A new feature designed to simplify the frantic world of Fortnite building has instead sparked a wave of player frustration, with many veterans and newcomers alike scrambling to turn it off. Epic Games introduced the 'Simple Build' setting to make constructing walls and ramps more accessible for beginners, but the reception has been mixed at best.
What Is Fortnite's Simple Build Feature?
Launched in early January 2026, the Simple Build mode fundamentally changes the control scheme for one of the game's most iconic mechanics. Traditionally, building in Fortnite's Battle Royale requires players to master four separate keybinds for walls, floors, ramps, and roofs.
The new system condenses this into just two buttons. One button controls floors, ramps, and roofs, while the other is dedicated solely to vertical walls. The system also uses contextual awareness, attempting to automatically build a ramp in the direction a player is looking.
In theory, this streamlined approach reduces the complex button combinations needed for high-speed building, offering a gentler learning curve for those new to the game.
Why Are Players Turning It Off?
Despite its good intentions, the Simple Build feature has faced significant criticism. Many players report that the automated system is unreliable in high-pressure combat situations.
A common complaint is that the contextual building sometimes places the wrong piece, leading to fatal errors. Players have reported dying to fall damage after the system failed to create the expected ramp or platform. For seasoned builders who have spent years honing their manual skills, the new mode feels slower and less precise, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.
The consensus among the community suggests that while Simple Build may help absolute novices take their first steps, it quickly becomes a hindrance for anyone looking to improve beyond the basics.
How to Disable Simple Build in Fortnite
If you've tried the new mode and want to revert to the classic Fortnite building experience, the process is straightforward. You need to navigate to the game's Settings menu and select the 'Game' tab.
From there, scroll down until you find the 'Simple Build' section. Here, you can toggle the main Simple Build setting off. It's also advisable to check your keybindings menu afterwards to ensure your preferred building controls are correctly reassigned.
The swift reaction from the player base highlights the delicate balance game developers must strike when altering core gameplay mechanics. While accessibility is crucial, maintaining the skill ceiling that dedicated players cherish is equally important. For now, it seems a significant portion of the Fortnite community is sticking with the traditional, manual way to build.
