Fortnite is notorious for having a plethora of different skins and cosmetics to customize your character with. However, while not intentional, some can give you a slight advantage in-game.
One of the main attractions that Fortnite has that draws people in is the wide variety of skins and other cosmetics the game offers to its players. Epic has done a great job in keeping things fresh, adding new collaborations with streamers, celebrities, games, and so many other different categories and genres. While no cosmetic item is meant to offer any sort of competitive advantage to players, some can give an edge to some players. This article is going to go over five cosmetics and skins that can help you gain a slight advantage over your opponents.
Remember that skins and cosmetics are added to the game for fun and that’s it. From a competitive standpoint, some skins are better than others, but if you find yourself wanting to pick a skin that is not on this list, you should still pick it! At the end of the day cosmetic items are meant to be enjoyed by the player who uses them, so keep that in mind when you read this list.
We are going to start this off similarly to the five worst skins and cosmetics list but on the opposite end of the spectrum. Yes, skins that have a smaller or thinner character model, tend to give players a small advantage in-game. Now this is NOT because they have a smaller hitbox.
All hitboxes in Fortnite are the same, regardless of what skin the player is using. Rather, using a smaller or thinner model, allows you to see more around you, and can be difficult for enemies to aim or track from far distances. Even in close-range fights, flicking or tracking can be a pain when you are going against a character that seems smaller compared to other players. So, while you are just as capable of getting sniped at, it can still be difficult for players to spot or track you when using a smaller character model.
Now for players that are just picking the game up this can be a bit difficult if you are using the default pickaxe since that may be your only option. However, for those who can use a smaller harvesting tool, I suggest you do so. It does not necessarily affect the speed at which you can harvest materials or glide, rather the reasoning is along the same lines as the previous point.
Using tools like the angler axes instead of a giant popsicle or gravity hammer from Halo can make you less noticeable from afar. The same thing goes for gliders, using smaller gliders will make you less noticeable after using a launch pad or slipstream in late game when you are trying to move around or escape.
By now you have probably noticed that the trend with getting a competitive advantage using skins is utilizing ones that prevent you from getting spotted from a further distance. While any good player who is paying attention will probably notice you when nothing is going on, if there is a bit of chaos going on around them or you are careful, having a darker, less noticeable skin on could be an advantage.
Skins with bright colors can effectively make you a moving target in some cases, so using skins that have dark greens, browns, and grays in some areas, can sometimes help you.
There are so many skins and cosmetic items in the game that have different effects or distracting features. Now again, the main point of cosmetics is to entertain and evoke enjoyment from the player who is using them. However, if there is a cosmetic that has annoying or loud sound effects, particle effects, or design features that are distracting it can leave you at a disadvantage and you may not even realize it.
Using skins that don’t have these effects doesn’t have to be boring though, you can have the best of both worlds. Finding a minimalistic skin that you enjoy that doesn't distract you or cause you to stand out is the perfect balance of finding a skin you like while also not putting yourself at a disadvantage.
Now this one may seem silly to some but there is some good reasoning behind it. While yes using your skins that you bought and paid money for is something that seems obvious, the default skin has its perks. Using the default skin can lure unsuspecting players into a false sense of security. Many players are going to expect someone who is using the default skin in Fortnite to be new or inexperienced.
Now obviously if you are in a lobby with a higher MMR this may not be the case, however, for some players, this can be a solid strategy. Making players think you are new to the game could cause them to lower their guard or start messing around, allowing you to seize the opportunity and take them by surprise.
It is always important to keep in mind that cosmetics are in the game purely for enjoyment, and they are not added with the intention of giving players any sort of competitive advantage. However, in some cases, there are some skins that can give you a leg up, in some cases. While cosmetics and skins are in Fortnite to allow you to add to your enjoyment while playing the game, it is also important to keep in mind that you can use one of your favorites, while also gaining a slight advantage over your opponents.
