Loadouts & Loot Priority
What you carry matters less than most beginners think — game sense and building win more fights than gear does. Still, a sensible loadout removes unnecessary risk. Here's how to prioritize your looting without wasting the early game.
What to grab first
- A weapon of any kind. Being unarmed is the single most dangerous state in the game. Grab anything before you optimize.
- Shield potions or Small Shields. Shield absorbs damage before it touches your health, so it should usually be a higher priority than a second weapon.
- Healing items (Bandages/Medkits). You can't drink shield potions above 50 with some items, but healing always matters — grab it when convenient.
- A second, different-range weapon. Once you have shields and one weapon, fill your loadout with something that covers a range the first weapon doesn't.
Loadout combos that work for beginners
| Slot type | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Close-range (shotgun or SMG) | Wins the fights that happen inside builds and boxes — the most common fight type. |
| Mid-to-long range (assault rifle) | Lets you fight back when you're caught in the open or peeked from range. |
| Utility (shield potions / heals) | Keeps you alive through a fight instead of just winning the first exchange. |
| Mobility item (if available) | Lets you disengage a bad fight or rotate quickly — not required, but valuable if you find one. |
Know when to stop looting
A common beginner trap is treating every match as a scavenger hunt. Once you have a weapon, some shields, and a way to heal, you're ready to play — you don't need a "perfect" loadout. Extra loot time is only worth it if it doesn't put you behind on rotation (see the Rotation & Zone Play guide).
Landing spot strategy
As a beginner, avoid landing at the most popular named location on the map — you'll often be unarmed and fighting within the first 30 seconds. Land at a quieter location with a handful of buildings, loot calmly, and only push toward high-traffic areas once you're geared up and comfortable with your building and editing.