Fortnite is getting gyro aiming and flick stick controls in an upcoming V19.30 update.
Epic Games has announced in a blog post that gyro aiming and flick stick controls are heading to Fortnite and have been developed in collaboration with Julian “Jibb” Smart. These new features will allow players to use their gyro-capable controllers to aim and control the camera by physically rotating the controller, as well as whipping the camera around with a stick.
Gyro aiming will allow users to make precise changes to their aiming through the use of a controllers gyroscope. Those familiar with Fortnite will likely know of this feature currently existing on Nintendo Switch and Android, however, with the V19.30 update, more robust controls will be available on Nintendo Switch, Android, PS4, PS5, and PC.
Gyro aiming can be used in addition to stick aiming, allowing players the ability to make more finely tuned movements with the camera. In addition, there are more options to choose from, including “Active Mode” which will only activate the gyro controls for certain elements of combat, certain elements of building, or for both. A more detailed breakdown of what each mode does is detailed as such:
Active Mode (Combat)
- Scope Only: Gyro active only when aiming scoped weapons.
- Scope or Aiming: Gyro active when aiming any weapon.
- Scope, Aiming, Harvesting: Gyro active when aiming any weapon or swinging your Harvesting Tool.
- Always: Gyro active whether or not you’re aiming a weapon or swinging your Harvesting Tool.
Active Mode (Building)
- None: Gyro active neither when building or editing.
- Editing: Gyro active when editing but not building.
- Always: Gyro active when either building or editing.
There are sliders and selections for sensitivity, steadying, and acceleration and a way to disable gyro control by simply moving the right stick if users want to disable and take over with stick control.
Flick stick is another feature that allows users to quickly whip the camera in a specified direction by simply pointing the stick in that direction. However, those wanting to use this feature have to have gyro aiming enabled as aiming up and down with the stick is disabled with flick stick enabled.
It is detailed that this feature is for experienced gyro players. Additionally, with gyro aiming enabled, aim assist is disabled. The video above shows the features in action and explains how they work.
Those wanting to get in on these new features can do so on the supported platforms. For Nintendo Switch is a case of using the Joy-Cons (when in Handheld or Docked modes) or the Pro Controller. PlayStation and PC users will need a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller, and those on Android can use their phone’s built-in gyro.
