You may already be familiar with the video sensation, Fortnite, which was released by Epic Games in 2011. With 350 million registered users as of May and a value of $17.3 billion, I guess you could say the game is having a pretty good run!
Since our summer was extended, we had ample opportunity to take on new hobbies, one of which was Fortnite.
Our six-year-old son’s older friend was already playing, so my son started to play as a way to engage with friends and also abide by stay-at-home guidelines. My husband noticed our son needed some help learning how to play in a team atmosphere with different levels and tactics. He started to play, and was soon hooked, himself! Pretty soon my husband and son were meeting other dad and daughter/son duos. They quickly made new friendships across the country, including reuniting with some old friends in Illinois.
I laughed out loud when I came across this video of the Holderness Family mimicking parents taking Fortnite away from their kids.
{Are you a pro-screen family?}
Fortnite has taken hold of five people in my family. I figured it was time to learn more about all the fuss. After observation, talking to my kids, and conducting my own research, here are my top six take-a-ways. I hope this helps those of you who were like me who needed a few clues to understanding this wildly popular game!
The Basics of Fortnite…Explained!
- Gameplay: Many different gaming options are available in Fortnite. You can play last man/team standing games like Solos, Duos, Squads, and even giant team modes like Rumble. Plus, you can create your own area with different games and competitions. The object of the game is for you or your team to be the last ones alive.
- Weapons: Everyone starts out with a pickaxe. To protect yourself, the goal is to collect as much material as you can. You’ll see materials such as wood, metal, and stone by breaking down buildings, trees, and even cars. The goal is to collect as many weapons and defenses as you can, so you scour your landing spot “looting” the area of all the chests which contain weapons, plus shields and healing potions. Since you cannot purchase weapons, you will find various colors that each have different strength (grey is the least and Gold is the highest most coveted).
- The Storm: To make play a bit faster, as well as create more of a challenge, the game includes a poisonous storm. Each game, the storm starts in a random area of the map, and every few minutes shrinks on the map, forcing every player to the same area. When caught in the storm, your character loses health. As the game continues, the rate at which the storm kills you, increases. When you start, the storm may take only one health per second, but by the end of the game, that number may increase to five health points per second!
- Shields and Heals: Fortnite is a dangerous place to be! Injuries occur by shooting, pickaxe, getting hit by a car, eaten by a shark, or getting caught in the ever-closing storm. Potions help protect you from injury and also heal injuries. Big and small bottles can be ingested by your character. You can increase your shield protection by throwing a weapon that looks like a six-pack of beer called a “chug splash” as well as an item similar to a keg of beer called a “smash slurp barrel”!
- Health Meter: Each player must maintain a vigilant watch on their health. If they are on a team, they look out for their teammates’ health, as well. Players can help each other by sharing heals and shields, such as medkits and bandages, as well as extra materials and weapons.
- Battle Pass: Although some perks are available for free, the best skins and items require a Battle Pass which costs 950 V-Bucks. For this, you’ll have to buy the smallest V-bucks bundle, at $9.99. After that, it’s just playing and completing as many challenges as possible to start earning gear. All the skins, banner icons, gliders, harvesting tools, loading screen, contrails, emotes, dances, sprays, and more reside in your locker. You can switch them in and out before every match, but you can’t change any of them in a match. So, make sure you are happy with your look and equipment before you drop!
- Learn the Map: Jumping into public games with nearly 100 other players becomes exhausting if you’re not succeeding. Use “Battle Lab” mode to familiarize yourself with the map. This familiarity will help you to formulate a plan and improve your game.
Winning a solo game of Fortnite is no easy feat! Fortnite is a Battle Royale game (Battle Royale is the main game-and other modes called creative) with Fortnite Battle Royale solos, 100 players will be going against each other to get the Victory Royale. I recommend watching YouTube videos for more hacks and tips on how to win.
Hopefully, this helps you at least get the gist, and makes you curious or want to join in on the fun?
Have you played Fortnite?
