This article is part of a directory: Fortnite Override (CH7 S4): Complete Guide

Fortnite Save the World is an epic adventure that has now gone free to play for all players. Those jumping in may quickly find that the mode is very different from Battle Royale, with a bunch of unique mechanics to learn. One of the most important parts of Save the World is Heroes, which are the playable characters that can make or break your loadout. Here is a complete guide to Heroes in Fortnite Save the World.

How to Unlock Heroes in Fortnite Save the World

Heroes are characters that players often unlock passively by completing quests and missions, but that is not the only way to get them. There are several other methods, including earning them through chance or purchasing them outright with Gold. Here are all the ways to unlock Heroes in Save the World:

  • Complete missions and quests (Check the Hero Quests in your Quest Log for potential Hero rewards)
  • Earn them by opening Llamas
  • Purchase them with Gold from the Exchange Store (requires Storm Shield Defense 5 to be completed)
  • Unlock them through promotional rewards (for example, the Urban Assault Headhunter Hero via Twitch Drops)

All of these methods allow players to obtain Heroes of different rarities. Earlier missions typically reward Common, Uncommon, and Rare Heroes, while later missions can grant Epic, Legendary, and even Mythic Heroes.

In the Exchange Store, players can purchase Epic and Legendary Heroes. As for Llamas, players should aim to open specific types for higher rarity Heroes, such as Super Hero Llamas, Super People Llamas, and Legendary Troll Llamas. Llamas often go on rotation in the X-Ray portion of the Exchange, but can also be earned as mission rewards.

How to Upgrade Heroes in Fortnite Save the World

How to Level Up Heroes

To level up Heroes in Fortnite Save the World, players will need to earn People XP. This is gained passively by completing missions, quests, and opening certain Llamas, such as Upgrade Llamas, and is automatically distributed to Survivors, Defenders, and Heroes.

However, unlike Survivors, Heroes do not level up automatically with People XP. Instead, players must manually choose which Heroes to upgrade using the People XP they have earned. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Go to the Command tab via the main menu and select Heroes.
  • Select Manage.
  • Choose a Hero and select the Upgrade/Inspect option.

From here, players can level up their Hero by selecting the Level Up option. Depending on how much People XP you have accumulated, you can choose how many levels to increase. On the left side of the screen, you can also see which stats will improve, including health, shield, and more.

How to Evolve Heroes (Unlock More Levels)

All levels for Heroes cap out at 10 by default. However, players can get more levels by Evolving their Heroes. To Evolve your Hero, select the View Evolution option when Inspecting your max-level Hero. Here, you can evolve your Heroes with the following materials, so long as you have completed the Plankerton Storm Shield Defense 1 campaign mission:

  • People XP
  • Pure Drop of Rain
  • Training Manual

How to Upgrade the Rarity of Heroes

Players can also upgrade the rarity of their Heroes. While this is separate from leveling them up, it is another reliable way to improve your Heroes. This is done using Flux, which can be purchased through the Exchange and earned through the Collection Book. To upgrade a Hero’s rarity, head to the Upgrade/Inspect menu as before, select the Upgrade option, and then the Increase Rarity option.

​​​​​​​How to Upgrade the Rarity of Heroes in Fortnite Save the World - 3 Image via GameRant; Source: Epic Games / Fortnite

From here, you can spend the required type of Flux to increase your Hero to the next rarity tier, maxing out at Legendary. However, before you can do this, you must first complete the Plankerton Storm Shield Defense 1 campaign mission.

How to Use Heroes in Fortnite Save the World (Hero Loadout Guide)

How to Set Up Your Commander (Playable Hero)

To set up your playable Hero, also known as your Commander, head to the Manage Hero section in Homebase or navigate to the Heroes and Hero Loadout tab within the Command menu. From here, you can select a Hero to act as your Commander, which will be the character you play in missions.

How to Set Up Your Commander (Playable Hero) in Fortnite Save the World - 3 Image via GameRant; Source: Epic Games / Fortnite

All Heroes have their own unique stats and Hero Abilities, depending on their class and type. While many abilities are shared across Hero classes, there are some exceptions. Each Hero Ability can be activated in-game using your assigned ability inputs and will go on a short cooldown after each use during missions.

Here is a list of every Hero in Fortnite Save the World:

  • Soldier
  • Constructor
  • Ninja
  • Outlander

How to Set Up Your Support Team (Support Heroes)

How to Set Up Your Support Team (Support Heroes) Image via GameRant; Source: Epic Games / Fortnite

The Heroes in your collection do not sit unused, as players can assign additional Heroes to their loadouts through the Support Team. Each Hero provides passive boosts when placed in a Support Team slot, depending on their type.

These passives can range from increasing weapon damage to enhancing Hero Abilities and more. In many cases, you will need to match Support Heroes with the same Hero type or specific abilities to fully benefit from these bonuses. Stacking the right Support Team can also help strengthen certain Team Perks.

At the start, you will be limited in the number of Support Slots available, but more will unlock as you progress further in Save the World.

You can set up multiple Hero Loadouts and switch between them on the fly.

Fortnite Tag Page Cover Art
Fortnite
Released
September 26, 2017

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

ESRB
T for Teen - Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
Developer(s)
Epic Games
Genre(s)
Survival, Battle Royale, Shooter, Action, Adventure
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty