How to Thank the Bus Driver in Fortnite PC: A Comprehensive Guide
Fortnite, the ever-popular battle royale game, is known for its vibrant community and quirky interactions. One of the most endearing traditions in the game is thanking the bus driver before jumping out to start your match. While it might seem like a small gesture, it’s a way to show appreciation and spread a little positivity before the chaos ensues. But how exactly do you thank the bus driver on PC? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basic keybind to troubleshooting common issues.
Why Thank the Bus Driver?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s address the ‘why.’ Thanking the bus driver has become a beloved tradition within the Fortnite community for several reasons:
* **Good Sportsmanship:** It’s a simple act of good sportsmanship and shows respect for the person (or AI) piloting the battle bus.
* **Community Bonding:** Participating in this tradition connects you with the wider Fortnite community and reinforces a sense of camaraderie.
* **Superstition (Maybe):** Some players believe that thanking the bus driver brings them good luck in the match. While there’s no concrete evidence to support this, it’s a fun superstition to indulge in.
* **It’s Fun!:** Ultimately, it’s just a fun and lighthearted way to start a match. It adds a little bit of silliness to the intense competition.
The Default Keybind: The Easiest Way to Say Thanks
The simplest way to thank the bus driver on PC is to use the default keybind. By default, this is the **’B’ key**. That’s right, just press the ‘B’ key on your keyboard as you’re riding the battle bus, and your character will automatically say a line of gratitude. It’s that easy!
**Here’s a step-by-step guide:**
1. **Launch Fortnite:** Start the Fortnite application on your PC.
2. **Join a Match:** Queue up for a Battle Royale match (Solo, Duos, Squads, or any other mode).
3. **Ride the Battle Bus:** Once the match starts, you’ll find yourself soaring through the sky on the battle bus.
4. **Press the ‘B’ Key:** While on the bus, simply press the ‘B’ key on your keyboard.
5. **Listen for the Acknowledgment:** Your character will say a line thanking the bus driver. You might hear phrases like “Thank you, bus driver!” or other variations.
Customizing Your Keybind: Rebinding ‘Thank the Bus Driver’
If you find the default ‘B’ key inconvenient or if you’ve already assigned it to another function, you can easily rebind the ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ command to a different key. Here’s how:
1. **Open the Fortnite Menu:** While in the game lobby (not in a match), press the ‘Esc’ key to open the main menu.
2. **Navigate to Settings:** Click on the ‘Settings’ icon (it looks like a gear) to open the settings menu.
3. **Go to the Keyboard Settings:** In the settings menu, click on the ‘Keyboard’ tab.
4. **Find the ‘Communication’ Section:** Scroll down the list of keybinds until you find the ‘Communication’ section.
5. **Locate ‘Thank the Bus Driver’:** Within the ‘Communication’ section, you should see an option labeled ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ or something similar.
6. **Change the Keybind:** Click on the keybind currently assigned to ‘Thank the Bus Driver.’ This will prompt you to press the new key you want to assign to the function.
7. **Press Your Desired Key:** Press the key you want to use to thank the bus driver. Make sure it’s a key that isn’t already assigned to another crucial function.
8. **Confirm the Keybind:** The new key should now be displayed next to ‘Thank the Bus Driver.’
9. **Apply Changes:** Click the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom of the screen to save your changes.
10. **Test Your New Keybind:** Jump into a match and test your new keybind to make sure it works correctly.
**Tips for Choosing a New Keybind:**
* **Accessibility:** Choose a key that’s easily accessible and doesn’t require you to take your fingers off essential movement or combat keys (like WASD, Shift, Ctrl, etc.).
* **Comfort:** Select a key that feels comfortable to press during gameplay.
* **Avoid Conflicts:** Make sure the key you choose isn’t already assigned to another important function.
* **Consider Mouse Buttons:** If your mouse has extra buttons, consider binding ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ to one of them for easy access.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes, you might encounter issues with thanking the bus driver. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
* **Problem: The ‘B’ key (or your custom key) isn’t working.**
* **Solution 1: Check Your Keybinds:** Double-check your keybind settings to ensure that the ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ function is correctly assigned to the key you’re pressing. Make sure you saved your changes after rebinding.
* **Solution 2: Restart Fortnite:** Sometimes, a simple restart of the game can resolve temporary glitches or bugs that might be preventing the keybind from working.
* **Solution 3: Check Your Keyboard:** Ensure that the key you’re pressing is functioning correctly. Test it in another application (like a text editor) to see if it registers input.
* **Solution 4: Update Your Drivers:** Outdated keyboard drivers can sometimes cause issues. Check your device manager to see if there are any updates available for your keyboard drivers.
* **Solution 5: Game File Integrity:** Verify the integrity of your game files. In the Epic Games Launcher, go to your Library, find Fortnite, click the three dots next to it, and select “Verify”. This will check for and repair any corrupted game files.
* **Problem: I’m pressing the key, but my character isn’t saying anything.**
* **Solution 1: Audio Settings:** Check your audio settings in Fortnite to ensure that voice chat and sound effects are enabled and that the volume is turned up. You might have accidentally muted the game or specific audio channels.
* **Solution 2: Game Bug:** Occasionally, there might be a temporary bug in the game that prevents the voice lines from playing. This is usually resolved in a subsequent update.
* **Solution 3: Character Selection:** While unlikely, try switching your character skin. Some skins might have unique (or missing) voice lines. This is more of a long shot, but worth a try if other solutions fail.
* **Problem: I can’t find the ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ option in the keybind settings.**
* **Solution 1: Check the Correct Section:** Make sure you’re looking in the ‘Communication’ section of the keybind settings. It might be located in a different area than you expect.
* **Solution 2: Scroll Thoroughly:** The list of keybinds can be quite long. Ensure you scroll through the entire list to find the ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ option.
* **Solution 3: Reset to Defaults:** If you’re still unable to find it, try resetting your keybinds to the default settings. This will restore all keybinds to their original values, and you should be able to locate the ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ option more easily. After resetting, you can then re-customize your keybinds as desired.
* **Problem: The keybind is conflicting with another action.**
* **Solution 1: Rebind the Conflicting Key:** Identify the other action that’s using the same keybind. Rebind that action to a different key to resolve the conflict. Make sure both actions have unique keybinds.
* **Solution 2: Prioritize Actions:** Consider which action is more important to you during gameplay. Assign the keybind to the more critical action and choose a different key for ‘Thank the Bus Driver.’
## Advanced Tips and Tricks
While thanking the bus driver is a simple act, here are a few advanced tips to enhance your experience:
* **Use a Macro (Use with Caution):** Some players use macros to automatically thank the bus driver at the start of every match. However, be cautious when using macros, as they can sometimes be against the game’s terms of service if used for unfair advantages. Check Epic Games’ official guidelines before using any macros.
* **Bind to a Mouse Button:** As mentioned earlier, binding ‘Thank the Bus Driver’ to a mouse button provides quick and easy access to the command without interrupting your movement or aim.
* **Create a Custom Voice Line (Modding – Use with Extreme Caution):** Technically, you could mod the game to replace the default voice lines with your own custom recordings. However, modding can be risky and might violate the game’s terms of service. Proceed with extreme caution and only if you’re comfortable with the technical aspects of modding. It’s generally not recommended.
* **Encourage Others:** Remind your teammates to thank the bus driver as well! Spread the positivity and encourage others to participate in this fun tradition.
## The Social Impact of a Simple Thank You
Thanking the bus driver might seem like a trivial act, but it contributes to a more positive and welcoming environment within the Fortnite community. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in fostering camaraderie and good sportsmanship. By participating in this tradition, you’re helping to create a more enjoyable experience for yourself and others.
## Conclusion
Thanking the bus driver in Fortnite PC is a simple yet meaningful tradition that adds a touch of fun and positivity to the game. Whether you use the default ‘B’ key or customize your keybind, it’s a quick and easy way to show your appreciation and connect with the community. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to thank the bus driver with ease and contribute to a more enjoyable Fortnite experience for everyone. So, jump into the battle bus, press that key, and let the bus driver know you appreciate the ride! Good luck, and have fun!