Summary
On PC, when a build piece is bound to the key J, pressing it does nothing from the pickaxe or a weapon. The same key works once build mode is already active. Other keys work for the same action (F and G tested). Epic’s help article “Why the ‘R’ Key does not switch to Build Mode when I’m not using the blueprint?” describes the same behaviour for the R key.
Please select what you are reporting on:
Creative
What Type of Bug are you experiencing?
Other
Steps to Reproduce
- On PC (French AZERTY keyboard), open Settings > Keyboard Controls. Bind Build: Stairs to J (Wall = P, Floor = I, Roof = N). Apply.
- Join a Battle Royale match or a Creative island (reproduced on island 8064-7152-2934).
- Equip the pickaxe or a weapon and press J.
- For comparison, press P, I or N from the pickaxe.
- Equip a wall (P), then press J.
Expected Result
Pressing J switches to build mode and shows the stairs, exactly like P, I and N do for wall, floor and roof.
Observed Result
From the pickaxe or a weapon, J does nothing (tested many times). If a piece is already out (e.g. a wall), J selects the stairs normally.
Other findings:
- No other action uses J (checked both columns).
- Stairs bound to F or G work from the pickaxe.
- J as the secondary bind of Wall does not work, while G in the same slot does.
- J works for other actions (e.g. Move Forward), so the key itself is detected.
- Reproduced on two PCs, two accounts and two keyboards. Resetting binds to default on another account did not fix it.
Game version: ++Fortnite+Release-42.40-CL-59343437
Platform(s)
PC (Windows), French AZERTY keyboard, movement on O/K/L/M
Island Code
8064-7152-2934
Additional Notes
Epic’s help article about the R key describes the same behaviour (key does not enter build mode unless a blueprint is already out). Same symptom is reported on the forum for the F key (“Stairs won’t place”). The issue also occurs in Battle Royale, not only Creative.