Mastering Minions: Giving Commands to Hired Hands in Fortnite
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So, you’ve got yourself a Hired Hand in Fortnite. Congratulations! You’ve essentially got a loyal, if somewhat unpredictable, AI companion ready to back you up. But simply hiring them isn’t enough. You need to know how to command them effectively to truly leverage their abilities. Let’s dive into exactly how you give a Hired Hand a command in Fortnite.
The direct answer is this: To give a Hired Hand a command, you need to aim your crosshair at a specific location, enemy, or object and then use your contextual interaction button. This button varies depending on your platform:
- PC: Usually the “E” key.
- PlayStation: The “Square” button.
- Xbox: The “X” button.
- Nintendo Switch: The “Y” button.
When you use the command button while aiming, your Hired Hand will perform a contextually appropriate action. For example, aiming at an enemy and using the command button will tell them to attack that enemy. Aiming at a building and using the command button could tell them to guard that location. This system is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to quickly adapt your strategy based on the evolving situation within a match.
Understanding Hired Hand Behavior
Before we delve into the FAQs, it’s crucial to understand some fundamental aspects of Hired Hand behavior. They are not just mindless drones; they have a degree of autonomy. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Automatic Actions: Hired Hands will automatically engage nearby enemies and provide cover fire.
- Following: By default, they follow you closely. You don’t need to explicitly tell them to do this.
- Limited Intelligence: While they are helpful, they are not brilliant. Don’t expect them to make complex strategic decisions.
- Healing: They can use healing items if needed.
- Reviving: They will attempt to revive you if you are downed, provided it is safe to do so.
- Cost: Hiring a Hired Hand costs gold bars, a resource earned throughout your Fortnite matches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hired Hands
Let’s address some common questions about using Hired Hands effectively in Fortnite:
1. Where can I find Hired Hands in Fortnite?
Hired Hands are typically found at specific NPC (Non-Player Character) locations marked on the map. These locations can change from season to season, so it’s important to keep an eye out for updated information from Epic Games or reliable Fortnite news sources. Look for NPCs that have a speech bubble icon above their head.
2. How much does it cost to hire a Hired Hand?
The cost of hiring a Hired Hand varies, but typically ranges from 100 to 250 Gold Bars. The price can sometimes fluctuate based on in-game events or special promotions. Always make sure you have enough gold before approaching an NPC.
3. What happens if my Hired Hand gets eliminated?
If your Hired Hand is eliminated, they are gone for the remainder of the match. You cannot revive them or re-hire them once they’ve been defeated. Protect them!
4. Can I give my Hired Hand specific weapons or items?
No, you cannot directly give your Hired Hand specific weapons or items. They will automatically pick up weapons and items they find on the ground or in chests. The AI will prioritize weapons and items according to their perceived value in combat situations.
5. How far away can I be from my Hired Hand and still give them commands?
The effective range for giving commands to your Hired Hand is limited. You need to be within a reasonable proximity, usually within a few building tiles, for them to understand and execute your orders. If you’re too far away, they will simply continue to follow you or engage nearby enemies on their own.
6. Can Hired Hands drive vehicles?
No, Hired Hands cannot drive vehicles. They will either follow the vehicle on foot or, if there’s an available seat, they will occupy it and provide covering fire.
7. Will Hired Hands open chests for me?
While they won’t actively seek out chests, Hired Hands may open chests if they are nearby and there is no immediate threat. They are more focused on combat than looting, so don’t rely on them to handle all the loot gathering.
8. Can multiple players hire the same Hired Hand?
No, once a Hired Hand is hired by a player, they become exclusively loyal to that player (or squad, if playing in a team mode). Other players cannot hire the same Hired Hand until that one is eliminated or the match ends.
9. Do Hired Hands use healing items?
Yes, Hired Hands will use healing items if they are damaged and have such items in their inventory. This can significantly increase their survivability in combat.
10. Can I dismiss a Hired Hand if I no longer need their services?
Unfortunately, there’s no explicit “dismiss” command. The only way to get rid of a Hired Hand is to let them be eliminated or to simply abandon them (which isn’t very nice!).
11. Are Hired Hands available in all Fortnite game modes?
Hired Hands are generally available in the standard Battle Royale modes (Solo, Duos, Squads). Their availability in limited-time modes (LTMs) can vary depending on the specific mode’s rules and settings.
12. Do Hired Hands attract unwanted attention from other players?
Yes, having a Hired Hand can sometimes make you a more attractive target for other players. The presence of a Hired Hand signals that you likely have enough gold bars to hire them, and some players may want to eliminate you to steal your resources.
13. What’s the best strategy for using Hired Hands effectively?
The best strategy is to use your Hired Hand as a support unit. Have them follow you closely and provide covering fire while you engage enemies. Use the command system to direct them to attack specific targets or to hold a defensive position. And always prioritize their safety!
14. Can Hired Hands use vehicles’ turrets?
Yes, if a vehicle has a turret and a Hired Hand is riding in the vehicle, they will often operate the turret to provide additional firepower. This can be a very effective strategy for controlling areas and eliminating enemies.
15. How do Hired Hands contribute to learning in Fortnite?
While seemingly simple, the Hired Hand mechanic contributes significantly to learning in Fortnite. They encourage players to develop strategic thinking by managing resources, coordinating actions, and adapting to dynamic situations. This aligns perfectly with the goals of organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores how games can enhance education and skill development. For more information on the intersection of gaming and education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org. Learning to effectively manage your resources and coordinate with a Hired Hand not only improves your gameplay but also subtly enhances your problem-solving skills, a core element of Games Learning Society‘s research.
In conclusion, mastering the art of commanding Hired Hands in Fortnite can significantly enhance your gameplay and strategic options. Understanding their behavior, knowing how to issue commands, and being aware of the associated risks and rewards are all crucial for success. So go forth, hire some help, and dominate the battlefield!