Fortnite’s signature building feature is getting a major rework, as Epic Games aims to make it less intimidating for newcomers while keeping creative veterans engaged.
Now, a new tweet from an Epic Games employee suggests that the developers might be working on ways to make the game more accessible for newer Fortnite players in Chapter 7. Here’s everything we learned from this new statement.
Fortnite Soon to Receive Changes to Make Building More Accessible
Epic Games plans adjustments to Fortnite’s building system that lower the entry barrier for beginners. The upcoming update targets the steep learning curve of constructing structures mid-battle, with tweaks to streamline controls and reduce complexity. New players will find it simpler to erect walls, ramps, and floors without overwhelming mechanics. Developers aim to balance accessibility and depth, keeping the core thrill intact for veterans. This shift promises broader appeal as the battle royale evolves.
The statement was posted on X by Twitter, who serves as a development lead for Fortnite. In the post, Smith highlighted how the building mechanic has evolved over the years, stating: “It’s one of my firmest beliefs that the mechanical skill ceiling for Fortnite is on another playing field.” While he expressed praise for this evolution, he pointed out how suboptimal default sensitivity settings can hinder new players’ ability to build and aim effectively.
The X post stated “Simple Build Simple Edit are great opportunities to begin understanding the fundamentals of building in a ‘simple’ way,” noting how options like Simple Build and Simple Edit can help in simplifying inputs and help beginners learn the basics of the game. A future update could expand these with guided tutorials or sensitivities that adapt to players’ gameplay.
This would allow newer players to use the building mechanic more strategically while also preparing them for full competitive play. Additionally, Smith also touched on the issue of bindings by stating, “Bindings are 100% a matter of personal preference.” However, he went on to point out that recent discussions have provided more insight into how the recent default settings might be suboptimal for new players.
While the tweet does not specify any of the upcoming changes, players can expect default sensitivities that are designed for precise buildings as well as enhanced UEFN tools. These tools could serve in building better practice maps. As of now, no one knows whether these changes will come with the next Fortnite update or later down the line. However, we do think these accessibility changes could help newer players catch up with veterans much quicker.
How will Simple Build affect competitive play in Fortnite
Simple Build in Fortnite is designed primarily for casual and new players, aiming to streamline basic construction by reducing inputs from four separate binds (wall, floor, ramp, roof) to context-based auto-placement based on cursor direction. Competitive players can disable it entirely via Game → Building settings, ensuring it does not force its way into high-level play.
Impact on Mechanics
Simple Build prioritizes intuitive basics like upward ramps or downward roofs but complicates advanced techniques such as 90s, triple edits, ramp rushes, and precise positioning. Pros report it feels finicky and slower for complex fights, with less control over exact piece placement compared to traditional building. This preserves the skill ceiling for veterans, as manual binds allow faster, more reliable execution in sweaty scenarios.
Competitive Viability
No major tournaments or ranked modes mandate Simple Build, and experts deem it non-viable for esports due to its limitations in speed and precision during build battles. Community consensus on platforms like Reddit’s FortniteCompetitive views it as counterproductive for anyone beyond casual play, potentially hindering practice for techniques needed in competitive matches. Veterans switching it off maintain their edge, while it serves as a beginner crutch without closing the skill gap.
Player Feedback
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Casual users find it more approachable for quick survival builds, reducing overwhelm from multiple binds.
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Competitive players criticize its unpredictability, like accidental placements or delays in chained builds, which can lead to deaths in high-pressure fights.
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Some call for explicit bans in ranked to prevent any bleed-over, though disabling options already sidestep this.
How will Simple Build affect pro Fortnite tournaments and esports teams
Simple Build has minimal direct impact on pro Fortnite tournaments and esports teams, as it remains optional and most professionals disable it to preserve precision and speed. Tournaments prioritize traditional building mechanics to showcase elite skill, avoiding mandates for simplified systems that could dilute the competitive format.
Tournament Rules
Major events like FNCS and others follow Epic’s competitive guidelines, where players toggle off Simple Build in settings for unrestricted control over walls, ramps, floors, and roofs. No bans exist on Simple Build itself, but organizers emphasize standard binds to maintain fairness and the high skill ceiling that defines pro play. Community-hosted events sometimes experiment with it, but official circuits stick to classic modes.
Esports Team Strategies
Pro teams view Simple Build as a casual tool, not viable for ranked or tournaments due to slower chaining, less accurate placements, and inability to execute advanced patterns like 90s or triple ramps. Coaches train players on manual binds exclusively, as the feature hinders the mechanical depth needed for box fights and endgame rotations. Some speculate it could help mid-tier squads bridge gaps temporarily, but top orgs like FaZe or NRG dismiss it for lacking pro-level consistency.
Long-Term Outlook
Esports analysts predict no shift in meta, as Simple Build fails to match traditional building’s tempo in high-stakes scenarios. Epic focuses it on player retention for pubs, leaving tournaments unchanged to protect viewership drawn to mechanical mastery. Teams adapt via practice, not reliance on simplifications that risk vulnerabilities against veterans.
