Beginner Mistakes in Battle Royale and How to Avoid Them

9 November 2025

Battle royale games are the ultimate test of survival skills. A mix of strategy, reflexes, and sheer luck makes them both thrilling and unforgiving. Whether you're diving headfirst into Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warzone, or PUBG, every player remembers the growing pains of being a rookie.

But guess what? That’s okay! Everyone goes through it. The key is learning from those early stumbles and figuring out how to avoid them like a pro. So, let’s chat about some common beginner mistakes in battle royales and how you can dodge these pitfalls to stand tall as the last player standing.

1. Dropping Into Hot Zones Without a Plan

We get it. The adrenaline rush of dropping into a high-traffic area like Tilted Towers or Skull Town is irresistible. Maybe you’re dreaming of grabbing a legendary weapon and racking up kills in the first 30 seconds. But let’s be real—nine times out of ten, you’ll land, scramble for a pistol, and get eliminated before you’ve even figured out which way is north.

How to Avoid This?

Play it smart. When you're just starting out, prioritize survival over action. Pick quieter, less populated areas to land. This gives you time to loot at your leisure, gear up, and get familiar with the map. Trust me, there’s no shame in being stealthy early on—it’s called "strategic patience."

2. Ignoring the Storm (a.k.a. The Circle of Doom)

Ah yes, the storm. A colorful, ever-shrinking circle of doom that begins to close in on unsuspecting players. Yet somehow, beginners manage to forget that it exists. Suddenly, you’re halfway across the map, scavenging for loot, only to realize that the storm is at your heels. Spoiler alert: You’re not faster than the storm!

How to Avoid This?

Keep one eye glued to the minimap. Seriously. Make it a habit to check where you are in relation to the circle. If you’re a chronic storm-forgetter, set a personal rule: always stay slightly ahead of the circle, even if it means leaving behind some tempting loot. Trust me, running from the storm while dodging enemies is a one-way ticket to frustration.

3. Over-Looting Like a Pack Rat

Raise your hand if you’ve ever spent way too much time rummaging through loot, only to be ambushed mid-loot-session. (I see you!) Many beginners fall into the trap of wanting “perfect” gear—a fully decked-out gun, max ammo, full shields—before taking any fights. Spoiler alert: That’s rarely how battle royales work.

How to Avoid This?

Loot smart, not endlessly. You don’t need every shiny object on the ground. Prioritize essentials: a decent weapon, some armor, ammo, and healing items. Once you’re moderately geared, start focusing on positioning and keeping an eye out for threats. This isn’t a hoarding contest—it’s survival of the quickest!

4. Running in the Open Like You’re Invincible

Picture this: You’re jogging across a wide-open field to your next destination when—BAM! Sniper shot. Or worse, you get peppered with bullets by some bush camper you didn’t even see. Running in open spaces without cover is a cardinal sin in battle royales. It’s like painting a giant target on your back.

How to Avoid This?

Never, and I mean never, run in open spaces without a plan. Use natural cover like rocks, trees, and buildings. Zigzag or crouch-sprint to make yourself a harder target. Think of yourself as a squirrel crossing a busy street—move erratically, and don’t stay exposed longer than necessary.

5. Taking Every Fight You See

This is a classic rookie mistake. You spot an enemy across the map, and your first instinct is to shoot. But what happens next? Either you miss half your shots and alert them (and everyone else nearby), or you get third-partied by another squad. Suddenly, you’re eliminated, staring at a loading screen, wondering where you went wrong.

How to Avoid This?

Not every fight is worth taking. In battle royale, survival comes first, kills second. Ask yourself: “Do I have the ammo, health, and positioning to handle this fight?” If the answer is no, maybe hold your fire. Sometimes it’s better to wait until you have the upper hand—it’s all about playing smart, not reckless.

6. Forgetting to Heal or Shield Up

You’re mid-fight. Bullets are flying everywhere. You finally take down an opponent, but you’re one shot away from being sent to the lobby. Instead of healing, you sprint off to loot your fallen enemy’s gear. Spoiler alert: Another player picks you off moments later because you’re running around with no shields.

How to Avoid This?

Always prioritize healing and shields after a fight. Make it a reflex. The moment you’re out of danger, heal up—don’t risk being caught at low health. Carry enough healing items and shields in your inventory at all times. A well-stocked inventory is like a safety net; you’ll thank yourself when you survive that next close-call encounter.

7. Poor Weapon Choices

Beginners often get attached to the first weapon they pick up, even if it’s not ideal. You might find yourself trying to long-range snipe with a shotgun or entering close combat with a sniper rifle. Hint: This almost never ends well.

How to Avoid This?

Understand weapon roles and pick accordingly. For instance, carry a versatile primary weapon (like an assault rifle) and a situational secondary (like a shotgun or sniper). No need to carry two shotguns unless you’re playing a very niche playstyle—balance is key. Experiment with weapons early on to find your favorites and stick with what works.

8. Ignoring Sound Cues

Battle royale games are as much about listening as they are about shooting. Footsteps? Gunfire? Doors opening? All of these sounds provide critical intel about nearby enemies. But beginners often charge ahead without paying attention to audio cues, missing vital information that could save their lives.

How to Avoid This?

Use a good pair of headphones and turn up the in-game audio. Learn to distinguish between close and distant sound cues. If you hear footsteps, pause and pinpoint the direction before taking action. Think of it like being a predator stalking its prey: listen carefully and strike when the time is right.

9. Staying Still for Too Long

In the heat of looting or sniping, it’s easy to become a sitting duck. But staying still for too long is like asking to be headshotted by a skilled player. Remember, in battle royales, movement is life.

How to Avoid This?

Always stay on the move. If you’re sniping, relocate after every few shots. If you’re looting, don’t linger—grab what you need and bounce. Keep other players guessing about your whereabouts. Being unpredictable is your best defense.

10. Failing to Play as a Team

If you’re playing a squad-based battle royale, teamwork is crucial. Yet, beginners often go solo, hoard loot, or ignore their teammates’ pings entirely. Newsflash: Lone wolves don’t last long in team modes.

How to Avoid This?

Communicate with your team and stay together. Share loot, revive each other, and coordinate your strategies. Think of your squad as a pack of wolves—you’re stronger together. Even if you’re not on voice chat, pay attention to your teammates’ pings and movements.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Sweat It!

Making mistakes as a beginner is all part of the process. Battle royales are challenging by design—it’s why they’re so addictive. Every match is a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Before you know it, you’ll go from fumbling your drops to clutching victories like a seasoned pro.

So grab your headset, queue up, and embrace the chaos. You’ve got this!