Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, has been constantly evolving since its release in 2017. From season to season, Epic Games, the developer, has introduced new features, modes, and mechanics to keep the game fresh and exciting. One such addition that has caught the attention of players worldwide is the drone feature. But what are the drones in Fortnite, and how do they enhance the gaming experience? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Fortnite drones, exploring their history, functionality, and impact on the game.
The History of Drones in Fortnite
The concept of drones was first introduced in Fortnite Chapter 2, Season 2, dubbed “The Agency” update. Released in February 2020, this update brought significant changes to the game, including the addition of advanced enemy AI, new locations, and, of course, drones. Initially, drones were introduced as a means for players to scout out enemy positions, providing a strategic advantage in battle.
Since then, drones have become an integral part of the Fortnite ecosystem, with updates and patches fine-tuning their functionality and capabilities. In Season 3, drones received a significant overhaul, allowing players to deploy them independently and use them for a variety of tasks, such as hacking enemy structures and collecting resources.
How Do Drones Work in Fortnite?
In Fortnite, drones are small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be deployed by players to perform various tasks. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
Deployment
Players can deploy drones from their inventory, using a specialized item called a Drone Launcher. The launcher can be crafted using resources gathered throughout the game or obtained through loot boxes. Once deployed, the drone will hover near the player, awaiting instructions.
Modes
Fortnite drones operate in two primary modes:
Scout Mode
In Scout Mode, the drone will fly to a designated location, providing real-time video feedback to the player. This mode allows players to survey the surrounding area, spotting enemy positions, hiding spots, and potential dangers.
Hack Mode
In Hack Mode, the drone can interact with objects and structures, including enemy builds, traps, and vehicles. Players can use their drone to hack enemy structures, disable traps, or even steal resources from foes.
Strategic Uses of Drones in Fortnite
Drones have revolutionized the way players approach the game, offering a range of strategic benefits:
Reconnaissance
Drones provide an unparalleled level of reconnaissance, allowing players to gather intelligence on enemy positions, movements, and strategies. This information can be used to plan ambushes, set traps, or execute flanking maneuvers.
Area Denial
By deploying drones in strategic locations, players can deny enemies access to certain areas, creating zones of control or funneling them into kill zones.
Resource Collection
Drones can collect resources, such as wood, stone, or metal, from the environment, saving players time and effort.
Enemy Disruption
Hack Mode allows players to disrupt enemy operations, stealing resources, disabling traps, or destroying enemy structures.
Team Coordination
Drones can facilitate team coordination, enabling players to communicate and execute complex strategies. For example, a drone can provide cover for a teammate’s advance or distract enemies while another player flanks.
Tips and Tricks for Effective Drone Use
To get the most out of your Fortnite drones, follow these expert tips:
Choose Your Deployment Carefully
Select a safe and strategic location for drone deployment, taking into account potential dangers, such as enemy fire or environmental hazards.
Use Your Drone to Scout Ahead
Deploy your drone to scout out areas you’re about to enter, reducing the risk of ambushes or surprises.
Keep Your Drone Mobile
Move your drone regularly to avoid enemy detection and maintain a strong aerial presence.
Coordinate with Your Team
Use your drone to communicate with teammates, coordinating strategies and executing complex maneuvers.
The Future of Drones in Fortnite
As Fortnite continues to evolve, it’s likely that drones will play an increasingly important role in the game. Potential updates could include:
Advanced Drone Abilities
New drone abilities, such as enhanced hacking capabilities, improved sensor range, or increased durability, could further expand the tactical possibilities of drone warfare.
Drone Customization
Players might be able to customize their drones with unique skins, decals, or upgrades, allowing for greater personalization and expression.
Drone-Based Game Modes
Epic Games could introduce drone-centric game modes, such as drone racing or drone combat, offering new challenges and gameplay opportunities.
In conclusion, drones have become an integral part of the Fortnite experience, offering a range of strategic benefits and opportunities for creative play. By understanding how drones work and how to use them effectively, players can gain a significant advantage in battle and enhance their overall gaming experience. As the game continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how drones shape the future of Fortnite.
What are drones in Fortnite and how do they work?
Drones in Fortnite are small, remote-controlled aircraft that players can use to scout out the battlefield, survey their surroundings, and even attack enemies. They are equipped with cameras and sensors that allow players to gather intel and spot hidden dangers. Drones can be deployed from a variety of locations, including the ground, buildings, and even other vehicles.
In terms of gameplay, drones are controlled using the game’s standard movement controls, with players able to pilot them using the analog sticks or WASD keys. Drones can be customized with different skins and accessories, and they can be upgraded with various perks and abilities, such as increased speed or enhanced sensors.
How do I deploy a drone in Fortnite?
To deploy a drone in Fortnite, players simply need to select the drone item from their inventory and press the “deploy” button. This will launch the drone into the air, where it can be controlled using the game’s standard movement controls. Drones can be deployed from a variety of locations, including the ground, buildings, and even other vehicles.
Players can also customize their drone’s deployment settings, such as the height and distance at which it will deploy. Additionally, some drones may have special deployment abilities, such as the ability to deploy from a distance or to deploy quickly and quietly.
What are the benefits of using drones in Fortnite?
Using drones in Fortnite can provide a number of benefits to players. For one, drones can provide valuable intel on the battlefield, allowing players to spot hidden enemies, track down resources, and identify potential dangers. Drones can also be used to scout out the competition, giving players an edge in competitive matches.
Additionally, drones can be used to attack enemies, either directly or indirectly. Some drones may be equipped with weapons, such as missiles or laser beams, while others may have special abilities, such as the ability to hack enemy equipment or disrupt their communications.
Can I customize my drone in Fortnite?
Yes, players can customize their drones in Fortnite using a variety of skins, accessories, and upgrades. Skins can change the appearance of the drone, while accessories can add new features or abilities, such as improved sensors or increased speed. Upgrades can improve the drone’s performance, such as increasing its range or endurance.
Players can also customize their drone’s behavior, such as its deployment settings or its default control settings. This allows players to tailor their drone to their individual playstyle and preferences.
How do I defend against enemy drones in Fortnite?
Defending against enemy drones in Fortnite requires a combination of strategy and quick reflexes. One effective technique is to use anti-aircraft weapons, such as missiles or laser beams, to take down enemy drones. Players can also use cover and concealment to avoid being detected by enemy drones.
Additionally, players can use their own drones to counter enemy drones. This can involve deploying a drone to intercept and destroy an enemy drone, or using a drone to scout out the enemy’s position and plan a counterattack.
Can I use drones in all Fortnite game modes?
Drones are available in most Fortnite game modes, including Battle Royale, Creative, and Save the World. However, some game modes, such as Playground, may have limited access to drones or may have special restrictions on their use.
In general, drones are most useful in game modes that involve scouting and reconnaissance, such as Battle Royale or Creative. They can be less useful in game modes that focus on fast-paced action, such as Save the World.
Are drones available on all Fortnite platforms?
Drones are available on most Fortnite platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices. However, some features or functionality may be limited on certain platforms, such as mobile devices.
Players can access drones through the game’s standard menu options, and they can be used in conjunction with a variety of control schemes, including keyboard and mouse, controller, or touchscreen.