Get the most out of your Fortnite game time

This is Battle Royale

With 45+ million players and concurrent player counts now besting PUBG, Fortnite is the world’s most popular Battle Royale game. It’s easy to understand why, too, when you consider how committed Epic Games is to keeping the experience fresh. Over the last six months the game has radically transformed with several map, weapons, and items updates. Not only that, the gameplay performance and controls have undergone several optimization iterations. Fornite now runs at a buttery smooth 60 frames per second on consoles, even after significant graphical updates.

With Season 3 now underway, the Fortnite craze is set to get even bigger. More weapons have been added, and the game’s signature building mechanic has gotten even more streamlined. They’ve also added a new, purchasable Battle Pass that awards you with new costumes, gliders, emotes, and more. While the game is only downloadable via PlayStation, Xbox, and PC digital stores, Best Buy can help in several ways. From advanced controllers to precise 3D audio headsets, and more, let’s explore how you can elevate your Fortnite game.

Game-winning Controllers

Here’s the cold, hard truth about Fortnite: every match you’re given only 1 life. That means there are no second chances if things don’t go your way. To improve your survival rate, I highly recommend picking up a professional-grade controller.

For Xbox fans the answer is easy, go with the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller. The build quality is exceptional and it’ll help keep you in the game longer. One major advantage it has over traditional controllers is the ability to swap out thumbsticks. This lets you adjust the height and grip for total control. As well, the Elite Controller features interchangeable paddles on the back for enhanced precision and control. This can help you snipe with better accuracy, build and edit faster, or flip through your inventory with ease.

On the PlayStation side, there are plenty of accessories that can help improve performance. You may want to consider adding a soft rubber cover for better grip and to protect your DualShock 4 Controller. Another option is to install analog thumbstick caps for more accurate and sensitive movements. In Fortnite every shot counts, so equip your controller tools to help you aim with more precision. Another accessory you may want to consider is a Quicktype TextPad Keyboard for PS4 if your friends don’t have mics. You can communicate via chat in the pre-game lobby to discuss strategies or that epic last match.

One last option PS4 gamers or parents may want to consider: the PlayStation 4 Hori Mini Wired Gamepad. This new officially licensed controller is 40% smaller than a DualShock 4 Controller—perfect for younger gamers. With its cartoony graphics and fun character designs, Fortnite enjoys a very strong teen player base. This easier-to-grip controller might just help them improve their win % and game results.

Superior audio headsets

Audio in Fortnite is just as important as what you see, if not more so. The game incorporates 360-degree audio positioning that allows you to detect enemies relative to you. That means if you’re hunkered down inside a house, you’ll know approximately what direction and how close incoming threats are. But here’s the key part: you need superior audio in order to accurately pinpoint where sounds are emanating from. Where you’ll find this level of quality are in are powerful gaming headsets.

An excellent choice is the HyperX Cloud Revolver S Gaming Headset with Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound (available online only). This advanced headset is compatible with PS4, Xbox One, and PC. I have friends who play Fortnite on PS4 and Xbox One, so I ended up downloading the game on both consoles. With this headset you’re good to go no matter what platform(s) you choose to play on.

What makes this headset such an excellent choice is its 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound. You’ll be able to more precisely hear enemies, whether they’re approaching on foot, firing at a distance, or consuming items. Knowing the exact position of opponents nearby is crucial to survival in this every-person-for-themselves game. Having played a few rounds with friends not using high-quality headsets I can appreciate the advantage they provide. There were several instances where I could hear enemies fast approaching, and my friends could not. Being unable to detect footsteps can easily spell disaster in an instant.

Another top choice is the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Over-Ear Wireless Gaming Headset available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This headset delivers crystal clear sound and includes a mic for chatting with your buddies. In-game communication is essential in Fortnite for your squad to get those coveted Victory Royale wins. The headsets also include independent game and chat volume control, letting you tailor sound balance exactly the way you like. I’ve been using Turtle Beach headsets for years now and they are definitely the way to go for immersive, crystal-clear audio.

Pre-paid cards

Fornite is a game that knows how to monetize itself right. First of all, its Battle Royale mode is totally free. You can’t beat free, right? Secondly, the game is set-up with seasons and you can buy a Battle Pass for a very reasonable price. Getting the Battle Pass will enable you to unlock new character skins, emotes, and more as you play.

The easiest and safest way to make purchases via PlayStation Network or Xbox Live is through pre-paid cards. Cards come in a few different denominations:

PlayStation Network: $50 pre-paid card, $20 pre-paid card
Xbox Live: $75 pre-paid card, $50 pre-paid card

One other thing to know is Fortnite can be played free on PSN, but requires Xbox Live Gold membership on Xbox One. Therefore, if you’re playing on Xbox One make sure you pick up an Xbox Live Gold membership.

Another reason you might want to get a pre-paid card is to purchase some of the super cool character skins. On top of the Battle Pass bonuses, Epic Games also releases new character skins for purchase in the game’s digital store. Considering how well-designed the characters are (and plus, the game is free) throwing a few bucks for a cool spacesuit outfit isn’t so bad. From personal experience, players really love to customize their characters in Fortnite!

I’ve been playing Fortnite Battle Royale pretty much daily since its release last September. With such a huge player base you have to wonder: how huge is this game going to get? I’m excited to enjoy the ride (inside the Battle Bus, of course!)

Do you enjoy Fortnite? What do you like best about the game? What would you like to see in the next update? Be sure to let me know in the comments section below!