How To Build in Fortnite: Keybinds, Tips, and Templates

Fortnite Chapter 3, Season 1 signals a fresh start to the game for many players.

New Fortnite players, and even some veterans, struggle with the one thing that separates the game from other battle royale titles – building.

Building is an important aspect of Fortnite and often separates the casual player from the truly competitive.

Below is a building primer, as well as a "cheat sheet" so players can start cranking out 90s quickly.

Fortnight Keybinds, Controller Configs

Making sure building controls are comfortable is key when it comes to building rapidly and effectively in Fortnite.

Controller Config

Players using a controller on the PS, Xbox, Switch, or even PC have the ability to set their controls to "Builder Pro" mode.

This makes building a lot easier, with many of the key buttons available so players can use both hands to build.

Keyboard and Mouse Config

Fortnite players on the PC have a lot more flexibility when it comes to mapping out their building controls.

Finding a building configuration that is comfortable may take some time, but is absolutely worth the effort.

Here is a good start for keyboard and mouse players to use, or build off of.

Movement

• Forward: W
• Left: A
• Backward: S
• Right: D
• Jump: Space Bar
• Crouch: Left CTRL
• Open Map: M

Building

• Crouch While Building: Left Shift
• Wall: Q
• Floor: Mouse 4
• Stairs: E
• Roof: Mouse 5
• Trap: T
• Place Building: Left Mouse Button
• Repair/Upgrade: H
• Rotate Building: R
• Change Building Material: Right Mouse Button
• Building Edit: F and Mouse Wheel Up
• Crouch While Editing: Left Shift
• Select Building Edit: Left Mouse Button
• Reset Building Edit: Mouse Wheel Up

Combat

• Fire: Left Mouse Button
• Target: Right Mouse Button
• Reload: R
• Use: Mouse Wheel Down + X
• Harvesting Tool: 1
• Weapon Slot 1: 2
• Weapon Slot 2: 3
• Weapon Slot 3: 4
• Weapon Slot 4: 5
• Weapon Slot 5: 6
• Toggle Inventory: Tab
• Ping / Place Marker: Left Alt

Additional Settings

• Toggle Sprint: Off
• Sprint by Default: On
• Sprint Cancels Reloading: Off
• Auto-Open Doors: On
• Reset Build Choice: On
• Disable Pre-Edit Option: On
• Turbo Building: On
• Confirm Edit on Release: On
• Hold To Swap Pickup: On
• Toggle Targeting: Off
• Mark Danger When Targeting: On
• Auto Pick Up Weapons: On
• Preferred Item Slots: On
  • Loadout Slot 1: Assault Rifle
  • Loadout Slot 2: Shotgun
  • Loadout Slot 3: SMG
  • Loadout Slot 4: Consumable Item or Sniper
  • Loadout Slot 5: Consumable Item

Getting Comfortable

A great way to get used to your desired control setup is in Creative Mode, where players can build with unlimited materials without the stress of the Battle Royale going on around them.

Once players have a good feel for building controls, it is time to move on to the basics of building.

Fortnite Building Materials

There are three different types of materials players can gather in Fornite: Wood, Stone, and Metal.

From these materials, players can build Walls, Stairs, Floors, and Roofs.

Metal is stronger than stone, which is stronger than wood.

Knowing when to use each material is important, as is having a good supply of each material on hand.

Wood is great for building when there is no clear and present danger.

Metal is the best when in combat situations.

Stone is a good in-between and is often a good choice when barricading a downed player, or taking a breather to heal up.

Fortnite Building Templates

1x1 Template

One of the most important techniques and templates to master is building the classic 1x1.

A 1x1 consists of 4 walls with a ramp in the center.

They are a great way to get a bit of height advantage on other players while providing a quick shelter when needed.

They are also the foundation of many other, more advanced, builds.

Players should get used to spinning to place four walls around them then quickly jumping and placing a ramp underneath them in the center of the box.

90s

"Cranking 90s" is one of the most advanced building techniques in Fortnite, requiring players to rapidly build vertically in a short period of time.

The basics are simple:

• Build a wall
• Jump and turn 90 degrees
• Build a ramp underneath
• Build a wall
• Repeat

The process is similar to building a 1x1, but sacrificing a bit of structural integrity to gain speed.

Editing Builds

Editing builds is another important aspect of building in Fortnite.

Editing allows players to create doors, windows, and more from their own existing builds.

Players can only edit structures they have built, and players who learn to edit fast enough can build a wall and easily add a window to shoot opponents through.

When in editing mode, blue panels appear on builds that allow players to remove or replace portions of a build.

Just keep in mind that while players can pre-edit structures before they are placed, it is a terrible practice and will slow down building immensely.

Excellent edits to practice are:

• Windows in walls
• Corner edits on floors
• Triangular edits on walls
• Half edits on roofs and walls

Fortnite player Abyssalheaven has put together a great guide on all possible edits.

For those looking to get a bit of practice in, check out The Best Fortnite Edit Course Codes.

Fortnite Building Tips

Here are a few tips to walk away with before really digging into building:

• Buildings require foundations - Once a build's supports are gone, the entire structure comes apart. Players should try to support their own structures to keep themself from getting toppled, and look for weaknesses in an opponent's structures.
• Learn to build both horizontally and vertically - While having a height advantage against opponents is usually a good thing, it is not the end all be all of building. Knowing how to build horizontally is just as important as vertically.
• Use the terrain for additional support - Cliffs and buildings make great supports of builds, adding a bit more security for speed builds.
• Know where opponents are - While building it is important to never lose sight of the opponent.
• Practice - Players can never get too much practice in when it comes to building. Make good use of Creative and Playground Mode to continue to get better while in a safe enviornment.

READ MORE: The Best Weapons To Use In Fortnite