GUIDE: Fortnite StarWars Galactic Battle Royale Tips and Tricks

Mastering the Fortnite StarWars Galactic Battle Royale event

May the Force be with you, Looper! Fortnite has been transformed into a galaxy far, far away for the Galactic Battle season, bringing classic Star Wars characters, weapons, and locations to the Island. This isn't just a small crossover; it's a full-scale event with significant changes to the gameplay, loot pool, and map. To help you navigate this epic conflict and secure those Victory Royales, we've put together a guide based on the latest intel from the battlefield.

A Galaxy of New Weapons: Blasters and Lightsabers

Forget traditional bullets and reloading – the Galactic Battle season is all about Star Wars weaponry. The loot pool is entirely comprised of blasters and lightsabers, each with infinite ammo but a new overheating mechanic you'll need to manage. Firing too much without pause will cause your weapon to stall.

Here's a look at some of the blasters you'll find:

• DL-44 Blaster Pistol: A reliable sidearm, good from the hip or aiming down sights with little recoil. It feels great to connect shots but might be outpaced by weapons with higher fire rates or better handling.

• CR-2 Blaster: A rapid-fire SMG-style blaster. While fun to use, it overheats quickly and deals low damage, making it unreliable outside of close range. Note: One source refers to this as the Heavy CR-2 Blaster SMG.

• BARM-ST12 Scatter Blaster: A hard-hitting, fast-firing shotgun that's reliant on close-range combat. Despite having decent heat capacity and faster cooldowns than some, shotguns struggle in the current blaster meta, requiring you to be very close to deal significant damage compared to blasters.

• DLT-19 Blaster Rifle: A superior Assault Rifle model with a great fire rate and minimal recoil, especially when crouched. It excels at taking out vehicles like TIE Fighters and suppressing enemies at close to medium range before needing to cool down. Note: One source lists this as a Close-to-medium range weapon.

• E-11 Blaster: The standard-issue Assault Rifle for Stormtroopers. It offers accurate firing, moderate recoil, and a decent "ammo" size before overheating, making it reliable for stopping lightsaber users and generally more consistent than an SMG. It might struggle at longer ranges.

• IQA-11 Marksman Blaster Rifle: A scoped weapon perfect for long-range engagements, similar to a DMR. It has a decent fire rate and capacity before cooldown, making well-timed shots effective. Note: One source lists this as a Long-range weapon.

• A280-CFE Blaster Rifle: Considered a standout weapon, this scoped Assault Rifle offers low recoil and reliable damage. The built-in scope allows for better control at medium and long ranges. It can be fired automatically or in single-shot bursts for improved handling. Note: One source lists this as an All-purpose blaster.

• Captain Phasma’s F-11D Blaster: A Mythic weapon obtained by defeating Captain Phasma. Captain Phasma also uses this powerful weapon.

• Thermal Imploder: A powerful explosive gadget that creates a vacuum before detonating. Note that this item will not be available in tournaments.

Lightsabers and Force Abilities

Lightsabers aren't just melee weapons this season. Wielding one grants enhanced mobility, including faster sprinting, double jumping, and immunity to fall damage. To gain Force Abilities, you need to train with specific hologram NPCs.

Available Force Abilities and how to get them at the start of the event (more are coming):

• Force Push: Train with Hologram Rey to learn this ability, which shoves everything in front of you. Rey's portal is indicated by a blue glowing light.

• Force Lightning: Train with Hologram Emperor Palpatine to learn this electric damage ability. Palpatine's portal is indicated by a red glowing light.

• Force Saber Throw: Defeat the Darth Vader Samurai boss to get his red lightsaber variant and unlock this unique ability.

Note: Force powers are tied to your character through training, not the specific lightsaber you hold. Picking up a lightsaber from an eliminated player will not grant the special ability because you didn't receive the training. Hologram locations are random after the first two storm circles, appearing as marked locations on the minimap.

New and Familiar Locations

The Star Wars conflict has brought new locations to the Island and transformed existing ones.

Key Star Wars POIs include:

• First Order Base: A fortified installation replacing Demon's Dojo, located in the northeast. It includes a hangar for TIE Fighters and is where you can battle Captain Phasma.

• Outpost Enclave: Replacing Hopeful Heights in the southeast, this dusty smuggler's hub looks like it's from Tatooine and contains plentiful loot.

• Vader Samurai's Solitude: The transformed Shogun's Solitude in the southwest, now Darth Vader Samurai's personal fortress. Here you'll face Stormtrooper samurai guards and can challenge Vader.

• Resistance Base: Replacing Whiffy Wharf in the northwest, this underground command center is hidden under foliage. It's a source for X-wings, medical supplies, and gear.

• Star Destroyer: Starting May 29, a portal will appear in each match allowing the first player to enter to visit the Star Destroyer's control room and bombard the Island.

Several POIs from Chapter 6 Season 2 remain, including the crime cities.

Tips and Tricks for Galactic Victory

Winning in Fortnite Battle Royale requires strategy, and the Galactic Battle season is no different. Here are some tips to increase your chances:

• Utilize Visualize Sound Effects: This vital setting provides visual indicators for sounds like footsteps, gunfire, and chests, giving you an edge in spotting enemies even without a line of sight.

• Master Movement and Aim: Practice your movement, especially in Zero Build (though useful generally). Crucially, practice your aim with the new blasters. Knowing how they handle, their recoil, and when to stop firing to avoid overheating is key.

• Strategic Third-Partying: Look for existing fights and wait for opponents to weaken each other before engaging the survivor. Be aware of your surroundings when you decide to strike.

• Carry Support Items: Always keep inventory slots open for Shield potions and Medkits. Healing up quickly after a fight or when wounded allows you to re-engage without giving enemies a clear advantage.

• Versatile Arsenal: While the meta is dominated by blasters, understand their effective ranges. Have weapons suitable for different engagements – long-range for sniping, medium for assault rifle fights, and short-range for close quarters. The A280-CFE Blaster Rifle is noted for its versatility at medium and long ranges thanks to its scope.

• Know When to Retreat: Survival is paramount. If a fight is going badly, don't be afraid to escape using vehicles, shockwave grenades, or simply running to cover.

• Keep an Eye on the Storm: The storm can be a deadly opponent. Constantly monitor the timer and map to stay ahead of it and avoid taking damage that Medkits can't out-heal.

• Maintain the High Ground: Having the elevated position in a fight makes it easier to hit opponents below you. Prioritize securing and defending high ground whenever possible.

• Scan the Horizon and Use Cover: Avoid being surprised by constantly looking for enemy movement, paying attention to sound cues (visual sound effects helps here), and using the environment (bushes, trees, buildings) for cover. Breaking an enemy's line of sight can save your life.

• Work as a Team (in Duos/Squads): Communication is crucial. Coordinate movement, share loot, call out enemy positions, and fight together to gain a numbers advantage.

Bosses, Medallions, and Rewards

Defeating mythic bosses like Darth Vader, Captain Phasma, and Shogun X yields powerful Mythic weapons and Medallions.

• Darth Vader: Found at Vader Samurai's Solitude. Defeating him grants the Sith Apprentice Lightsaber (with Force Throw ability). Be prepared for his lightsaber attacks, throws, and force push, along with his Stormtroopers. A TIE Fighter on the island can offer an advantage.

• Captain Phasma: Found in the far north of the First Order Base. She drops Phasma's F-11D Blaster Rifle and Phasma's Blaster Medallion. Her medallion improves blaster weapons by reducing heat generation and speeding up cooldowns.

• Shogun X: Appears at Shogun's Arena, which spawns randomly after Storm Circle 4. He has a large health pool and various attacks. He drops the Enhanced DL-44 Blaster Pistol and Super Shield Medallion. Infinite ammo blasters make fighting him easier, even if it takes a while.

Carrying Medallions grants powerful bonuses, but they also make you visible on opponents' mini-maps, with accuracy increasing with more medallions carried. It's a risk-versus-reward choice.

The Galactic Battle event offers a reward system through XP and a Battle Pass. Gaining XP unlocks free rewards like cosmetics and XP boosts. The Star Wars Battle Pass (1,000 V-Bucks or via Fortnite Crew) unlocks exclusive outfits, gear, emotes, and skins, including Jedi Evie, Poe Dameron, Wookiee Team Leader, Emperor Palpatine, and General Grievous (unlockable later). Twitch drops are also available by watching enabled streams.

The Galactic Battle Continues

The event is running from May 2 to June 7, 2025. New content is rolling out weekly, including more characters, weapons, vehicles, and gameplay mechanics. The season is building towards a live finale event on June 7, titled "Death Star Sabotage."

Whether you choose to Embrace the Light or Turn to the Dark by completing Alignment Quests, there's plenty to explore and master. These quests grant XP and contribute to the overall community effort.

Galactic Battle delivers an immersive Star Wars experience in Fortnite. Master the new weapons, learn the Force, explore the map, and use strategic gameplay to claim your Victory Royale!

Good luck, and may the Force be with you!