SCUF gaming article

Tips & Tricks For How to Improve Your Aim in Fortnite Quickly

We started with the basics, now let's move onto how to improve your aim in Fortnite. Nothing improves your aim in any game, but especially Fortnite, more than having the right thumbsticks. Everyone has different hand sizes, thumb lengths, and preferences. That’s why SCUF thumbsticks are interchangeable: to match your unique preference of comfort and playstyle.

How to Improve Your Aim in Fortnite with the Right Controller and Settings

Like any game, your performance will only be as good as the equipment you’re using. The same is true with your aim in Fortnite. Getting the right SCUF controller for your style is the quickest way to improve your aim as a player. Coupled with a bit of dedication and practice, and you can drastically hit your shots much more consistently.

Now, you might be hit with a little conscience check: isn’t using a better controller cheating? Not at all. It’s like someone buying the right-sized basketball shoes. You wouldn’t say an NBA player buying shoes that fit is cheating. It’s the same with controllers, they should fit your physical needs and match your playing style. Plus, these controllers are available for everyone. So the correct argument is that not getting the right controller puts you at a disadvantage against someone playing with one! Not to mention mouse and keyboard users already have an edge over you.

So think of controllers like SCUF’s as enhancing your skills. If you’re a beginner trying to learn how to aim better in Fortnite battle royale, pro controllers can be a big help. With that out of the way, here’s how to get better aim in Fortnite with a controller upgrade.

It’s All About the Sensitivity

Want to find out how to improve your aim in Fortnite fast? Start with your sensitivity. This setting has arguably the most significant impact on your aim. The proper sensitivity will allow you to shoot at your target more accurately or swivel quickly to respond to threats. Thus, before starting any game, you should head to the settings screen and tweak your sensitivity.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), there is no “one size fits all” sensitivity setting. It all depends on your playstyle and the game you’re playing. Traditionally, most pros prefer lower sensitivities. This makes accurate aiming much faster. But, of course, it also means that you sacrifice quick 180 degree turns, putting you at a considerable disadvantage when an enemy surprises you from behind.

However, most pros almost never worry about this fact. Thanks to their superior map knowledge, they have a high degree of confidence in where the enemy is at all times. That all changed with battle royale games like Fortnite. By adding additional elements like randomness, there’s no more need for quicker reactions in every direction. Thus, there are now as many higher-sensitivity players as there are lower-sensitivity ones. But, again, it all comes down to preference. For new players, the only way to find out which camp you belong to is with experimentation. Start with the middle ground setting (around 5 sensitivity is a good baseline) and play a few games.

Are you not hitting your targets fast enough? Try bumping up the sensitivity slightly, then run it with for a few games or so. Observe your performance and adjust as necessary. While it might take time to find the best sensitivity for you, the drastic improvement in your performance will make the effort well worth it. Just remember to give each sensitivity tweak enough playtime for the best feedback.

One more important point: once you’ve found your sensitivity sweet spot, stick to it no matter which game you’re playing. This gives you the consistency needed to build muscle memory. That way, you get to practice your Fortnite aim even when playing other games!

Using the Right Thumbsticks

One of the most significant advantages of using pro controllers is that they allow you to swap the thumbstick. So if you’re at wit’s end figuring out how to shoot better in Fortnite, this can be a good pro option to try. For instance, SCUF controllers allow you to adjust the shape (domed or concave) and length of the thumbsticks to suit your playstyle. Taller, domed thumbsticks allow more refined movements and are thus better suited for accurate, long-range aiming. On the other hand, shorter, concave thumbsticks are best for close-quarter combat encounters that require rapid movement and aiming.


Both the shape and length of your thumbsticks can massively impact your aim, so we recommend trying each and checking out which one you like better. For best results, you should also tweak your sensitivity in tandem to find the best combination. The texture of the thumbsticks is essential too. A strong grip keeps your thumb securely in place, which prevents accidental slips during intense gunfights.

Paddles Can Help You Aim Better

Some pro controllers like SCUF feature paddles on the back that allow you to map any action to them. Thus, they enable you to perform actions much more rapidly using your free fingers. But the most significant advantage of paddles is that it eliminates the need to remove your thumb from the right thumbstick.

Traditionally, it’s nearly impossible to crouch and aim simultaneously because both actions are accessed with your right thumb. However, with paddles, you can map the actions reserved for the front buttons (like X and O on the PS4) to the paddle, so you can keep your right thumb aiming at all times.

Wired Controllers Reduce Input Lag

Sometimes, figuring out how to improve your aim in Fortnite is as simple as switching to a wired controller. While wireless controllers can be great for more comfortable gameplay, they introduce a small amount of lag. This creates a delay from when you press a button until you see your actions on-screen. This discrepancy can be enough to throw off your aim.

For the best results, stick with a wired controller as it guarantees the lowest input lag possible. It’s one of the simplest aiming tips (Fortnite or otherwise) you’ll get, but it can have a lasting impact.

Identify your Playstyle

Are you someone who likes to drop in a hotspot and run in guns blazing? Or are you someone who likes to plan out a strategy and take their time making their way to the top?

Whatever your preferred style, it’s a key part in what thumbsticks will suit you best.

Understanding Thumbstick Shape and Length

There are two parts to the thumbstick: its shape and its length.

  • Concave Thumbsticks are designed for more movement control.
  • Domed Thumbsticks are designed for more accuracy. 
  • Short Thumbsticks are designed for quicker movement speed.
  • Tall Thumbsticks are designed to have more angle to play with and more precise aiming. 

Selecting Your Thumbsticks

For aggressive players, like shotgun players, we recommend a short concave thumbstick on the left and a short domed thumbstick on the right. You’ll be quick to move and ready to quickly aim.

For defensive players, like sniper players, we recommend a short concave thumbstick on the left and a tall domed thumbstick on the right. You can still move quickly, but also be the most accurate when aiming. 

Try out different thumbstick types and combinations to find the ones that fit your playstyle, or change it up when you’re in the mood for something different.

Check out our other Fortnite guides: 

Getting Started in Fortnite

Expert Controller Settings in Fortnite

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