50 Tips and Tricks for Improving at First-Person Shooters like Fortnite or Counter-Strike
Whether you're a seasoned veteran of first-person shooters or a newcomer to the genre, there's always something new to learn and ways to improve your skills. If you dream of racking up those killstreaks, securing objectives, and climbing the competitive ranks, these 100 tips and tricks will help you dominate in your favorite FPS titles like Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and many more.
Tip 1: Customize Your Settings
Don't just jump into a game with the default settings. Take the time to find your ideal mouse sensitivity, fine-tune your crosshair, and adjust your graphical settings to ensure maximum visibility and smooth frame rates. Optimal settings are crucial for maximizing your reaction time and targeting accuracy. Tailor these settings to your playstyle – a sniper might prefer lower sensitivity, while fast-paced close-quarters combat might benefit from higher sensitivity.
Tip 2: Master Your Movement
Fluid movement is the hallmark of a skilled FPS player. Learn the maps inside and out, understand the best routes, and practice techniques like strafe jumping, slide canceling, and bunny hopping. Being a difficult target to hit while maintaining accurate fire is a key element that can tip the scales of an engagement in your favor.
Tip 3: Crosshair Placement is Key
Always aim your crosshair at roughly head level as you navigate the map. This minimizes the need for drastic flicks if you encounter an enemy unexpectedly. Practice keeping your crosshair positioned where an enemy's head would likely appear when rounding corners or peeking chokepoints.
Tip 4: Learn to Control Recoil
Each weapon has its own unique recoil pattern. Spend time in a firing range or training mode to understand how different weapons kick. Learn to subtly counter the recoil pattern to keep your shots on target, especially when firing automatic weapons.
Tip 5: Utilize Cover and Verticality Effectively
Don't just stand out in the open! Use walls, crates, and other obstacles as cover, only exposing yourself when ready to fire. Take advantage of high ground and verticality on the map to gain unexpected angles on opponents, but remember that height advantages can be a double-edged sword.
Tip 6: Pre-Aim Common Angles
As you navigate the map, mentally anticipate where enemies might be positioned. Pre-aim your crosshair at common corners or chokepoints This will enable you to fire faster and gain a critical split-second advantage when an encounter occurs.
Tip 7: Communication is Vital (in team games)
Coordinate with your teammates, especially in objective-based modes. Call out enemy locations, let your team know if you're flanking, or request assistance. Clear and concise communication can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Tip 8: Weapon and Utility Knowledge
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons and when to use them. Experiment with grenades, flashbangs, and other utility items to learn how to use them to your advantage. Knowing which weapons are ideal for long-range combat or close-quarters encounters is crucial.
Tip 9: Don't Be Afraid to Retreat
Sometimes, the best play is to disengage. If you're outgunned or at a disadvantage, don't be afraid to fall back, regroup, and re-strategize. Recklessly charging into a losing fight can lead to unnecessary deaths.
Tip 10: Manage Your Economy (if applicable)
In games with an economy system, like Counter-Strike, make smart purchase decisions. Coordinate with your team on buy rounds, and don't be afraid to save your credits for more important purchases if you have the opportunity. Sometimes, saving for more powerful weaponry or better equipment is more beneficial in the long run.
Tip 11: Sound Cues are Essential
Pay close attention to in-game sounds. Footsteps, reloading, and weapon fire can reveal an enemy's position, even if you can't see them yet. Use a quality headset to enhance your ability to pinpoint the direction of various noises within the game.
Tip 12: Utilize Mini-Maps
Most FPS games have a mini-map. Learn how to interpret the information it relays, such as teammate positions, gunfire indicators, or objective markers. A quick glance at the mini-map can give you situational awareness to make smart decisions.
Tip 13: Practice, Practice, Practice
There's no substitute for regular practice. Dedicate time to play, train your aim, and learn new strategies. Playing against real opponents will help you gain the in-game experience necessary to improve.
Tip 14: Watch the Pros
Professional FPS players and streamers can be great sources of inspiration and knowledge. Study how they move, their positioning, and their decision-making processes. Observe the tips and tricks they employ.
Tip 15: Mindset Matters
Stay calm and focused, even during a losing streak. Tilt and frustration can cloud your judgment and lead to poor plays. Take breaks if you need to, maintain a positive attitude, and learn from your losses.
Tip 16: Don't Camp Excessively
While holding a strategic position can be beneficial, don't become predictable. If you stay in one spot too long, enemies will learn your location and adapt their approach. Mix up your positioning and move around the map to keep your opponents guessing.
Tip 17: Learn to Peek Effectively
Peeking from cover provides vital information while minimizing exposure. Master the art of quick peeks and jiggle peeks (quickly shifting your view around cover) to gather intel or take quick shots without fully committing yourself.
Tip 18: Don't Reload Unnecessarily
Reloading at the wrong time can leave you vulnerable. Develop a sense of how many bullets are left in your magazine, and only reload when you're in a safe position or are sure you've eliminated the immediate threat.
Tip 19: Aim for the Body (initially)
When you're still learning a game, aiming for center mass may be more effective than trying to land headshots. You'll deal more consistent damage and improve your chances of getting the kill. Once your aim becomes more reliable, transitioning into aiming for the head is a natural progression.
Tip 20: Review Demos (if possible)
Many FPS games let you watch replays of your matches. Analyze your gameplay, identify weaknesses, and pinpoint moments where you could have made better decisions. Looking at your own matches can be a powerful learning tool.
Tip 21: Warm Up Your Aim
Before diving into competitive games, take some time to practice your aim. Utilize training modes, aim trainer programs, or even play a few casual matches to sharpen your targeting reflexes. Warming up can help you perform at your peak when it matters.
Tip 22: Burst Fire for Accuracy
Instead of holding down the trigger, fire in controlled bursts, especially at medium to long range. This method improves accuracy and makes it easier to manage recoil. Gradually increase the burst length as you gain more weapon control
Tip 23: Anticipate Enemy Movements
Think like your opponent. Where would you likely position yourself if you were in their shoes? Anticipate common routes and likely hiding spots. Being a step ahead of your enemies gives you a significant advantage.
Tip 24: Shoulder Peeking
When peeking around corners, expose as little of your body as possible. Utilize shoulder peeking by leaning just enough to see your target while minimizing the amount of yourself that's visible. This reduces the hitbox your enemies have to target.
Tip 25: Stay Unpredictable
Don't fall into repetitive patterns. Mix up your movement, routes, and weapon choices to keep your opponents on their toes. Being unpredictable makes you much more difficult to counter.
Tip 26: Manage Your Health & Armor
Always be aware of your health and armor status. Look for opportunities to grab health pickups or replenish your armor. Prioritize staying alive, as being down a player significantly disadvantages your team in many game modes.
Tip 27: Utilize Map-Specific Strategies
Each map has its own unique layout, choke points, and power positions. Tailor your strategy and play style to exploit the advantages of each map. Understand the best routes, hiding spots, and sightlines on each map for greater success.
Tip 28: Flank When Possible
Flanking can catch the enemy off guard and disrupt their defenses. Look for opportunities to maneuver around the enemy and attack them from the side or rear. Flanking routes offer unexpected angles that the enemy might not be expecting.
Tip 29: Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
Try out different weapons, loadouts, or play styles. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to discovering new and effective strategies. Don't be discouraged by early failures when trying something new, you might be surprised!
Tip 30: Stay Positive and Have Fun!
Above all else, remember that games are meant to be enjoyed! Keep a positive attitude, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your victories. Focusing on the fun and improvement aspects makes the experience far more fulfilling.
Tip 31: Learn from Your Deaths
Whenever you're eliminated, take a moment to analyze why it happened. Were you caught out in the open? Did someone get a sneaky angle on you? Understanding the cause of a death can help you avoid similar situations in the future.
Tip 32: Use Information to Your Advantage
Pay attention to the kill feed or any on-screen indicators of enemy activity. If you see a teammate fall in a particular location, it's likely there's an enemy lurking nearby. Use this information to adjust your approach.
Tip 33: Master One Weapon at a Time
While it's beneficial to be familiar with different weapons, focus on mastering one at a time. Thoroughly understand its recoil pattern, effective range, and ideal playstyle. This focused knowledge will serve you well over time.
Tip 34: Use Grenades Wisely
Grenades aren't just for dealing damage. They can be used to flush enemies out of cover, block off routes, or create distractions. Experiment with the different types of utility and explore ways to creatively use them.
Tip 35: Hip Fire in Close Quarters
In extremely close combat situations, aiming down sights (ADS) can sometimes slow you down. Practice hip-firing for those up-close-and-personal encounters where speed and maneuverability are essential.
Tip 36: Focus on Aim Improvement
Regardless of the specifics of a particular FPS game, good aim translates to success. Dedicate time to improving your aim through aiming trainers, target practice in custom maps, or targeted warm-ups. Consistent effort in this area reaps significant rewards.
Tip 37: Know Your Role (in team games)
Understand your preferred role within a team setting. Do you excel at aggressive pushes, sniping from afar, or providing support? Knowing your strengths and where you provide the most value for your team leads to cohesive and successful matches.
Tip 38: Don't Neglect Map Knowledge
Thorough map knowledge gives you a major tactical advantage. Learn the locations of power weapons, health and armor spawns, strategic chokepoints, and common flanking routes. Utilize this knowledge to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponents.
Tip 39: Learn to 'Slice the Pie'
When rounding corners, don't just swing wide and expose yourself to the entire angle at once. Instead, "slice the pie" by slowly checking small portions of the angle incrementally, minimizing potential threats while giving you crucial information on what may be around the corner.
Tip 40: Take Breaks
Playing for hours on end can lead to fatigue and sloppy play. Take short breaks to rest your eyes, stretch, and refocus. Returning to the game with a fresh perspective can help you combat mental burnout and maintain peak performance.
Tip 41: Adjust Your Graphics Settings for Performance
If you're struggling with low frame rates, try lowering certain graphics settings. Prioritize smooth gameplay over visual fidelity. Striking a balance between visibility, aesthetics, and performance is crucial, especially in a competitive environment.
Tip 42: Choose the Right Equipment
Invest in a comfortable mouse and keyboard (or a controller if you prefer that). A good quality headset can also make a world of difference in accurately pinpointing enemy sounds. Consider optimizing your setup for comfort and functionality.
Tip 43: Learn to Counter Popular Strategies
As you play, observe the common strategies and tactics employed by other players. Learn how to counter them effectively. If everyone loves camping a particular angle, develop flanking routes to catch them off-guard.
Tip 44: Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
The FPS community is often full of passionate and experienced players. If you're stuck, seek help on forums, watch instructional videos, or find players willing to mentor you. Many people are eager to share their knowledge and help you grow your skills.
Tip 45: Find a Squad (in team games)
Playing with a consistent group of friends or like-minded teammates can tremendously improve your experience. Reliable communication, coordination, and playing off each other's strengths leads to satisfying victories.
Tip 46: The Power of Prefiring
If you strongly suspect an enemy is around a corner or behind an object, don't always wait for them to peek out fully. "Prefiring" by shooting at the predicted location as you round the corner can sometimes catch your opponent off guard and give you an instant kill.
Tip 47: Body Shot Follow-ups
If you land a few body shots on an opponent but they're still alive, quickly transition your aim upwards for a potential headshot to finish them off. Their natural flinching reaction from the body shots might move their head into the path of your bullets.
Tip 48: Use Your Surroundings
Take advantage of the environment for more than just cover. Look for elements you can jump on to gain a height advantage, cars or props that can explode when shot, or tight spaces to funnel enemies towards.
Tip 49: The Importance of Patience
Sometimes, the best play is to wait and observe. Don't always feel the need to rush into fights. Gather information, let your opponents make mistakes, and capitalize when opportunities present themselves.
Tip 50: Learn From Your Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, especially when starting out in a new FPS. Analyze your losses and identify areas for improvement. Did you repeatedly fall for the same trick? Did you miss key shots? Use each loss as a learning experience to make yourself a better player.
Remember, the path to becoming a skilled FPS player takes dedication and practice. Implement these tips, learn from both your wins and losses, and don't be afraid to experiment. Soon, those victory screens will become a much more familiar sight and you'll see your gameplay evolve to the next level. Now get out there and start blasting!
