How to Thank the Bus Driver in Fortnite on Any Platform
After a shocking and unexpected death at the beginning of Chapter 7, Season 1, the bus driver somehow survived and returned to the game. Now, he continues to work tirelessly, transporting players to different parts of the Island, and he surely deserves our gratitude at the start of every match. So, let’s find out everything about thanking the bus driver in Fortnite and how you can do it on any gaming platform.
Platform-Specific Ways to Thank the Bus Driver
Fortnite is available on all major gaming platforms, offering similar gameplay features, including the ability to thank the bus driver. Let’s take a look at the keybinds for each device to perform this important in-game ritual.
PC
If you’re wondering how to thank the bus driver in Fortnite on PC, you can always visit the in-game settings and check the dedicated hotkey for this interaction. By default, players must press the “B” button to perform this action. If you’ve changed the PC controls, you can return to the default settings or assign a new hotkey to thank the bus driver.
PlayStation
The console controls are the same across all PS versions that support Fortnite. If you haven’t changed the settings, simply press the Down button on the D-Pad.
Xbox
How to thank the bus driver on Xbox? Regardless of the console generation you own, this process remains the same. The default Xbox controls feature the Down button on the D-Pad to thank the driver.
Nintendo Switch
Prefer portable gaming and want to learn how to thank the bus driver on Switch? Whether you use the first or second generation of the console, you can still show your gratitude. The default hotkey for Switch controls is the Down button.
Mobile Devices
Finally, on iOS and Android, controls differ because any player action is performed by tapping the touchscreen. You should simply tap the Emotes button in the corner of the screen while on the bus to thank the driver.
Why Thanking the Bus Driver Matters in Fortnite
But what does thanking the bus driver do in Fortnite, and why shouldn’t you ignore it? First, consider that this is not just a player habit or a way to show good manners. Although it doesn’t provide any direct in-match advantages, this action still serves a clear purpose, as it is a part of:
- Weekly quests and challenges;
- Season achievements.
By thanking the bus driver, you can unlock pleasant rewards and bonuses, such as extra XP to boost your Battle Pass progression.
Why Community Players Thank the Bus Driver in Fortnite
Thanking the bus driver is a gesture that unites the players from around the world before they enter the battle royale fields. In the Fortnite community, it’s similar to typing “GLHF” before a match in Dota 2 or CS2.
Interestingly, this feature wasn’t available immediately after the game’s release. It all started as a community meme on Reddit, and players quickly embraced the idea. Since Epic Games actively listens to its audience, the feature was officially added in update 5.30 in 2018.
Since then, thanking the bus driver has become an integral part of the game. However, at the beginning of Chapter 7, Season 1, the bus was completely destroyed, and a new Wave Surfing mechanic was introduced. During that period, players could only “Pay Respect” to the driver. The community was shocked, and fortunately, Epic Games restored the driver and his iconic vehicles just a couple of weeks later.
Why Thanking the Bus Driver Doesn’t Work
Are you pressing the B, Down, or Emote button, but nothing happens? There may be several reasons:
- Missed Timing: You can thank the driver only while you are still inside the bus during the jump timing phase. As soon as you jump from the vehicle, the option is no longer available.
- Changed Controls: If you’ve adjusted your Settings, you might have reassigned default hotkeys. It’s recommended to review your controls and confirm which button is assigned to thanking the bus driver.
- Wrong Mode: You cannot thank the Bus Driver if the match begins with Wave Surfing. Additionally, this feature may be unavailable in certain game modes, such as Reload.
Conclusion
Everyone who thanks the Fortnite bus driver isn't just earning experience points. It’s a way to connect with the wider community, wish everyone good luck before the match begins, and help maintain a friendly atmosphere. It remains one of many unique features that make Fortnite so fun and popular among gamers.
FAQ
This feature was introduced with update 5.30 in 2018.
Yes. During the drop phase, you can see notifications showing who thanked the bus driver. If a player’s name is highlighted in gold, it means they are carrying a crown.
No. The driver’s reaction at the game start does not depend on the number of thanks received. However, the notification message may vary during special in-game events and new collaborations. For example, during the Simpsons micro-season, it was revealed that the players were thanking Otto, the bus driver from the namesake TV show.
