Fortnite: How to Win Zero Build Matches Consistently

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Fortnite: How to Win Zero Build Matches Consistently

ESTNN shows you how to win Zero Build Fortnite matches in Chapter 3 Season 2.


Zero Build is the new trend in Fortnite Battle Royale. In case you missed it, Epic Games removed the game's building mechanic to open Chapter 3 Season 2. While a risky decision, fans welcomed the change with open arms. Viewership numbers skyrocketed across the board, prompting OG creators such as Turner “Tfue” Tenney, Dennis “Cloakzy” Lepore, Tim “TimTheTatman” Betar and countless others to give it a try.

Epic Games ultimately dedicated an entire playlist to Zero Build, but it's essential to understand the differences between building and no building. Quite frankly, Fortnite is an entirely different game without the building mechanics.

Today, ESTNN brings you a comprehensive guide on how to win Zero Build matches consistently. This article will cover strategies while highlighting critical components you should understand before queueing into a game.

Early Game Strategy

The iconic Battle Bus from Fortnite flies through the sky with player characters diving out from it.

Your early game strategy will depend on whether high eliminations or a win is the goal. Also, let's not forget the differences between Solos, Duos, Trios and Squads. For the sake of this guide, we are focusing primarily on earning the Victory Royale. You'll want to settle on a landing spot first, ideally, one that offers enough loot and heals to help you in the early going.

We recently published an article covering the best locations, but lesser populated areas such as Camp Cuddle, Synapse Station or the many surrounding landmarks might be a better option. Try to find Mini Shield Potions, a rapid-fire Shotgun, an SMG and Assault Rifle once touching the ground. Any combination of these weapons should cover all bases. Next, focus on third-partying other battles to pick up easy eliminations and lessen the chance of falling to an opponent.

Successfully surviving and exiting your landing spot brings you one step closer to winning the match.

Rotating Effectively

A Shockwave grenade from Fortnite appears on a purple background.
Mobility is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect to master in Zero Build mode. While Launchpads and Shockwave Grenades are helpful in this regard, one incorrect step and you could fall to an enemy out in the open. You'd be wise to stay away from open areas with little cover unless it's unavoidable. Try to utilize trees and bushes to rotate as enemies are less likely to see you, and these objects provide a base for you to fire upon your opponents.

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Cars, Titan Tanks, Cannons and guaranteed Launchpads make movement much more straightforward this season. You can easily find a set of Chonkers Off-Road Tires to throw on an IO vehicle and quickly speed across the map. Titan Tanks, while slow, deal a significant amount of damage and can sustain quite a lot also. Cannons are undoubtedly the most efficient method of transportation this season.

All you have to do is find a Cannon, load yourself into it, and you will launch across the map. It's essential to understand your surroundings and use the environment to your advantage.

The Ideal Loadout

A Burst Assault Rifle from Fortnite appears on a purple background.
Inventories are often subjective, depending on the player. Controller players can abuse aim assist with weapons such as the SMGs, while those on keyboard and mouse might opt to carry more precision-friendly weapons. The best tip we can offer is to play to your strengths. Use whatever you feel comfortable with, and you can never go wrong.

Our ideal loadout would feature a Stinger SMG, Auto Shotgun, Striker Assault Rifle and healing items in the final two slots. That inventory gives you a bit of everything; two efficient weapons up close and one that deals moderate damage from afar. Some might prefer to swap the Burst for a Thermal Rifle or Stinger for a Combat, which works also. It might be worth carrying the new Cow Catcher vehicle mod, which you can deploy on the ground to provide cover. Eventually, you'll find a combination that suits your playstyle and comfort level.

Maintaining the High Ground & Utilizing Angles

Fortnite Height
The height advantage is astronomical in Zero Build because it's challenging to defend against someone above you. We've experienced small bouts of sadness when an entire squad camping atop an IO Blimp reigns shots below. So, you may want to take a page out of that team's book and return the favor.

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It's no secret that the IO Blimps offer the best high-ground advantage in Chapter 3 Season 2. You can stand on top while firing at enemies and duck behind cover if an opponent cracks your shield. Also, the IO Blimps grant the ability to tank storm damage because of the mounted Cannons and propellers, which you can use to rotate.

Like other traditional Battle Royale games, working angles is the best method to the madness. Sometimes ducking or sitting behind an object is better than taking a 50/50 fight against an enemy. Patience is critical if the Victory Royale is your objective.

Use the Mechanics to your Advantage

How to Tactical Sprint Fortnite
Sliding, Mantling and Tactical Sprint are more helpful than ever in the Zero Build landscape. These tools allow you to evade fire and even out-play enemies in the right situation. Let's say your opponent is laying heavy fire on you; utilizing any of these mechanics could be your saving grace. The intelligent movement goes a long way toward surviving in Zero Build playlists. There's no reason not to master what the game provides.

End Game Strategy

A male Fortnite character jumps over a hill with an RPG and a bunch of rockets shooting from behind him
So you've made it to the end of a match and you're just a few players away from claiming victory. These situations are what make Battle Royale titles unique. It's easy to let the nerves take over, leading to poor decision-making. Our best piece of advice in the end game stays consistent with everything else in this guide—play smart. There's no need to push an elimination if there's no guarantee.

Work advantageous angles, maintain height if you have it and hide behind objects or in bushes if necessary. You won't always earn the Victory Royale, but you'll find your way into the winner's circle with enough effort and hard work. There's no better win than your next win.

Hopefully, you've picked up a few tips to help you earn the occasionally challenging Victory Royale. Zero Build is all the rage in Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2. If you haven't yet, give it a try and utilize this guide to collect those wins.

Avatar of Matt Pryor
Matt Pryor
Matt is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University. He appreciates all esports titles but primarily focuses on Fortnite and Call of Duty. Matt continuously analyzes gameplay and plays the games himself to better understand in-game decisions by the best players in the world.