Fortnite’s chaotic battles and constantly shifting metas are nothing new. But what many players overlook is a surprisingly strategic tool hiding in plain sight: NPC hires. These AI-controlled companions may seem like gimmicky sidekicks, but when used effectively, they can tilt a match in your favour.
So how do you transform these friendly bots from walking targets into game-winning allies? Here is a breakdown of the hidden strategy behind hiring NPCs — and how to maximize their potential.
Why Hiring NPCs Isn’t Just for Casual Players
At first glance, hiring an NPC in Fortnite feels like a novelty. You pay a small gold fee, and suddenly you have an AI companion trailing behind you. But do not underestimate them. NPCs can shoot, distract enemies and even absorb damage that would have hit you instead. In tight situations, they act as extra health bars on legs.
Many casual players skip NPCs, thinking they are too clunky to help. But seasoned players know that in a chaotic endgame, a single distraction can create the opening needed for a clutch win. That is why understanding their behaviour and positioning them wisely is key to getting the most value from a hire.
Just like reedeming a rare Fortnite skin code completes your loadout, bringing an NPC into your squad gives your strategy a surprising twist.
Maximizing Your Hired NPCs Like a Pro
Now, simply hiring an NPC isn’t enough. To really maximize their potential, you need to treat them as an extension of your squad. Here’s how:
1. Use Them as Bullet Sponges
When rotating through open areas or pushing enemies, send your NPC in first. They’ll draw fire, giving you precious seconds to reposition or land shots while enemies focus on your AI decoy.
2. Control Their Aggression
NPCs automatically engage enemies nearby, but you can manipulate this. Stay close when you want them aggressive, or distance yourself slightly to prevent unnecessary battles.
3. Hide Their Weaknesses
NPCs struggle with verticality and builds. Keep fights in flatter zones where your bot won’t get stuck. Also, avoid leading them through complex structures where they’ll lose line-of-sight on enemies.
4. Late Game Chaos Agent
In endgame circles where everyone’s boxed up, an NPC hire can throw opponents off. Suddenly, there’s another target they can’t ignore. Use your NPC’s aggro to capitalize with surprise edits or unexpected angles.
Why More Players Are Sleeping on This Strategy
Most Fortnite players treat NPCs as background features, which means those who leverage them gain a serious advantage. Especially in solos and duos, a well-timed NPC hire functions like having a third player without the risk of friendly fire.
With NPCs appearing in different locations every season, scouting the map and memorizing hire spots gives savvy players yet another layer of control over each match.
As Epic continues refining AI behaviors in updates, expect NPCs to become even more viable in future seasons. Smart players are already adapting.
In a game where every edge counts, Fortnite’s NPC hires are an underrated yet powerful tool. Whether soaking up damage, causing chaos, or giving you backup during critical moments, these AI sidekicks can easily swing fights in your favor when used correctly.
Just like choosing the perfect Fortnite skin code can make you stand out on the battlefield, mastering NPC hires lets you stand out strategically. While most players ignore them, you’ll be the one turning hired bots into unsung heroes.
