5 tips to help you win Fortnite’s new game, Ballistic

Whether it’s Battle Royale, LEGO building blocks, racing around tracks, or rocking out with friends at a concert, Fortnite leads the pack when it comes to creating refreshing new experiences for fans around the world.

Today, there's a new game for you to jump into: Fortnite Ballistic.

Ballistic is a 5-versus-5 squad-based shooter where your team dukes it out against opponents in tense round-based tactical engagements. It's a test of teamwork and strategy, where communication and creativity are key. Ballistic is still in Early Access, meaning you can expect more additions and changes to Ballistic as time goes on. We've put together some pointers based on the launch-day meta, though. If you're looking to jump in, our guide below contains tips to help you win Ballistic.

 

What exactly is Ballistic?

Ballistic is a separate game that you can choose via the Fortnite main menu. Teams of five are set as either Attackers or Defenders. Attackers attempt to plant the Rift Point Device at specific points on the map and then defend it long enough for it to detonate. Defenders try to prevent them from planting the Rift Point Device, or defuse it if the Attackers slip by.

Either team can also win the round by simply eliminating all opposing players.

Some additional tips:

• The first team to win seven rounds total becomes the victor of the match. However, at the start of the sixth round—regardless of the score—players switch roles. As such, gaining a strong lead early on is important in case the mandatory role switch throws off your gameplan.
• There are no respawns, so you need to be extra careful if you want to play aggressively.
• You need to communicate effectively with your teammates instead of going it alone.
• Many cosmetics (including character skins and outfits, emotes, sprays, and other effects) selected in your Locker are carried over.
• You earn XP via daily quests. These include purchasing weapons in the game, winning rounds, and playing matches.

Ballistic also offers Ranked and Unranked lobbies:

• Unranked: Perfect for those who want to get a feel for Ballistic’s mechanics and learn to play as a team. It’s okay to make mistakes since this is just a learning experience. Those who drop out of Unranked matches might be replaced by others waiting in the queue.
• Ranked: This is for those who want a more competitive experience. Matchmaking is based on the average rank of everyone on your team. Wins and losses matter, since the outcome affects your rank, too. Moreover, leaving a Ranked match requires you to rejoin within a five-minute grace period. If you’re unable to do so, your rank will be penalized and you won’t be able to join another Ranked match for a certain amount of time.

Lock in your favorite Flex Gadget

Before a Ballistic match begins, players need to lock in their preferred Flex Gadget. This throwable item is unique to each player, which means your allies won’t be able to select an option once it’s been locked in.

Flex Gadgets include:

• Frag Grenade Kit: An explosive device that can damage foes or flush them out of cover.
• Bubble Shield Kit: Drop this next to you or your allies to create a Bubble Shield that blocks projectiles and thrown grenades for a brief period.
• Proximity Mine Kit: Place this on the ground and it will trigger an explosion when approached by an enemy.
• Impulse Grenade Kit: Launches players (both friendly and hostile) away when triggered.
• Recon Grenade Kit: Toss this at an area to potentially reveal the locations of nearby foes.

Once the match starts, you may purchase your Flex Gadget so it can be used in combat. Since it’s usually a race to see who can pick their preferred Flex Gadget, you may need to adjust your playstyle accordingly.

For instance, having access to the Proximity Mine is great for those who want to play more defensively or those who want to guard chokepoints and Rift Point Device planting sites. The Bubble Shield is likewise a great tool for players to toss down when opponents are on the attack. The Frag Grenade, meanwhile, is best for those who want to be more aggressive when advancing.

 

Learn how to buy the best equipment

In Ballistic, everyone starts with the same loadout: a basic Ranger Pistol and 800 credits. The good news is that you can earn more credits depending on what happens in successive rounds, including by defeating enemies, planting the Rift Point Device, and winning the round itself. Even losing nets you a bit of currency.

You may purchase weapons and consumables for a short period at the beginning of each round. Here are the available items:

Shotguns:

• Hammer Pump Shotgun: 900 credits
• Frenzy Auto Shotgun: 1,600 credits

Submachine guns:

• Thunder Burst SMG: 1,100 credits
• Hyper SMG: 1,500 credits

Assault rifles:

• Enforcer AR: 2,000 credits
• Nemesis AR: 2,500 credits
• Striker AR: 2,500 credits

Ranged:

• Hand Cannon: 800 credits
• Reaper Sniper Rifle: 5,000 credits

Consumables:

• Flashbang: 200 credits
• Smoke Grenade: 200 credits

Shields and kit:

• Instant Shield: 500 credits
• Your Locked-in Kit: 300 credits

The most important item that you should buy is the Instant Shield—you can purchase two of these for +50 shielding. This should hopefully improve your survivability in combat. The Hammer Pump Shotgun is also ideal for those who want to lay in wait to ambush nearby opponents, whereas the Striker AR is a great option for medium-range engagements.

Here are some additional tips regarding weapons and items:

• Weapons and items can be dropped—either manually (if you want to give something to a teammate) or automatically if a player is eliminated.
• You get to keep your weapon if you manage to survive a round. There’s no need to rebuy it.
• You’re allowed to explore a small section of the map during Ballistic's buy phase. This lets you ready up and get ready to execute a plan once the round officially starts.

Familiarize yourself with the Skyline 10 map

Currently the only map available in Ballistic is Skyline 10. This urban center has several establishments, many of which have mascot posters and props. As you play a few matches, try to familiarize yourself with the map’s layout—most notably, the two Rift Point Device planting sites.

If you’re one of the Attackers, then your best bet is to rush B-Site. This is a wide-open area, though the crate and walls serve as protection. You can also watch your flanks from the Parking and Drywall zones. A-Site is significantly tougher to approach due to its narrower alleyways and corridors.

Defenders need to prepare for engagements that will likely happen in the Mid or Parking sections. If you’re able to take out most of your opponents in these areas, then the rest are probably circling around to A-Site or camping Elbow/Storage.

 

Rush (or defend) your Rift Points

In relation to learning the map, you should also remember that any player from the Attackers can pick up the Rift Point Device at their base. Once the Rift Point Device is planted, a loud "ticking" sound will be heard by other players, meaning the selected detonation site will turn into a battleground soon enough.

As part of the Attackers, you need to look for vantage points and hiding spots, such as containers, platforms, and tight corners. When you hear footsteps approaching, check your surroundings to see if an enemy is trying to defuse the device.

For Defenders, defusing takes only a few seconds, but you need to be wary of enemies planning to ambush you. Also, if you think that you won’t have enough time to defuse the device, then you need to make a run for it. The explosion of the device will eliminate nearby players from both teams that are caught in the blast. You might think it won't matter since you're losing the round anyway, but you'll lose your weapon and need to repurchase it, which could set you back even further. Run for cover!

That does it for our Ballistic guide! We hope these tips help as you jump into this exciting new shooter.

Fortnite Ballistic is available in Early Access on the Epic Games Store.