant weapon acquisition, while scroll wheel interact speeds up item collection, especially on mouse & keyboard setups.
Eliminating nearby threats in the POI before engaging in extra activities, such as fighting NPC bosses or unlocking vaults, minimizes the risk of being third-partied. Many players make the mistake of prioritizing these objectives before securing the area, leading to unnecessary eliminations.
