Players were first introduced to Zero Build mode in Chapter 3, Season 2 and is now permanent as a separate mode. With it being called “Zero Build,” it removes a feature that was critical to master in order to win previously, building. Many players flocked to try out this mode including many old and new.
The biggest difference and the most challenging to deal with, is getting used to not building. This article will break down what works and what doesn’t when playing Zero Build so that you can dominate the field!
Work on Your Mobility
One of the most important features you need to learn is Fortnite’s new movement mechanics. There were three features added to make sure you move around the map efficiently; sliding, mantling and sprinting. Using these correctly can mean life and death in certain situations.
Sliding will help you move around the map faster and will give you an advantage when face to face with an enemy. Sliding will give you a small boost if you use it on flat ground and will give you a bigger boost if you slide on a hill or slope. Use this boost to get to your destination faster and reduce your chances of being killed as an easy target while traversing across the map; without any walls, this seems like a good alternative.
You can also use sliding in close combat scenarios. Sneaking up on an enemy? Trying to reduce your hitbox while moving? Maybe you need to run away. Sliding will help you with all of those especially if combined with jumping.
Mantling is used when you want to climb on a surface that is higher than the one you are on. You can use mantling for a quick escape attempt or to gain higher ground. Who needs ramps anyways?
The last movement mechanic is probably the most important out of the three, sprinting. Sprint in pretty much every situation: jumping from building to building, combat scenarios, reaching your destination, etc. It is the quickest way to move on a flat surface so use this whenever you see fit but be careful as there is a meter that will appear above your health bar. This meter will tell you when you are going to run out of stamina, and you will have to walk or jog from thereafter, so don’t use it too much because you want to have it ready for when you need it the most.
Getting used to and utilizing this movement system can be a bit tricky but a total game changer. Combine all three and you won’t have to rely too much on building anymore!
Learn What To Equip
One thing to note in Zero Build mode is that a good loadout is drastically different from a good loadout in the regular battle royale mode. Having a loadout tuned to Zero Build will help you win more fights.
Being aggressive was a good way to win while building was allowed since a good builder can force their opponent into close range combat and deal heavy damage with a shotgun or SMG. This isn’t the case anymore and you will often find yourself fighting long-range skirmishes. With a more defensive play style in Zero Build, scoped weapons are key. You can deal some good damage from afar while you stay posted up and safe.
The Heavy Sniper Rifle is slow but will do some good damage on impact while the Designated Marksman Rifle has a quicker firing rate but deals less damage on impact. If assault rifles are more your style, try using the Striker Burst Rifle. It deals a huge load of damage if all shots are connected, and you won’t have to worry about walls disrupting your flow.
When it comes to consumables, you won’t need them too much in this mode. While shield and healing items were life savers before, in this mode they might do more harm than good. With building enabled you can quickly build a shelter and heal up if you were injured during a battle, but without any building that window of opportunity diminishes. While you should always keep some healing in your inventory, try dialing back on them and rely more on safe plays that won’t get you hurt as much. Try replacing a slot with Shockwave Grenades instead. They provide a boost in any direction you want so you can use them to surprise an enemy or for a quick way to escape any situation.
It all comes down to what you prefer but if you haven’t already, try some of these out. You never know what might work and always remember the weapon list is always changing so be ready to adapt.
Use Natural Cover
Without any building, you are more at risk of sneak attacks and explosions. So while you’re being shot at, the best way to avoid death is to use the next best thing, natural cover. Make sure to be aware of trees and rocks you can hide behind while traversing around the island so that if you get into a battle, you already have some protection. Walls, cars, buildings, even terrain can shield you from oncoming bullets as well.
If you feel like hiding in plain sight or if you want to get away from a tricky situation, hide under bushes and vegetation. Hiding under vegetation can also give you the upper hand on someone who isn’t aware of your location. Like I said, cover is super important if you want to get that win; you want to make sure you are not out in the open and be a big target for others to shoot at.
Use High Ground
Staying above ground level and into a higher elevated surface will ensure you get the most visibility and the least vulnerability. Use tall buildings or a hill with good cover to gain the advantage. Long-range weapons like I mentioned before will help you out too. A good place to set up camp would preferably be somewhere that would give you the most line of sight but not dangerously open that could get you shot at. Stick somewhere that’s inside the circle so you can catch players running towards you.
Conclusion
I hope you took something away from this guide to help you out. Remember to use cover, stick to high ground, equip the right items, utilize the movement mechanics, and most importantly have fun! Changing from building to no building can be a bit difficult at first but with some practice and the tips I showed you, getting a win isn’t so far away. Good Luck!
Related articles
