The latest Fortnite update introduces two new methods of control called gyro aiming and flick stick, both of which will take some getting used to.
As Epic Games explains, Fortnite players on Android and Switch were already enjoying gyro controls. However, in v19.30 of the game they’ve been made more robust as well as becoming available to PS4, PS5, and PC players. Xbox owners and GeForce Now players are the odd ones out, unfortunately.
As the video above demonstrates, gyro aiming allows you to rotate your gamepad or device to aim within the game. This can be especially useful if you’re attempting to maintain focus on an enemy while you, they, or both of you are moving. In Active Mode for combat, the gyro options include “Scope Only,” “Scope or Aiming,” “Scope, Aiming, Harvesting,” or “Always.”
Whichever setting you choose, it can be adjusted for sensitivity for both horizontal and vertical movement. Turning gyro aiming on or off is achieved by visiting the “Touch and Motion” tab in settings.
Also in the same tab is the ability to turn on flick stick. When enabled, it allows the right stick to be used to quickly turn the camera in a specific direction. However, it does mean that you can’t look up or down anymore, which is why flick stick can’t be used unless gyro aiming is also enabled.
Epic recommends players new to gyro controls don’t adjust any settings when it’s first enabled and leave flick stick disabled while learning. Experienced gyro players are recommended to change the setting to “Always” and then bind another input to disable it when required. It’s also worth noting that gyro aiming automatically disables aim assist in the game.
