If you are like me then you are already somewhat of a demi-god when it comes to playing Epic Games insanely popular Fortnite: Battle Royale. That is to say, with all the distractions around me, I’m surprised I’m still placing in the top 25 more than 50% of the time. That doesn’t include top 10 placements. I’m not here to brag. I have several times tried to dance or emote my way out of being shot because I was weaponless.
Whether you have a secluded gaming space or not, the fact remains that environmental factors are keys to the game in Fortnite. So you either have to compensate for the distractions around you, or you end up getting waxed because you can’t tell if that’s someone’s footsteps in-game or your teenage child shuffling into the room. Plus, I live on a flight path for the airport. You probably aren’t. I haven’t been keeping statistics on in-game deaths attributed to a fly-over, but there have been a few.
Also see: ‘Fortnite: Battle Royale’ Epic Experts Can Make £30 An Hour Coaching N00bs
In order to really be successful at this game, besides actually learning how to quickly build a defensive structure without dying in the process, those of us who play with distractions might want to consider a few accessories to really level up our Fortnite expertise. Sure, you are just building layers between yourself and loved ones, but they’ll find something constructive to do.
A killer gaming chair.
I’ve always wanted a nice, ergonomic gaming chair that will take my gaming to the next level, that is, a comfortable one. It’s an imperative accessory for anyone spending a good amount of time in front of a screen. The reality is that I know that as soon as I buy a nice chair, my 12 year-old will commandeer it, claim it as her homework chair and there’s nothing I can do about it. So for now, my gaming chair is the office chair I found in the dumpster. It matches most of my furniture.
Sweet gaming headphones.
A huge part of Fortnite is the auditory cues in the game. You can hear enemy fire, whether directed at you or another player. This helps with positioning and tactical awareness. You can hear footsteps of other players, to the same points. That is, if the dishwasher isn’t running or the kids outside your apartment aren’t throwing things against your door at 9pm. Even the cheapest pair of gaming headphones are an instant advantage. Plus, you don’t have to listen to your teenager give you terrible tactical advice from the sidelines. Wait your turn.
Snacks and water.
You aren’t going to become an overnight success in Fortnite. It’s going to take time to level up and gain that confidence to not just camp in a shed behind a bale of hay the entire game then finishing a paltry second because the player with the rocket launcher just started blasting everything in sight. You are in for some hardcore gaming sessions. So be sure to set yourself out some deli meats, cheeses and plenty of water. Your reaction time and finger dexterity are directly tied to hydration. It’s science. Probably.
Clean controllers.
Whether you are PC gamer or a console gamer, you need controllers that are responsive and fresh, not an Xbox One controller crusted with what appears to be Matzoh crumbs and Gummy Bear residue. From a gaming mouse with programmable buttons to a console controller that doesn’t have thumb-sticks smoother than polished marble, you’ll need a controller that responds to your chosen sensitivity with precision and accuracy. Not one that smells like the inside of a sock filled with batteries that you just found behind the dumpster, next to your new gaming chair.
A 3D printed Loot Llama.
What gaming experience is complete without merchandising? After you get your Fortnite hoodie, which as we all know instantly improves your gameplay, you definitely need to get yourself a 3D printed Loot Llama. That’s a thing that exists because why not? If you haven’t found one in the game yet, at least you can put one on next to your monitor, for good luck.
Creating the best environment for gaming can make you a better gamer, just like having air conditioning in your car in the summer can make you a less angry driver. All these accessories are as needed for your Fortnite success as much as learning that if you are wearing a bush costume, act like a bush. A running bush is just another moving target. Also, the 3D printed Loot Llama is either voodoo or a good luck charm you absolutely need. The jury is out on that one. Happy gaming.
