Winning consistently in Fortnite’s Zero Build mode requires more than just good luck—it’s about refining your game sense, mechanics, movement, and loadout. Pro players don’t rely on any secret tricks; they combine several little techniques that give them a competitive edge. In this guide, I’m going to share 10 tips to help you win more games by excelling at the three fundamental pillars: Game Sense, Mechanics & Movement, and Aim & Loadout. Let’s dive in!

1. Game Sense: Set Yourself Up for Success by Landing Smartly

The first step in every game is your landing. Turn on visual and audio cues—they provide a huge competitive advantage. When you’re gliding down, look around to see how many players are landing nearby. This information helps you decide when to fight and when to avoid conflict.

Pro Tip: Always land before others. The sooner you hit the ground, the safer you are. If you land ahead of an opponent, you can easily take them out before they even have a chance to react.

2. Loadout: Build the Right Set of Weapons

Your loadout plays a huge role in your success. Aim to carry a shotgun in your first slot. The other weapon should complement your shotgun (like an SMG, AR, or sniper). Your third slot should be filled with utility items like EMPs, bunkers, or more healing items, which are especially useful in ranked matches. The fourth slot is for mobility—shockwaves are the best for escaping danger or making aggressive plays. Lastly, your fifth slot should be for healing.

Loadout Examples:

• Brawl Loadout: Close-range with an SMG and shotgun, plus a sniper for long-range power.
• Flashy Utility Loadout: EMPs combined with shockwaves for both offense and defense.
• Ranked Loadout: Bunkers instead of EMPs for added protection in the final zones.

3. Movement: Use Shockwaves Creatively

Shockwaves are one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal this season. They can be used for movement, escaping fights, or even launching enemies out of buildings. Pair shockwaves with items like Flowerry Fizz for extra distance.

Pro Tip: After using a shockwave, slide to keep your momentum and gain extra distance, making you harder to hit.

4. Game Sense: Know When to Fight and When to Hide

During the mid-game, avoid unnecessary fights. Instead, focus on finding a good position for the endgame. Keep an eye on the “quiet side” of the zone (the side closest to the storm) to avoid heavy player traffic. This side tends to have fewer players and gives you a safer route into the endgame.

5. Mechanics: Sprinting and Sliding for Faster Movement

Mastering movement can make all the difference. When sprinting, incorporate slides to cover more distance without draining your stamina. Avoid jumping while sprinting—this can waste stamina and reduce your distance.

Pro Tip: After sprinting and running out of stamina, don’t just walk normally. Instead, incorporate slide-jumps to keep your momentum and avoid being an easy target.

6. Mechanics: Use Crouching to Your Advantage

Crouching is not just for stealth—it can also throw off your opponent’s aim. In intense fights, alternate between crouching and shooting, especially when using fast-firing weapons. This can cause your opponent to miss shots, giving you the upper hand.

Pro Tip: Crouch when you’re in cover or to surprise your enemy when reloading.

7. Gunplay: Master Gun Swapping for Faster Fights

When using slow-firing shotguns, like the pump, speed is essential. After firing a shotgun shot, immediately swap to your other weapon (like an SMG or AR) to continue dealing damage while your shotgun reloads. This technique, known as gun swapping, ensures that you keep up constant pressure on your opponent.

8. Mechanics: Use Cover to Win Fights

Fortnite’s third-person perspective gives you an advantage when using cover. Always use the right-hand peek method—stay behind cover and peek out from the right side of it. This gives you the advantage of being harder to hit while shooting at your opponent.

Pro Tip: Don’t fight in the open! Always use cover to minimize your exposure during fights.

9. Aim: Improve Your Tracking and Sensitivity

Aim is crucial in Zero Build, especially in long-range fights. Spend time tweaking your sensitivity until it feels right. If you notice your crosshair dragging behind enemies, or if you’re overshooting them, adjust your sensitivity to improve your tracking.

Pro Tip: The best way to improve your aim is simply to play more. With experience, your aim will improve naturally.

10. Stay Updated on Seasonal Changes

Each new season in Fortnite brings fresh items, weapons, and mechanics. The faster you learn the new additions, the better prepared you’ll be. Make sure to test new items, like shield breakers or new movement tools, to understand their effects and incorporate them into your strategies.

Bonus Tip: Always reload your weapons after fights to avoid the frustration of getting caught with an empty gun in the middle of combat.