Alexis Kestler
If you‘ve dropped into Fortnite recently, you may have noticed the flames icon next to your health and shield bars. This fire symbol represents your "heat" level, a new mechanic introduced in Chapter 4 that provides temporary buffs and advantages as you rack up eliminations and loot.
But what exactly are heat levels, what perks do they grant, and how can you quickly raise your heat to become an unstoppable force in a match?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about harnessing heat levels to gain a competitive edge. I‘ll provide proven tips from my own experience reaching the max heat level in under 60 seconds.
Let‘s dive into the flames!
What Exactly Are Heat Levels in Fortnite?
Heat levels are a way to reward aggressive, lethal gameplay. The more fights you win and loot you obtain, the more heat builds up, represented by 1-4 flame icons.
Each heat level unlocks various speed, damage, and regeneration perks that last around 20 seconds. At level 4, you become an absolute powerhouse.
Heat builds by:
- Eliminating enemy players and NPCs
- Opening chests, vaults, supply drops
- Completing bounties
Here‘s a quick overview of how it works:
- Reach heat level 1 after 3 eliminations
- Level 2 at 6 eliminations
- Level 3 at 9 eliminations
- Level 4 at 12 eliminations
Looting chests, vaults, etc. counts as well. The Perks become stronger the higher your heat.
But what exactly are the perks at each level? Let‘s take a closer look.
Perks Unlocked at Each Heat Level
Level 1 (1 Flame Icon)
The first heat level grants one simple perk:
- Eliminated opponents drop more bars
Bars are the currency used to purchase exotic weapons, healing, and other items from NPC characters. More bars means more shopping potential.
Level 2 (2 Flame Icons)
- +15% movement speed
- Regenerate up to 100 health out of combat
Faster movement lets you reposition and push aggressively. Health regen removes the need to constantly eat food or splash your last Chug Splash.
Level 3 (3 Flame Icons)
- +20% movement speed
- Regenerate up to 100 health and 50 shield out of combat
Even more speed along with shield regen on top of health. You‘ll recover to enter the next fight very quickly.
Level 4 (4 Flame Icons)
- +25% movement speed
- Regenerate up to 100 health AND 100 shield out of combat
- Gain a damage boost against opponents
At max heat, you reach insane speeds to outmaneuver opponents and receive full health/shield recovery plus a damage buff against enemies.
You‘ll feel nearly unstoppable with these combined perks active after heavy heat buildup.
Optimal Strategies to Raise Heat Fast
Now that you understand how heat levels work, let‘s discuss some key tips and strategies to rapidly gain heat during a match.
Here are the best ways to quickly accumulate those flames:
Drop Somewhere Hot
Landing in a high population area like Tilted Towers or Reality Falls leads to early game fights. Look for other players gliding to the same roof or front door as you.
With a bloodbath looming, you‘ll rack up elims and chest loot to kickstart your heat fast. Some good hot drops include:
- Tilted Towers
- Reality Falls
- Faulty Splits
- Shattered Slabs
Just be ready for nonstop action right off the Battle Bus.
Play Aggressively in the Mid Game
Once looted up, continue an aggressive mid-game playstyle. Seek out enemies to take fights.
Use mobility like launch pads or the Shockwave Grenade to third party ongoing build battles. Clean up whoever survives for quick elims.
Rotate early into the next circle to catch players running in late. Ambush them for some easy flames.
Focus on NPCs Too
Don‘t forget that eliminating the various NPCs around the map also contributes heat.
Make it a point to take out guards and bosses like Rumble, Jonesy the First, the Ageless, and others you come across. Their names will be marked in red.
Stock up on bars while gaining heat by mowing down every NPC in your path.
Open All Containers
Looting chests, vaults, supply drops, and fishing holes grants smaller heat bumps. Pop open anything you see.
Carry firefly jars to easily spot chests through walls. Smash urns, beds, ice boxes – they might be hiding loot.
With an open world, there are treasures everywhere. Finding them drives heat too.
Equip Spray Weapons
For maximum elimination potential, pack a loadout with fast-firing spray weapons:
- SMGs like the Stinger, Rapid Fire, or Burst Pistol
- Assault Rifles like the Hammer or Ranger
- LMGs like the LMG or Creeper
Their quick fire rate and large magazines melt enemies in seconds during close quarters combat.
Aim for the head when possible to shred them even quicker. This allows pushing heat levels rapidly.
Pop Recon Scanners
Use Recon Scanners frequently. They reveal nearby enemy locations through walls and structures.
Rush their position for a swift ambush elimination. These consumables are found in chests and drops.
Third Party Build Battles
When you hear a fight break out nearby, move in! Third partying distracted players yields easy elims.
Approach carefully using buildings or natural cover. Clean up weakened, oblivious enemies still fighting.
With good timing, you can heat up tremendously off other people‘s damage.
Putting It All Together
Here is an example of aggressively gaining heat:
- Drop into Tilted Towers for early elims
- Loot up with an SMG and Assault Rifle
- Look for NPCs like Jonesy to eliminate
- Open all chests and vaults along the way
- Use Shockwaves to launch into ongoing build battles
- Focus on headshots and spraying downed players
- Pop Recon Scanners to hunt nearby enemies
- Third party fights at Reality Falls or Shattered Slabs
- Eat food to stay healthy between fights
With this reckless, lethal playstyle, you‘ll hit max heat in under 60 seconds easily. The key is constant movement and aggression.
Mastering Heat is Vital to Victory
Heat levels dramatically empower your character for a short period of time. The speed and combat buffs provide a surge in power to overwhelm opponents, especially during the end game.
Make raising heat levels a priority in every match. Drop hot, score elims quickly, and stay on the hunt. With the tips provided, you‘ll heat up rapidly to become an unstoppable force.
The flames await – now get out there and start some fires! Good luck, and go for that Victory Royale.
