Skip to main content

How to use preferred item slots in Fortnite

As part of a recent update, Epic Games has implemented a way to utilize preferred item slots in Fortnite. This is a huge deal, as it will hopefully alleviate some of the hassle of inventory management during a match.

How it works is simple: This new feature allows you to set a specific weapon type — for example, a shotgun — to a certain inventory slot. Upon doing so, this will map one of your inventory slots to shotguns. This means when you pick up a shotgun, it will automatically go into that slot without you needing to move it there manually. Many players have their preferred setups in-game, and this new feature streamlines the process.

Recommended Videos

Oddly enough, the act of actually setting your preferred item slots isn’t obvious, so you might be wondering how it works. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to utilize the new feature, along with tips for making the most of your inventory. Here’s how to use preferred item slots in Fortnite.

Recommended reading:

How to use preferred item slots

Open up the settings

Settings menu in Fortnite.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

To set your preferred item slots, start at the Main Menu and open up the Settings. On PlayStation, press the Options button; on Xbox, press the Menu button; and on Nintendo Switch, press the Plus Sign button. Then select Settings.

Tab over to game settings

Game settings menu in Fortnite.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

From here, tab over to Game and then navigate down to the Combat subhead. Beneath that is the new option for Preferred Item Slots. Press X on PlayStation, A on Xbox, or A on Nintendo Switch to configure the settings.

Select your preferred item slots

Preferred item slot settings in Fortnite.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Here’s where things get wonky, but we’ll do our best to explain. Firstly, make sure Preferred Item Slots is On. Then, scroll down to one of the Loadout Slot options. Loadout Slot 1 represents the leftmost inventory slot, Loadout Slot 2 ties to the next one after that, and so on. While you have a Loadout Slot selected, you can then scroll left and right to change which weapon appears in that slot.

For instance, in the example above, our Inventory Slot 1 is tied to the assault rifle category, while the next slot corresponds to SMGs. Just make sure you scroll down to the next Loadout Slot by pressing Up and Down, while Left and Right will change the weapon type. At the end, make sure you apply your changes by pressing Triangle on PlayStation, X on Nintendo Switch, or Y on Xbox.

Play more efficiently

Taking on multiple enemies at Weeping Woods in Fortnite.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now, when you pick up a weapon that matches the category from your preferred item slots, it will go into that Loadout Slot automatically, which should allow you to shoot more and manage your inventory less.

Joseph Yaden
Joseph Yaden is a freelance journalist who covers Nintendo, shooters, and horror games. He mostly covers game guides for…
Fortnite Season OG Chapter 2 Remix countdown: Expected start date, leaks & more
epic fortnite apple google player impact reaction analysis fornite s2 ch4 marvel

Fortnite Chapter 5, Season 4 is nearing its conclusion as the final content update of the season, Fortnitemares, arrived on October 12. Now that there are just a few days left before the new season hits the game, anticipation among players is at an all-time high.

Several leaks, including information about the theme of the season and possible gameplay items, have already started to roll out. If you're looking for all the info about Fortnite Season OG Chapter 2, we've got you covered right here.
What is the new Fortnite season called?

Read more
How to attend Fortnite Chapter 5 ending live event
Fortnite Rift Beacon

Fortnite Chapter 5 is nearing its end very soon and Epic is ready to kick off the new Chapter 2 Remix season with a live event. These events always generate a considerable amount of hype among the player community, and this time is no different.

Epic has announced that a season-ending live event called Remix: The Prelude will kick things off for the next season with a tuneful twist. If you're one of the players who wishes to attend the event, we've got you covered.
Fortnite Remix The Prelude live event start date and time

Read more
When does the new Fortnite season start?
Fortnitemares 2024 key art featuring many villains.

Every new Fortnite season is a massive event for players. While not quite on the scale of a new Chapter, seasons still bring about a plethora of changes to the ever-evolving Battle Royale island to keep players hooked to the game. New skins, abilities, quests, weapons, and a new battle pass to complete are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of fresh content.

If a particular season doesn't quite do it for you, or if you've already unlocked all the cosmetics in your Battle Pass and are eagerly awaiting the beginning of the next one, knowing when to mark your calendar is essential. Let's dive into when you can expect the next Fortnite season to begin.
When does the next Fortnite season start?
We are currently in Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4 which is fast approaching its end. Typically, the next season in Fortnite's chronology would be a Season 5, but that's not the case.

Read more