How to Build Fast in Fortnite?

Released in 2017, Fortnite is an online game developed by Epic Games. It initially launched with a PvE (Player vs. Environment) survival mode, but gained immense global popularity with its free-to-play Battle Royale mode. In this mode, up to 100 players compete on a shrinking island map until only one player or team remains standing.

Fortnite is widely available across multiple platforms, including Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, boasting millions of active players worldwide. The game is renowned for its unique blend of intense action and strategic building mechanics, setting it apart in the Battle Royale genre.

Beyond its core gameplay, Fortnite is celebrated for frequent updates, immersive live events, and high-profile collaborations with major brands, films, and celebrities. These partnerships introduce unique cosmetic items, such as character skins and dance emotes, often available for purchase with real money. Examples include collaborations with soccer star Lionel Messi, singer Hatsune Miku, and characters from Futurama, like Fry.

This consistent integration with pop culture, combined with its distinct cartoony art style and innovative building system, makes Fortnite not only highly accessible but also a unique and influential title in the gaming world.

What Is Fortnite Battle Royale?

Fortnite’s Battle Royale is a highly competitive and dynamic game mode where up to 100 players are air-dropped onto a large island map. The primary objective is to be the last person or team standing. Players begin with no weapons and must quickly scavenge for essential items like guns, ammunition, shields, and resources such as wood, stone, and metal. These resources are crucial for constructing structures.

Building is a fundamental aspect of Fortnite gameplay, offering significant strategic advantages. Players can construct defensive walls, ramps for vertical movement or quick escapes, and elevated platforms for tactical positioning. The ability to build quickly and efficiently is often the deciding factor between victory and defeat in combat engagements.

Throughout the match, players must also contend with an ever-shrinking “storm” that gradually reduces the safe playable area of the map. Staying outside this safe zone inflicts continuous health damage, compelling players to constantly move towards the center of the action. To succeed, players must effectively combine strong combat skills—including aiming and movement—with rapid, strategic building to maintain protection and secure advantageous positions. The ultimate goal is to eliminate all opponents and be the sole survivor.

System Requirements

According to Epic Games, the minimum system specifications required to play Fortnite are:

• OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i3 2.4 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB
• Graphics: Intel HD 4000 (or equivalent)
• Storage: 16 GB free
• DirectX: Version 11

About the Developer

Epic Games, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, USA, is a prominent video game developer and publisher. Their most globally recognized title is Fortnite, which consistently attracts approximately 40 million monthly players. Beyond Fortnite, Epic Games is also celebrated for developing other successful franchises, including Unreal and Gears of War.

In addition to game development, Epic Games is the creator of the Unreal Engine, a highly acclaimed and widely adopted game engine. Now in its fifth iteration, Unreal Engine is extensively used across the industry for developing AAA (triple-A) titles. Notable games powered by Unreal Engine include Black Myth: Wukong, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl, showcasing its versatility and power in modern game development.

How to Build Faster in Fortnite Battle Royale

Mastering the art of rapid building is essential for competitive play in Fortnite Battle Royale. Here are some effective strategies and tips to significantly improve your building speed and efficiency:

• Master Build Mode: Dedicate time to practicing in Creative mode, which offers a distraction-free environment to hone your building skills. Utilize “Free Build” mode to continuously practice building structures without the pressure of opponents. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the keybinds for walls, ramps, floors, and roofs; muscle memory for these controls will dramatically increase your construction speed.
• Optimize Building Controls and Keybinds: Customize your control scheme or assign specific shortcut keys for quick access to different building pieces. Assign dedicated keys for stairs, walls, and floors to eliminate the need for scrolling through menus, saving precious seconds during intense engagements. For console players, consider using a controller with programmable back buttons for even faster building access.
• Practice “Boxing Up”: Quickly constructing a defensive “box” around yourself is a critical survival skill during fights. Practice rapidly placing walls on all sides, adding a floor or roof, and then a ramp inside to create a secure, protected position. Drill this maneuver repeatedly until it becomes an automatic response under pressure.
• Become Proficient at Editing: Building quickly is only half the battle; the ability to edit your structures swiftly is equally important for repositioning, creating lines of sight, or initiating attacks. Practice editing walls, ramps, and floors to create openings like doors and windows. This skill allows you to outmaneuver and surprise your enemies.
• Integrate Movement with Building: The ability to build while moving is fundamental for evading enemy fire, pushing opponents, or engaging dynamically. Train yourself to build structures, such as ramps and walls, while running or jumping. Ramps can facilitate quick vertical movement, while walls provide instant cover. This integration makes both your defensive and offensive strategies far more effective in fast-paced fights.
• Utilize Creative Mode for Timed Drills: Implement structured training routines within Creative mode. For instance, set up a specific path and practice building a sequence of ramps, walls, and floors while moving along it. The most effective way to gauge and improve your speed is to time yourself, challenging yourself to beat your previous records and refining your technique as needed.

Who Is Fortnite For?

Fortnite boasts an incredibly broad appeal, but it is particularly popular among teens and young adults, primarily within the 13 to 24 age demographic. Its vibrant visuals, dynamic gameplay, and widespread availability across various gaming platforms make it appealing to a diverse age range. Younger players, in particular, are drawn to its distinctive cartoony aesthetic, constant influx of pop culture references, and engaging in-game live events.

The game’s developers frequently release new content, including character skins, expressive emotes, and cross-over collaborations with movies, celebrities, and major brands. These continuous updates ensure the game remains fresh, exciting, and highly relevant, encouraging players to return regularly.

As a free-to-play title that does not demand high-end hardware, Fortnite is remarkably accessible to a vast global audience. Its immense popularity has also fostered a robust online community, supporting numerous content creators, live streamers, and competitive esports events, firmly establishing Fortnite as a significant cornerstone of contemporary gaming culture.

In North America, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Fortnite as “Teen” (T), meaning it is generally suitable for ages 13 and up due to mild combat. In Brazil, the game is classified as free for all ages, though a recommendation for ages 13+ is also provided due to similar mild combat themes.

Photo: Courtesy/Epic Games

References and useful links:

• Official page: IE Games