Just a couple of months ago, Fortnite's third Chapter started. It arrived with a bang, as it added the ability to slide down hills and slopes. Chapter 2 was great, but the new sliding mechanic was an awesome way to welcome a new map and let go of the past. We're now entering Season 4 of the third Chapter, and just like at the start of any Season, players will be coming back to the game to see what's new - so there's no doubt that returning players will find this new feature strange until they've learned how to use it.

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Since Fortnite doesn't offer up tutorials, how to slide isn't exactly all that clear. If you're having trouble with the new mechanic, and how to use it, is explained in full below.

Updated October 1, 2022, by Ashely Claudino: Chapter 3's season four has just started and, after a couple of seasons, Epic Games has decided to update the sliding mechanic. That's why we've updated this guide, to add what's new and keep it as fresh as possible.

How To Slide In Fortnite

fortnite slide
via Epic

First of all, you'll need to generate some momentum. Nothing out of the ordinary, just regular old running. You can also only initiate a slide on a slope, and the steepness of your chosen slope will determine how difficult it is to get your slide started. Once you hit your chosen slope, and you want to initiate your slide, press whatever button you would hit to crouch on your chosen platform. CTRL on PC and pressing down the right analog stick on consoles.

Be sure to hold the crouch button for a little longer than you would normally, since if you don't, the game will just think you want to crouch. Once you start to slide, you can release the crouch button. Doing so won't break your slide, but pressing the crouch button a second time will end it prematurely. Otherwise, your slide won't come to an end until you reach the end of the slope.

It's not too tricky to use effectively once you know how to do it, though a prolonged press of the right analog stick can be a little finicky in the heat of battle.

You might want to re-map your controls and switch crouch to a different button using Fortnite's 'customize button assignment' option. Doing so could be the difference between a badass elimination as you slide down a hill, and stopping short and crouching at the top of it, making you a literal sitting duck.

And now, with the Season Four update you can even knock back enemy players if you slide in their direction and hit them directly. This is called the slide kick, it even works on Runaway Boulders. It's automatic, so you don't even have to press any buttons.

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