What Are Mats in Fortnite?
Fortnite, the wildly popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, is known for its dynamic gameplay, creative building mechanics, and constant updates that keep players engaged. Among the many elements that make Fortnite unique, one lesser-known feature is the concept of “mats.” If you’re new to the game or have heard the term thrown around but aren’t quite sure what it means, this article is here to break it down for you.
Understanding Mats in Fortnite
Mats is short for “materials,” which are essential resources in Fortnite that allow players to build structures, repair damaged walls, and even craft weapons and items. These materials are collected by breaking down objects in the environment, such as trees, rocks, and buildings, using your pickaxe. The three primary types of mats are:
Wood: Obtained from trees and wooden structures. It’s the fastest material to gather and is ideal for quick builds.
Stone: Found by breaking rocks and stone structures. It’s slower to collect but provides stronger builds.
Metal: Gathered from cars, appliances, and metal structures. It’s the slowest to collect but offers the highest durability.
Why Are Mats Important?
Mats are the backbone of Fortnite’s building mechanics, which set the game apart from other battle royales. Here’s why they’re crucial:
Building Structures: Whether you’re building a fort to protect yourself from enemy fire or creating a bridge to cross a gap, mats are essential. The more mats you have, the more elaborate and sturdy your structures can be.
Crafting Weapons and Items: In Save the World mode, mats are used to craft weapons, traps, and other items that help you fend off hordes of enemies.
Repairing: In some game modes, you can use mats to repair damaged structures, extending their lifespan in combat scenarios.
How to Collect Mats Effectively
Collecting mats efficiently is a skill that separates good players from great ones. Here are some tips to maximize your material gathering:
Prioritize Wood: If you’re in a hurry or need to build quickly, wood is your best bet. Trees are everywhere, and you can gather 100 wood in no time.
Target Vehicles for Metal: Cars and trucks are great sources of metal. Smash them quickly with your pickaxe to stock up on this valuable resource.
Use Your Environment: Don’t ignore rocks and stone structures, especially if you’re in an area with plenty of them. Stone is slower to collect but offers better durability for builds.
Advanced Strategies for Using Mats
Once you’ve gathered enough mats, the next step is using them wisely. Here are some advanced strategies:
Building for Defense: Use metal for the base and walls of your fort, as it’s the strongest. Wood can be used for the roof or additional structures where strength isn’t as critical.
Trapping Enemies: In Save the World, you can craft traps using mats to funnel enemies into kill zones, making it easier to take them out.
Bridge Building: If you’re trying to cross a body of water or a gap, use wood for a quick bridge. It’s fast to build and gets the job done.
Case Study: Mats in Competitive Play
In competitive Fortnite, especially in tournaments, mats can be the difference between victory and defeat. For example, in the Fortnite World Cup, players often used their mats to build elaborate forts that protected them from enemy fire while they healed or reloaded. One notable player, Ninja, became famous for his lightning-fast building skills, which relied heavily on having a stockpile of mats.
Conclusion
In summary, mats are the lifeblood of Fortnite’s building and crafting system. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive pro, understanding how to collect and use mats effectively can elevate your gameplay. So next time you’re in the game, make sure to stock up on wood, stone, and metal—you never know when you’ll need them to outbuild and outplay your opponents.
By mastering the art of material gathering and usage, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Fortnite legend.