Fortnite Pumpkin Launcher Location: How to Find It and Eliminate an Opponent Full Guide
If you’ve played Fortnite during Halloween, you know one thing for sure: the Pumpkin Launcher is a fan-favourite. This explosive weapon adds a spooky twist to the game, perfect for Fortnitemares. But where exactly can you find this weapon, and how do you eliminate opponents with it? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Pumpkin Launcher in Fortnite, including its locations, how to use it effectively, and how to complete the related quests.
What is the Pumpkin Launcher in Fortnite?
The Pumpkin Launcher is a limited-time rocket launcher that makes an appearance during Fortnite’s Fortnitemares event every Halloween season. This weapon fires rocket-propelled pumpkins that explode on impact, causing significant area-of-effect damage. Whether you love or hate it, this seasonal item is a blast to use (literally) and often required to complete various event quests.
How Does the Pumpkin Launcher Work?
The Pumpkin Launcher behaves like any other rocket launcher but with a fun, spooky aesthetic. It uses rockets as ammo and deals substantial damage to enemies and structures. However, it’s a bit slow to reload and fire, so timing and accuracy are key.
Where to Find the Pumpkin Launcher in Fortnite
The Pumpkin Launcher is only available during the Fortnitemares event, and you can find it in various locations in Chapter 4 Season 4. Here’s a breakdown of where to search for this powerful weapon:
1. Floor Loot
The Pumpkin Launcher can be found randomly on the ground as floor loot. While this method is a bit more random, it’s worth checking high-traffic areas where loot spawns frequently, such as named locations and hot drops.
2. Chests (Regular and Rare)
Regular chests and rare chests both have a chance to contain the Pumpkin Launcher. Be sure to loot every chest you come across, especially in locations like Tilted Towers or Pleasant Park, where chests are plentiful.
3. Holo-Chests
Holo-Chests, which require a key to open, are another source of the Pumpkin Launcher. Keep an eye out for these special chests, often found in named locations and around large structures. Having a key will allow you to open these and possibly snag a Pumpkin Launcher.
4. Flying Drones
During Fortnitemares, flying drones also have the chance to drop the Pumpkin Launcher. Drones hover over some of the map’s key locations, and shooting them down can reward you with valuable loot, including the Pumpkin Launcher.
5. Defeating Opponents
One of the riskier but potentially faster ways to get the Pumpkin Launcher is by eliminating an opponent who already has it. If you notice someone using the launcher, take them down and claim the spooky weapon for yourself.
How to Eliminate an Opponent with a Pumpkin Launcher
Once you’ve secured a Pumpkin Launcher, your next goal might be to eliminate opponents with it, especially if you’re working on Fortnitemares quests. But due to the launcher’s slow fire rate, this isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Here are some tips to help you score that elimination:
1. Gather Plenty of Ammo
Since the Pumpkin Launcher uses rockets, you’ll want to stock up on ammo. Rockets aren’t the most common find, so make sure to check ammo crates as you loot. You don’t want to run out of ammo mid-battle, especially when you’re facing an opponent in the heat of a firefight.
2. Use Other Weapons to Lower Their Shields First
The Pumpkin Launcher does heavy damage, but its reload time is slow. If your opponent has full shields and health, you might not be able to take them down with a single shot. Instead, start with another weapon, like a shotgun or assault rifle, to weaken them. Once their shield is low or broken, switch to the Pumpkin Launcher for a guaranteed knockout.
3. Aim for Direct Hits or Predict Movement
The Pumpkin Launcher’s projectile is slow-moving compared to other weapons, so you need to anticipate where your enemy is going to be, not where they are. Aim slightly ahead of their movement or try to catch them off guard in close quarters where they have less space to dodge.
4. Take Advantage of Higher Ground
Like any rocket launcher, the Pumpkin Launcher works best when you have the high ground. From above, you can fire the explosive projectile toward unsuspecting players below, maximizing the area-of-effect damage.
5. Use the Launcher to Destroy Structures
If you’re up against an opponent who loves to build, the Pumpkin Launcher can quickly break through their defenses. Fire at the base of their builds to make their structure collapse, leaving them exposed for an easy shot.
Pumpkin Launcher Stats and Variants
The Pumpkin Launcher comes in different rarities, each with varying levels of damage output and reload speed. Here’s a quick look at the stats:
- Damage: 130 (Epic variant)
- Fire Rate: 0.75 shots per second
- Magazine Size: 1 rocket
- Reload Time: 2.52 seconds (varies slightly with rarity)
The higher the rarity (Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary), the more damage it does and the slightly faster it reloads.
Special Ways to Obtain the Legendary Pumpkin Launcher
For those hunting down the Legendary Pumpkin Launcher, you have two special options during Fortnitemares:
1. Defeat Ultima Carver
One way to guarantee the Legendary Pumpkin Launcher is by defeating Ultima Carver, a boss located at Brawler’s Patch. Be warned, though this isn’t an easy fight. Ultima Carver wields the powerful Woodstake Shotgun and has over 500 health, making this encounter tough, especially with other players trying to take him down at the same time.
2. Purchase from the Pumpkin King
If you’ve saved up 800 Gold Bars, you can purchase the Legendary Pumpkin Launcher directly from the Pumpkin King, found at Restored Reels. Although it’s costly, buying it might be worth it if you want to ensure you have the best version of the launcher without the risk of getting eliminated first.
Tips for Using the Pumpkin Launcher in Fortnite
Now that you know how to find and eliminate opponents with the Pumpkin Launcher, here are a few additional tips for maximizing its potential:
- Hold back and time your shots: Due to its slow fire rate, patience is key. Wait until your opponent is in a vulnerable position or trapped in a confined space.
- Stay mobile: Don’t stand still while reloading or after firing. The Pumpkin Launcher is powerful, but it leaves you exposed due to its slow reload time.
- Coordinate with teammates: If you’re playing in duos or squads, coordinate with your teammates. Use the Pumpkin Launcher to weaken enemy structures or deal splash damage while your teammates finish them off.
FAQ: Pumpkin Launcher in Fortnite
Q: When is the Pumpkin Launcher available?
The Pumpkin Launcher is only available during Fortnite’s annual Fortnitemares event, which typically takes place around Halloween.
Q: Can I find the Pumpkin Launcher in Creative Mode?
Yes, players can often add the Pumpkin Launcher to their Creative Mode games during Fortnitemares.
Q: How much damage does the Pumpkin Launcher do?
The Pumpkin Launcher deals 130 base damage with an area-of-effect blast, and this number can vary based on the weapon’s rarity.
Q: Can the Pumpkin Launcher be upgraded?
No, the Pumpkin Launcher cannot be upgraded using upgrade benches like other weapons.
Q: Does the Pumpkin Launcher deal self-damage?
Yes, be careful when using it at close range. Like other explosives in Fortnite, the Pumpkin Launcher can hurt you if you’re too close to the blast.
