Winning ranked matches in Fortnite can be a daunting challenge, especially if your a newer player looking to hit Unreal. Fortunately, we’ve got some insights for you straight from Khanada, one of Fortnite’s most seasoned competitors. Whether you’re trying to find the perfect drop spot, decide which fights to take, or stay calm during high-pressure endgames, this guide has you covered. With Khanada’s advice, you’ll be ready to improve your gameplay and score those Victory Royales in no time.

Find the Right Drop Spot

When it comes to selecting a drop spot, many players believe they need to land at the most contested or loot-heavy locations. However, Khanada emphasizes that the key is choosing a drop spot you’re comfortable with and know inside out. Don’t be influenced by which drops everyone else thinks is best, the most important factor is that you are comfortable with the location.

Khanada: Right now, land at a drop that you're comfortable at. It doesn't have to be a good drop or the best drop spot on a map. It just has to be a spot where you have a high chance of winning off spawn. A spot where you know where all the floor spawns and chests are. You know how to drop for the best stuff, where to play, where the mats are at. Land at a spot that you're most comfortable and make sure you're always holding a rotation item and the best AR that you’re comfortable using.

Pick Fights Strategically

One of the most common mistakes newer players make is engaging in unnecessary fights, which will just leave you more vulnerable to third parties and low on your resources. Khanada advises players to be selective and only take fights when you can see there’s a clear advantage.

Khanada: Don’t always try to key if you're trying to win your match. Only key if it’s looking like an easy fight—if you can get a quick elimination by hitting a beam and frying somebody. But don’t ever start an unnecessary fight where you’re going to lose all your mats or throw your game away.

Contested vs. Safe Drops: Which Is Better?

Should you aim for a high-elimination game by landing in a contested area, or play it safe and prioritize your survival? According to Khanada, it depends entirely on your play style.

Khanada: It depends on your playstyle. If you do think you're a really good fighter, go for it—land at a good spot because you have the confidence to do so. But if your play style is more calm and you don’t want to fight early, then go for a less congested route.

Know When to Fight and When to Disengage

Understanding when to engage or disengage from a fight can mean the difference between winning or losing a match. Khanada stresses the importance of timing, especially when third-partying.

Khanada: You can third-party, but don’t do it right away. Wait until both players trade some damage or one of them gets eliminated, then go in. Fighting earlier in the game is better because if you disengage, you can always loot and farm back up, but you can’t do that later in the game. Take fights wisely, know when to engage, and know when to back off. You don’t always need to finish a fight—sometimes it’s better to back up and reload.

Master the Art of Disengaging

Disengaging from a fight is a skill that many players overlook, but it’s often necessary to survive longer in ranked matches. In Chapter 6, with the introduction of items like the Void Mask and Katanas, disengaging has never been easier.

Khanada: In this season, you can disengage super easily. You can teleport away using the Void Mask or katana away. There are so many options to get out of a bad situation.

Stay Calm in High-Pressure Endgames

High-pressure endgames are where many players lose their composure and make mistakes that can cost them the entire game. Khanada advises players to shift their mindset and treat each ranked match as a learning opportunity.

Khanada: Don’t ever think there’s something on the line if you’re playing a ranked match. The whole point of ranked is to get better. There’s literally nothing on the line besides you improving. Even if you lose, you still learn something.

Climbing the ranks to the Unreal level in Fortnite Ranked takes practice, patience, and smart decision-making. From choosing a drop spot that suits your particular playstyle to knowing when to disengage from a fight, these helpful tips from Khanada will be sure to help you level up your gameplay. Keep in mind that playing ranked matches is all about improving and learning from each game, whether you win or lose. So, take these tips into the arena, refine your gameplay, and start dominating the competition!