Fortnite is more than just a battle royale; it’s a vibrant social space where players express themselves through skins, dances, and, crucially, their in-game names and chat messages. Adding special characters to your Fortnite name or messages can help you stand out from the crowd, add a bit of personality, or even just make your tag more memorable. While Fortnite doesn’t directly offer a built-in special character selector, there are several workarounds to inject these symbols into your game. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Use Special Characters in Fortnite?
Before diving into the ‘how-to,’ let’s explore why you might want to use special characters in Fortnite in the first place:
- Uniqueness: Stand out from the millions of players with a unique and memorable name. A simple symbol can make a huge difference.
- Expression: Reflect your personality or interests. If you’re a fan of a particular culture or game, use symbols associated with it.
- Intimidation (or Humor): A carefully chosen symbol can add a touch of intimidation (or humor!) to your name or chat messages.
- Clan Tagging: Represent your squad or team with a special symbol that identifies your group.
- Aesthetics: Simply because they look cool! Special characters can add an aesthetic appeal to your name that regular letters just can’t provide.
Methods for Adding Special Characters to Fortnite
Unfortunately, Epic Games doesn’t provide a direct special character input method within Fortnite. This means you need to rely on external character maps or online tools to copy and paste these symbols into the game. Here are the most common and effective methods:
1. Using Character Map (Windows)
Windows Character Map is a built-in utility that allows you to browse and copy a vast array of characters, including symbols and special letters.
Detailed Steps:
- Open Character Map:
- Click the Windows Start button.
- Type “Character Map” in the search bar.
- Select the “Character Map” application from the search results.
- Browse and Select Characters:
- The Character Map window will open, displaying a grid of available characters.
- Use the font selection dropdown at the top to choose different fonts. Different fonts will offer different sets of characters. Consider trying fonts like “Arial Unicode MS”, “Symbol”, or “Wingdings” for a wider selection of symbols.
- Browse through the characters until you find the symbol you want to use.
- Click on the desired character to select it.
- Click the “Select” button. The character will appear in the “Characters to copy” field.
- You can select multiple characters and add them to the “Characters to copy” field in sequence.
- Copy the Character(s):
- Click the “Copy” button. This copies the selected character(s) to your clipboard.
- Paste into Fortnite:
- Open Fortnite and navigate to where you want to use the special character (e.g., your display name, chat window).
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V (or right-click and select “Paste”) to paste the character(s) from your clipboard.
Important Considerations for Character Map:
- Font Choice: The characters available depend on the selected font. Experiment with different fonts to find the symbols you need. Arial Unicode MS is a good starting point because it contains a large collection of Unicode characters.
- Compatibility: Some characters might not display correctly in Fortnite, even if they appear correctly in the Character Map. This is due to font and encoding limitations within the game. Test the character to ensure it appears as intended.
- Character Encoding: Character Map uses Unicode. Fortnite needs to be able to correctly interpret the Unicode character to display it properly.
2. Using Online Character Websites
Several websites offer comprehensive lists of special characters and symbols that you can easily copy and paste. These sites often categorize characters by type (e.g., math symbols, currency symbols, arrows, etc.), making it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Examples of Online Character Websites:
- CoolSymbol: (https://www.coolsymbol.com/) Offers a wide range of symbols and characters with easy copy-and-paste functionality.
- CopyPasteCharacter: (https://copypastecharacter.com/) A simple and straightforward website for copying various symbols.
- Unicode Table: (https://unicode-table.com/en/) A more technical resource that allows you to browse the entire Unicode standard.
- i2Symbol: (https://www.i2symbol.com/) Provides a categorized selection of symbols with descriptions.
Detailed Steps:
- Visit a Character Website:
- Open your web browser and go to one of the character websites listed above (or any similar site).
- Browse and Select Characters:
- Navigate the website to find the special character you want to use. Most sites have categories or search functionality to help you find specific symbols.
- Click on the character. Many sites allow you to copy the character by simply clicking on it. Others may require you to select the character and then click a “Copy” button.
- Paste into Fortnite:
- Open Fortnite and navigate to where you want to use the special character (e.g., your display name, chat window).
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V (or right-click and select “Paste”) to paste the character(s) from your clipboard.
Advantages of Using Online Character Websites:
- Convenience: Easy to access and use, with a wide variety of characters available.
- Categorization: Characters are often organized by category, making it easier to find what you need.
- Preview: Many sites show a larger preview of the character before you copy it.
3. Using Alt Codes (Windows)
Alt codes are a legacy method of inputting special characters on Windows systems. By holding down the Alt key and typing a specific number sequence on the numeric keypad, you can generate various symbols. This method requires you to know the specific Alt code for the desired character.
How to Find Alt Codes:
- Online Alt Code Lists: Search online for “Alt codes list” to find comprehensive lists of characters and their corresponding codes. Many websites provide organized tables of Alt codes.
- Character Map (Indirectly): While Character Map doesn’t explicitly display the Alt code, it can help you identify the code. Select a character in Character Map and look at the bottom right corner of the window. Sometimes, it will display the keystroke combination (e.g., Alt+0169 for the copyright symbol). Note that this is not always displayed.
Detailed Steps:
- Ensure Num Lock is Enabled:
- The numeric keypad must be active for Alt codes to work. Make sure the Num Lock key is turned on.
- Hold Down the Alt Key:
- Press and hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
- Enter the Alt Code:
- While holding down the Alt key, type the numeric code for the character you want to create using the numeric keypad. For example, to create the copyright symbol (©), you would hold down Alt and type 0169.
- Release the Alt Key:
- Release the Alt key. The special character should appear.
- Copy and Paste (If Needed):
- In some cases, the character may appear directly in the application you’re using. If not, you may need to copy the character and paste it into Fortnite, especially if you’re trying to use it in the chat window.
Limitations of Alt Codes:
- Numeric Keypad Required: Alt codes only work with the numeric keypad. They will not work with the number keys above the letters on a standard keyboard.
- Limited Character Set: The number of available characters through Alt codes is limited compared to Character Map or online websites.
- Memory Required: You need to memorize or have a list of Alt codes handy.
- Font Dependency: The character that appears may depend on the font being used in the application where you are typing.
4. Using Keyboard Shortcuts (macOS)
macOS offers a built-in Character Viewer that is similar to Windows’ Character Map, but it also provides convenient keyboard shortcuts for inserting special characters.
Accessing the Character Viewer:
- From the Input Menu: If you have the input menu enabled in the menu bar (the flag or keyboard icon), you can select “Show Emoji & Symbols.”
- Using Keyboard Shortcut: Press Control + Command + Spacebar to open the Character Viewer.
- From System Preferences: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources. Check the box next to “Show Input menu in menu bar.” Then use the input menu as described above.
Detailed Steps:
- Open Character Viewer:
- Open the Character Viewer using one of the methods described above.
- Browse and Select Characters:
- The Character Viewer will open, displaying a variety of emojis and symbols.
- Use the categories on the left to navigate to different types of characters (e.g., Symbols, Arrows, Mathematical Symbols, etc.).
- You can also use the search bar at the top to search for specific characters by name or description.
- Click on the desired character to select it.
- Insert the Character:
- Double-click on the selected character to insert it into the current application (Fortnite, in this case). Alternatively, you can drag and drop the character.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts (macOS Specific):
- macOS also provides some built-in keyboard shortcuts for common symbols. For example:
- Option + 2 = ™ (Trademark symbol)
- Option + G = © (Copyright symbol)
- Option + R = ® (Registered trademark symbol)
- Option + $ = ¢ (Cent symbol)
- Option + Y = ¥ (Yen symbol)
- Search online for “macOS keyboard shortcuts for symbols” to find comprehensive lists of available shortcuts.
Advantages of Character Viewer (macOS):
- Built-in: No need to install any additional software or visit external websites.
- Comprehensive: Offers a wide range of emojis and symbols.
- Searchable: Easy to find specific characters using the search bar.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Provides convenient keyboard shortcuts for some common symbols.
Applying Special Characters in Fortnite
Now that you know how to access and copy special characters, let’s look at how to use them in different parts of Fortnite.
1. Changing Your Display Name
Your display name is what other players see in-game. Adding a special character to your display name can make you easily recognizable.
Important Considerations for Display Names:
- Fortnite Name Requirements: Fortnite has certain requirements for display names, including length limitations and restrictions on certain characters. Be aware of these restrictions before changing your name.
- Name Change Cooldown: Epic Games typically has a cooldown period between name changes. You can’t change your name too frequently.
- Availability: The name you choose must be available. If another player is already using the same name, you will need to choose a different one.
Detailed Steps:
- Access Your Epic Games Account:
- Go to the Epic Games website (https://www.epicgames.com/) and log in to your account.
- Navigate to Account Settings:
- Click on your username in the top right corner of the screen and select “Account.”
- Edit Your Display Name:
- In the “Account Info” section, you should see your current display name. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit it.
- Paste Your Special Character(s):
- Paste the special character(s) you copied from Character Map, an online website, or using Alt codes/keyboard shortcuts into the display name field.
- Type the rest of your desired name around the special characters.
- Save Changes:
- Click the “Save Changes” button.
- You may be prompted to confirm your name change. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Troubleshooting Display Name Issues:
- Invalid Characters: If you receive an error message saying that your name contains invalid characters, it means that Fortnite does not support one or more of the special characters you are trying to use. Try removing or replacing those characters.
- Name Already Taken: If you receive an error message saying that the name is already taken, it means that another player is already using that name. You will need to choose a different name.
- Name Change Cooldown: If you have recently changed your name, you may need to wait before you can change it again. Check the Epic Games website for information on the name change cooldown period.
2. Using Special Characters in Chat
Adding special characters to your chat messages can add emphasis, express emotions, or simply make your messages more visually appealing.
Detailed Steps:
- Copy the Special Character(s):
- Copy the special character(s) you want to use from Character Map, an online website, or using Alt codes/keyboard shortcuts.
- Open the Chat Window in Fortnite:
- Press the appropriate key to open the chat window in Fortnite (usually the “T” key or the “Enter” key).
- Paste and Type Your Message:
- Paste the special character(s) into the chat window.
- Type the rest of your message around the special characters.
- Send Your Message:
- Press the “Enter” key to send your message.
Considerations for Chat:
- Readability: Don’t overuse special characters in chat, as it can make your messages difficult to read. Use them sparingly to add emphasis or visual appeal.
- Context: Consider the context of the chat and choose special characters that are appropriate for the conversation.
- Compatibility: As with display names, some special characters may not display correctly in the chat window. Test the characters to ensure they appear as intended.
Tips and Tricks for Using Special Characters
- Experiment with Different Fonts: Different fonts offer different sets of characters. Experiment with different fonts in Character Map to find unique symbols.
- Combine Characters: You can combine multiple special characters to create more complex and unique symbols.
- Use Emojis: While not technically special characters, emojis can also add visual appeal and express emotions in your name and chat messages. Use the Windows Emoji Picker (Windows Key + .) or the macOS Character Viewer to insert emojis.
- Test Before Committing: Always test the special characters in a less critical area (like a Notepad document) before using them in your Fortnite name to ensure they display correctly.
- Check Fortnite’s Community Standards: Make sure your use of special characters adheres to Fortnite’s Community Standards. Avoid using symbols that could be offensive or violate the rules.
- Consider Unicode Glyphs: Explore Unicode glyphs beyond basic symbols. You might find interesting dingbats or pictorial symbols that fit your aesthetic.
- Use a Text Editor for Complex Combinations: For creating intricate names with multiple special characters, it can be helpful to construct the name in a text editor first and then copy and paste it into Fortnite. This allows for easier editing and previewing.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
- Character Display Issues: As mentioned earlier, some characters may not display correctly in Fortnite due to font or encoding limitations. This is the most common problem. Try using a different character or font.
- Name Change Errors: If you encounter errors when changing your display name, double-check that you are following the Fortnite name requirements and that the name is available.
- Chat Display Problems: If special characters are not displaying correctly in chat, it could be due to the same font or encoding issues. It could also be a problem with the other player’s system.
- Account Security: Be cautious about visiting unknown websites that claim to offer special characters or name generators. Some of these sites may be malicious and attempt to steal your account information. Stick to reputable websites and avoid downloading any files from untrusted sources.
Conclusion
Adding special characters to your Fortnite name or chat messages is a fun and easy way to personalize your gaming experience. By using the methods described in this guide, you can create a unique and memorable identity in the Fortnite world. Remember to experiment with different characters, fonts, and combinations to find the perfect look for your in-game persona. Always be mindful of Fortnite’s Community Standards and avoid using symbols that could be offensive or violate the rules. Have fun expressing yourself and standing out from the crowd!