How do Fortnite Ranked Points work? Explained

Fortnite has been around for a while but only started to dip its toes into the ranked play modes in the past year. However, with most competitive modes, the progression system can be confusing. Here, we’ll clarify how Ranked Points work in Fortnite and what to expect when climbing the ranks.

How do Fortnite Ranked Points work?

This is actually a bit of a complicated system but can be broken down by a few factors. If you are trying to progress and get to or as close to Unreal, you’re going to have to perform a bit more often with combat. The ranked mode in Fortnite is quite lenient, so even if you don’t know how to Crank 90s or optimize your inventory, you can still get far. We suggest you try the following:

Engage in combat frequently

Dealing damage to enemies who get eliminated in gunfights will contribute to your ranked progression. With that said, don’t feel afraid to take potshots at people in battles. Just try not to be caught in the crossfire. 

If you spend most of your game hiding around the storm’s edge, hoping to pick off stragglers or catch people off guard, it isn’t going to do much. Chances are, people are doing the same and you will be the one getting eliminated. You’ll also progress slower by not engaging in battles.

This isn’t like the typical Battle Royale game mode where you interact with NPCs, take on fetch quests, and do anything that isn’t combat-related. Ranked is a more barebones mode where it’s you or your squad against dozens of other people. Survive, collect items, and eliminate any threats along the way. 

Being a pacifist has its perks, but you won’t climb far up the ranks constantly reaching the top ten with one elimination.

Eliminate more players

To add to the previous point, you really have to get out there more. Better stats mean faster progression. It’s fine if there’s downtime between engagements since you should constantly be moving and finding better gear. You’re essentially preserving your K/D ratio by playing it safe, but it won’t do much if you have no kills to inflate the ratio.

This also doesn’t mean you should storm the most player-dense areas and die right after picking up your first weapon. Just be in the action more. In Solos, this can be a bit tougher since no one will back you up. Start on the outer areas where the bus route goes and fight your way into the center of the storm.

Kills in the later game are worth more

Downs and eliminations are important altogether. They will help bring your rank up regardless of when or how you did it. However, downs when you’re in the last 20 spots are more valuable. These people who made it that far are much more valuable as a kill because they have probably picked up a few eliminations on the way and made it that far. 

Just know that with fewer people on the map, the storm circle has shrunk. You’re more likely to be spotted by people who are more aware of their surroundings now. The gunfights will be more intense, but the loot will be better.

The stakes are higher, but a frag or two at the very end can determine better progression for you. Also, don’t worry if you don’t get the Victory Royale. Your overall performance can still get you past Gold if you’re active enough.