Fortnite Controller Essentials: What you need to know to get started

In case you’re entirely new to Fortnite, perhaps I should give a quick run-down of how the gameplay works. (*Quick*, ha – actually, impossible… but I’ll try for *minimum*)

(By the way, I have only ever played on an Xbox One – all control references, therefore, are for this platform’s controller.)

Speaking of which – to begin, let’s familiarise ourselves with the Fortnite controller essentials ie: the most-used buttons with…

Fortnite Xbox Controller Essentials

Left Button	Often called a ‘bumper’ – Scrolls left through whichever options you have open; weapons & supplies or building modes (other menus too – but that’s enough for starters)
Left Trigger	This ‘aims down sights’ for whatever weapon you have active – mostly a small zoom, slight steadying and clearer crosshairs – crucial for scoped weapon use.
Left Thumb Switch	Your speed regulator – not just on foot but in vehicles. This will take a hammering because you are generally sprinting everywhere (I’ve had to regularly repair the one on our controller with Araldite) It’s surprisingly sensitive for subtle movement.
DPAD	Short for ‘Directional Pad’ – you can ‘emote’ (bit of a waste of time IMHO), check inventory stats (How many gold bars have I got? Have I got any nuts and bolts?) Occasionally useful, but honestly, I barely use this…
Map	Click to see where you are in the grand scheme; how far until you’re out of the storm? Is there a supply drop nearby? Does the terrain suit sniper posts? What’s my sneakiest route behind the final players? You’ll use this fairly frequently…
Right Button	Scrolls right through whichever menu of options you have open.
Right Trigger	This is your ‘deploy’ – whether it’s fire a weapon, drink some shield potion, build a ramp – this trigger makes it happen – you will use it a lot.
‘Y’ Button	Takes you from whatever weapon you have active to your pickaxe – smash a ceiling to access a chest above, or a wall to escape the storm – click again and return to the same weapon.
‘B’ Button	Mostly brings up building mode menu – you may not use this much at first, but it will be good to try it out and practice as you go on. Also acts as a kind of ‘cancel’ – if you’re in a menu you don’t want, click ‘B’ to get straight out. If you’re in a boat, hitting ‘B’ will give you a brief speed boost.
‘X’ Button	This is your ‘activator’ – mostly to do with what you carry – found an unopened chest? ‘X’ opens it up. Like the look of that weapon? ‘X’ will add it to your armoury. Another very important function is reloading a weapon – very good habit to get into straight after firing.
‘A’ Button	Jump button. Definitely has constant practical application – but overuse at your peril – jumping attracts attention. Also changes the station on your pickup truck’s radio.
Right Thumb Switch	All things direction – left, right, up & down. For you, your vehicle and your weapon’s aim – super important. Also: click down once to ‘crouch’ – couching lowers your profile – harder to see. You move much slower but virtually silently – perfect for sneaking up undetected. Click again to return to full height and speed.
Burger Button	Not even labelled because I never use it. Fanatics probably dive into it all the time – but it’s just an unneeded distraction to me.

Holy crap – there’s a lot to remember, right? (Don’t worry, you’ll soon know what’s what without even looking) And that’s just the Fortnite controller essentials…