How to Acquire the Scout Falcon in Fortnite: A Comprehensive Guide
The Scout Falcon is a valuable asset in Fortnite, providing crucial reconnaissance and tactical advantages. Obtaining this flying companion requires strategic gameplay and knowledge of its mechanics. Here’s everything you need to know to acquire a Scout Falcon and master its use.
How do you get the Scout Falcon in Fortnite?
The Scout Falcon is acquired by opening specific loot caches found across the Fortnite map. These aren’t your standard chests; they are Falcon Scout Caches. The key is knowing where to look and prioritizing their acquisition when possible. Once opened, the Scout Falcon item will be added to your inventory. Equipping it allows you to launch the bird and control its flight to scout ahead, mark enemies, and grab loot.
Understanding the Scout Falcon Mechanics
Before diving into acquisition methods, let’s understand what the Scout Falcon is and why it’s so desirable.
The Scout Falcon is a deployable item that, when used, sends a falcon controlled by the player into the sky. Through the falcon’s perspective, players can scout the surrounding area for enemies, loot, and strategically advantageous positions. Here are its key functions:
- Reconnaissance: The primary function, allowing you to survey areas before committing to a push or rotation.
- Enemy Marking: You can mark enemies spotted by the falcon, relaying their positions to your squad.
- Loot Retrieval: The Falcon can pick up a single item (weapon, healing item, ammo) and bring it back to the player. This is incredibly useful for looting high-risk areas or grabbing items for teammates.
- Limited Health: The falcon has health, and it can be shot down. Take caution when scouting near enemies known for their shooting skills.
- Cooldown: After use, there’s a cooldown period before the Falcon can be deployed again.
Finding Falcon Scout Caches
Falcon Scout Caches are the only source of Scout Falcons. These caches are typically found in high-traffic areas and locations with tactical significance. While their exact spawn locations can vary slightly from match to match, certain areas tend to have higher probabilities:
- Named Locations: Areas like Tilted Towers, Retail Row, and Pleasant Park are prime hunting grounds due to the concentrated loot.
- Landmark Locations: Look out for landmarks like crashed spaceships, remote outposts, and tall structures (towers, windmills).
- Aerial Platforms: Some platforms suspended in the air or located on cliffs are known to house Falcon Scout Caches. These are often accessed via ziplines or by building up to them.
- Supply Drops: While rare, Falcon Scout Caches can sometimes spawn within opened supply drops.
- Specific Biomes: In certain seasons, specific biomes like snowy mountains or jungle areas might have increased spawn rates for these caches. Keep an eye on any patch notes or community discoveries.
Tips for Locating Falcon Scout Caches:
- Listen for the Sound: Falcon Scout Caches emit a unique, subtle sound that distinguishes them from regular chests. Pay close attention as you explore.
- Visual Clues: While not always reliable, look for distinctive markings or architectural features around potential cache locations.
- Prioritize High Ground: Scout Falcons are best utilized from high vantage points, so caches are often strategically placed in elevated areas.
- Aggressive Early Game: The faster you can loot, the better your chances of securing a Scout Falcon before others do. Landing in high-traffic zones early on can be risky but rewarding.
Using the Scout Falcon Effectively
Acquiring a Scout Falcon is only half the battle; you need to know how to use it effectively to gain a tactical edge.
Mastering Falcon Control:
- Smooth Flight: Practice maneuvering the falcon smoothly to avoid detection. Jerky movements and sudden altitude changes can attract attention.
- Strategic Scouting: Don’t just fly randomly. Focus on scouting ahead of your team’s rotation, checking rooftops for snipers, and identifying potential ambush spots.
- Item Prioritization: When retrieving loot, prioritize items that will have the most immediate impact on your team, such as healing items or crucial ammunition.
- Awareness of Limitations: Remember the falcon has limited health and a cooldown. Don’t overuse it, and be prepared to protect it.
Team Communication:
- Clear Marking: Mark enemies accurately and communicate their position clearly to your squad. This allows for coordinated pushes and ambushes.
- Loot Sharing: If the falcon retrieves loot for a teammate, ensure it reaches the intended recipient promptly.
- Tactical Coordination: Use the falcon’s reconnaissance to plan your team’s movements and engagements.
Countering the Scout Falcon:
Other players may also have scout falcons, so you should know how to counter them:
- Listen Carefully: The falcon’s flight is not silent. Use your audio cues to detect approaching falcons.
- Shoot it Down: Focus fire on the falcon when it’s in range to eliminate its reconnaissance capabilities.
- Use Cover: If you suspect you’re being scouted, stay close to cover to avoid being marked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Scout Falcon in Fortnite:
1. Are Scout Falcons available in all Fortnite game modes?
The availability of Scout Falcons depends on the current season and any specific Limited-Time Modes (LTMs). They are typically included in core modes like Battle Royale but may be absent in some LTMs.
2. Do Falcon Scout Caches always spawn in the same locations?
No, the exact spawn locations of Falcon Scout Caches vary from match to match. However, they are more likely to appear in high-traffic areas and locations with tactical significance.
3. Can multiple players use the same Scout Falcon?
No. Each Scout Falcon is a one-time-use item for the player who deploys it.
4. How much health does the Scout Falcon have?
The Scout Falcon has a limited amount of health. While the exact number can be subject to change with game updates, it’s generally vulnerable to focused fire.
5. What happens if the Scout Falcon is shot down?
If the Scout Falcon is shot down, it is destroyed, and the player must find another one. The player also has to wait for its cooldown period.
6. How long is the cooldown period for the Scout Falcon?
The cooldown period varies, but it’s usually long enough to prevent players from spamming the falcon continuously. Check the item description in-game for the exact duration.
7. Can the Scout Falcon pick up anything?
The Scout Falcon can only pick up one item at a time. It can retrieve weapons, healing items, ammo, and other small consumables.
8. Can the Scout Falcon carry a knocked player?
No, the Scout Falcon cannot carry downed players.
9. Does the Scout Falcon have infinite flight time?
No, the Scout Falcon does not have infinite flight time. There is a limit. Players need to be aware of this limitation.
10. Are there any skins or cosmetic options for the Scout Falcon?
No, there are currently no skins or cosmetic options available for the Scout Falcon.
11. Can you control the Scout Falcon from anywhere on the map?
While the Scout Falcon has a considerable range, there are limitations on how far you can control it. Flying it too far will result in disconnecting from the falcon and bringing it back.
12. Is there a limit to how many Scout Falcons I can carry?
Yes, there is a limit to how many Scout Falcons you can hold in your inventory. Typically, this will take up one inventory slot per falcon.
13. Does the Scout Falcon reveal my location to enemies?
While the Scout Falcon itself is visible and audible, controlling it does not directly reveal the player’s position. However, enemies can use the falcon’s flight path to infer your general location.
14. Does the Scout Falcon mark enemies automatically?
No, the Scout Falcon does not automatically mark enemies. Players must manually mark them using the appropriate key or button.
15. Are there any challenges or quests related to the Scout Falcon?
From time to time, Epic Games introduces challenges and quests that involve using the Scout Falcon, offering rewards for completing specific tasks with it. Keep an eye on the quest log for these opportunities.
By understanding how to acquire, utilize, and counter the Scout Falcon, you can significantly improve your gameplay in Fortnite and gain a valuable edge over your opponents. Stay informed about updates and community strategies to stay ahead of the curve and become a master of reconnaissance.