How to Get a Squashed Camera Angle in Fortnite on PS4: A Detailed Guide

Fortnite, the immensely popular battle royale game, is known for its dynamic gameplay, creative building mechanics, and ever-evolving meta. One aspect that players often experiment with is the camera angle, seeking a unique perspective to enhance their gameplay or create interesting content. While Fortnite doesn’t natively offer a ‘squashed’ camera angle, clever workarounds using in-game mechanics and settings adjustments on your PlayStation 4 can achieve a similar effect. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from basic settings to advanced techniques. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the ‘Squashed’ Camera Angle

The term ‘squashed’ camera angle typically refers to a field of view (FOV) that appears compressed or flattened, often creating a sense of speed or exaggerated perspective. In games with adjustable FOV settings, this is easily achieved. However, Fortnite on PS4 doesn’t directly offer FOV customization. Therefore, we need to leverage existing in-game features and PS4 settings to simulate this effect. This method primarily involves manipulating the viewing angle through replays and camera settings within the replay mode to achieve a desired visual outcome.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

* **A PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro:** This guide is specifically tailored for the PS4 platform.
* **A copy of Fortnite installed:** Obviously, you need the game installed and updated to the latest version.
* **A recorded Fortnite match:** You’ll need a match recorded in replay mode to manipulate the camera angle. Play a match and make sure replays are enabled in your settings.
* **Basic familiarity with Fortnite controls:** Knowing how to move, build, and navigate the game is essential.
* **Patience and willingness to experiment:** Achieving the desired squashed camera angle may require some trial and error.

Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving a Squashed Camera Angle

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to get a squashed camera angle in Fortnite on your PS4:

Step 1: Enable Replays

Replays are crucial for manipulating the camera angle. If you haven’t already, enable replays in your Fortnite settings:

1. **Launch Fortnite:** Start the Fortnite application on your PS4.
2. **Navigate to Settings:** From the main lobby screen, go to the settings menu. This is usually accessed by pressing the Options button on your controller and selecting ‘Settings’.
3. **Go to the ‘Game’ Tab:** Within the settings menu, find the ‘Game’ tab (it’s often the first or second tab).
4. **Scroll Down to ‘Replays’:** Look for the ‘Replays’ section. It usually includes options like ‘Record Replays’, ‘Record Large Team Replays’, and ‘Record Creative Mode Replays’.
5. **Enable All Replay Options:** Make sure all replay options are set to ‘On’. This ensures that your matches are automatically recorded and saved.
6. **Apply Changes:** After enabling the replay options, apply the changes and exit the settings menu.

Step 2: Play and Record a Match

Now that replays are enabled, play a match that you want to use for creating the squashed camera effect. It’s best to choose a match with interesting action or scenarios that will benefit from the altered perspective.

1. **Play a Match:** Play a regular Fortnite match (Solo, Duos, Squads, or any Limited Time Mode).
2. **Focus on Interesting Moments:** Try to create or capture moments with dynamic movement, building, or combat. These scenes will look more impactful with the squashed camera angle.
3. **End the Match:** Complete the match as usual.

Step 3: Access Replay Mode

After the match, access the replay mode to review and manipulate the footage.

1. **Return to the Lobby:** After the match ends, return to the main lobby screen.
2. **Navigate to the ‘Career’ Tab:** Go to the ‘Career’ tab. This tab contains your player statistics, match history, and replay options.
3. **Select ‘Replays’:** Within the ‘Career’ tab, select the ‘Replays’ option.
4. **Choose Your Match:** A list of your recently recorded matches will appear. Select the match you want to work with.
5. **Load the Replay:** The replay will load, and you’ll be able to watch the match from various perspectives.

Step 4: Understand Replay Controls

Before you start manipulating the camera, it’s essential to understand the replay controls. These controls allow you to pause, rewind, fast-forward, change camera angles, and more.

* **Pause/Play:** Use the X button to pause and play the replay.
* **Rewind/Fast-Forward:** Use the L1 and R1 buttons to rewind and fast-forward the replay, respectively.
* **Change Camera:** Use the Square button to switch between different camera modes (Third Person, Drone Free, Drone Follow, etc.).
* **Adjust Camera Position:** Use the left and right analog sticks to move the camera around. The right analog stick typically controls the camera’s angle and zoom.
* **Speed Control:** The L2 and R2 buttons often control the playback speed, allowing you to slow down or speed up the replay.
* **Keyframes:** Replay mode also has keyframe functionality, allowing you to set specific camera positions at certain points in the replay, however for the effect we want, this function will not be necessary.

Experiment with these controls to get a feel for how they work. The better you understand the replay controls, the easier it will be to achieve the desired camera angle.

Step 5: Experiment with Camera Angles

The key to achieving a ‘squashed’ camera angle is to experiment with different camera angles and perspectives within the replay mode. Here’s how to do it:

1. **Choose a Camera Mode:** Start by selecting a camera mode that gives you the most flexibility. The ‘Drone Free’ camera is often the best choice because it allows you to move the camera freely around the map.
2. **Position the Camera:** Use the left analog stick to position the camera in a way that provides a unique view of the action. Try placing the camera close to the ground or at an unusual angle.
3. **Adjust the Camera Angle:** Use the right analog stick to adjust the camera angle. Experiment with tilting the camera up or down to create a more dramatic or distorted perspective.
4. **Zoom In/Out:** Use the R3 button (press the right analog stick) to zoom in and out. Zooming in can create a sense of claustrophobia, while zooming out can emphasize the scale of the environment.
5. **Focus on Movement:** Pay attention to how the camera angle affects the perception of movement. A low camera angle can make characters appear faster and more dynamic.
6. **Combine Angles:** Combine low camera angles with the camera facing upward to give the impression of length and speed in character movement. This also simulates the ‘squashed’ effect by creating a flattened perspective.

Step 6: Fine-Tune the Camera Settings

Once you’ve found a general camera angle you like, fine-tune the settings to enhance the squashed effect. This involves adjusting the camera’s position, angle, and zoom to create the desired visual impact.

1. **Adjust Camera Height:** Experiment with raising or lowering the camera’s height. A low camera height can make the environment feel larger and more imposing.
2. **Adjust Camera Tilt:** Subtle tilts can dramatically alter the perspective. Try tilting the camera slightly to the left or right to create a sense of unease or disorientation.
3. **Focus on Key Elements:** Ensure that the key elements of the scene (e.g., characters, buildings, action sequences) are clearly visible and well-framed.
4. **Zoom Strategically:** Use zoom to emphasize certain aspects of the scene. Zooming in on a character’s face can convey emotion, while zooming out can highlight the scale of a battle.
5. **Consider movement speed:** Slower movement speed in replay mode allows you to better capture the exact camera angle you are looking for.

Step 7: Capture the Footage

Once you’ve achieved the desired camera angle, it’s time to capture the footage. The PS4 has built-in recording capabilities that make this easy.

1. **Start Recording:** Press the ‘Share’ button on your controller. This will open the share menu.
2. **Select ‘Save Video Clip’:** Choose the ‘Save Video Clip’ option.
3. **Adjust Recording Time:** You can adjust the length of the recording by pressing the Options button and selecting ‘Length’. Choose a recording length that captures the entire scene you want to use. It is often better to record a longer clip to edit later.
4. **Start the Replay:** Start the replay from the beginning of the scene you want to record.
5. **Let it Record:** Let the replay run and record the footage.
6. **Stop Recording:** Once the scene is finished, press the ‘Share’ button again and select ‘Save Video Clip’ to stop the recording.

Step 8: Edit the Footage (Optional)

If you want to further enhance the squashed camera effect, you can edit the footage using video editing software. The PS4 has a built-in video editor called ‘ShareFactory’, but you can also use other editing software on your computer.

1. **Transfer the Footage:** Transfer the recorded footage from your PS4 to your computer or other device.
2. **Import the Footage:** Import the footage into your video editing software.
3. **Adjust Speed:** Speeding up or slowing down the footage can enhance the sense of speed or drama. Use the editing software to adjust the playback speed.
4. **Add Effects:** Experiment with adding visual effects, such as color correction, filters, or transitions, to further enhance the squashed camera effect.
5. **Crop and Zoom:** Further adjust the camera perspective by cropping the video or adding digital zoom.
6. **Add Music and Sound Effects:** Adding music and sound effects can create a more immersive and engaging experience.
7. **Export the Edited Footage:** Export the edited footage in a suitable format for sharing or uploading.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve the best possible squashed camera angle in Fortnite:

* **Use Building to Your Advantage:** Building structures can create interesting visual obstacles and perspectives. Use ramps, walls, and floors to block or frame the camera’s view.
* **Experiment with Different Skins:** Different character skins have different animations and visual styles. Experiment with different skins to see how they look with the squashed camera angle.
* **Pay Attention to Lighting:** Lighting can significantly impact the mood and atmosphere of a scene. Pay attention to how the lighting affects the appearance of the squashed camera angle.
* **Use Emotes:** Character emotes can add personality and humor to your footage. Use emotes to create interesting visual moments.
* **Combine with other effects:** Layer other visual effects that can be added in post to create a unique and creative effect.
* **Focus on Action:** The squashed camera angle is most effective when used in scenes with lots of action and movement. Focus on capturing dynamic moments.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Achieving the perfect squashed camera angle takes practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to resolve them:

* **Replays Not Saving:** If replays are not saving, double-check that you have enabled all replay options in the settings menu. Also, make sure you have enough storage space on your PS4.
* **Camera Controls Not Working:** If the camera controls are not working, make sure you are in the correct camera mode (e.g., Drone Free). Also, check that your controller is properly connected and functioning.
* **Footage Looks Blurry:** If the footage looks blurry, try increasing the resolution settings on your PS4. Also, make sure you are using a high-quality recording device.
* **Video Editing Software Issues:** If you are having issues with your video editing software, consult the software’s documentation or online resources for troubleshooting tips.

Conclusion

While Fortnite doesn’t natively offer a squashed camera angle, this guide provides a detailed workaround for achieving a similar effect on your PS4. By leveraging replay mode, experimenting with camera angles, and fine-tuning settings, you can create unique and visually engaging footage. Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find the approach that works best for you. With a little patience and creativity, you can master the art of the squashed camera angle and take your Fortnite content to the next level. Good luck, and have fun!