Fortnite Cipher Quests: How to decode encrypted quests

Iain Wilson
·5 min read
Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 1 location found
Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 1 location found

The Fortnite Cipher Quests have got players scratching their heads, as some of them are encrypted and you need to decode them to work out where to go next. There's actually quite a complex cipher being used to hide the answers, but we've cracked the code already to bring you a complete explanation for how to convert those numbers into words. As you work through these Fortnite quests you'll unlock five different cosmetic rewards, and two of those are directly linked to completing the encrypted tasks, so there's a tangible benefit to ticking them off. If you're ready to learn the secrets, then here's how to decode and complete the encrypted Cipher Quests in Fortnite.

What are the Fortnite Cipher Quests

The in-game Fortnite Cipher Quests screen
The in-game Fortnite Cipher Quests screen

The Fortnite Cipher Quests are now live, with new assignments being added daily until March 7, though you'll have until March 10 to complete them. These are split into unencrypted Cipher Quests with clear descriptions, and encrypted Cipher Quests that you'll need to decode using the available clues. Thanks to leaked information we have the complete list of these tasks already, which we include below and will update as they are officially released.

Unencrypted Cipher Quests in Fortnite

  • Visit Fortnite Bastion Outposts (3)

  • Collect ammo from chests (150)

  • Upgrade vehicles with Off-Road Tires or Cow Catchers (3)

  • Hit opponents with ranged weapons from 75 meters or more (5)

  • 1 of 4 - Get eliminations with a weapon of Uncommon rarity or higher (3)

  • 2 of 4 - Get eliminations with a weapon of Rare rarity or higher (3)

  • 3 of 4 - Get eliminations with a weapon of Epic rarity or higher (3)

  • 4 of 4 - Get eliminations with a weapon of Legendary rarity or higher (3)

  • 1 of 4 - Damage opponents with the Infantry Rifle or the Six Shooter (300)

  • 2 of 4 - Damage opponents with the Infantry Rifle or the Six Shooter (1,000)

  • 3 of 4 - Damage opponents with the Infantry Rifle or the Six Shooter (2,000)

  • 4 of 4 - Damage opponents with the Infantry Rifle or the Six Shooter (3,500)

    Future unencrypted Cipher Quests:

  • Mark targets with the Fortnite Falcon Scout (3)

  • Drive a vehicle in different named locations (5)

  • Deal explosive damage to enemy players (250)

  • Collect bars from eliminated players (50)

  • Complete Fortnite bounties (3)

  • Purchase items from a Character or a Vending Machine (5)

  • Reroll Fortnite augments (3)

  • Place recruitment posters (4)

  • 1 of 4 - Spend bars (250)

  • 2 of 4 - Spend bars (750)

  • 3 of 4 - Spend bars (2,500)

  • 4 of 4 - Spend bars (5,000)

  • Gain shields (150)

  • Destroy objects while in a vehicle (45)

  • Deal damage to players with assault rifles (500)

  • 1 of 4 - Outlast Opponents (50)

  • 2 of 4 - Outlast Opponents (150)

  • 3 of 4 - Outlast Opponents (300)

  • 4 of 4 - Outlast Opponents (500)

How to decode Encrypted Cipher Quests in Fortnite

The encrypted Cipher Quests in Fortnite are written in a substitution cipher, as hinted in a teaser posted by Epic where "3 18 1 3 11 20 8 5 3 15 4 5" becomes "CRACK THE CODE" if you use 1=A, 2=B etc. However, the actual code used for the encrypted Cipher Quests has additional complexity as it is being offset by the digits 0.3.1.0.2.0.2.3 repeating on a loop, so you need to take those numbers off the digits in the code before converting it back to letters. Using 1.17.23.9.14. 19.19.24.1.21.6 from the first quest as an example to explain this:

1 - 0 = 1
17 - 3 = 14
23 - 1 = 22
9 - 0 = 9
14 - 2 = 12

19 - 0 = 19
19 - 2 = 17
24 - 3 = 21
1 - 0 = 1
21 - 3 = 18
6 - 1 = 5

This means 1.17.23.9.14. 19.19.24.1.21.6 becomes 1.14.22.9.12. 19.17.21.1.18.5, and if you convert that using 1=A, 2=B... then you get ANVIL SQUARE.

  • 1 of 2 - 1.17.23.9.14. 19.19.24.1.21.6 (1) = ANVIL SQUARE

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 1 location map
Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 1 location map

Head to the east side of Anvil Square to find this garage workshop, then head inside and destroy the locker next to a rack of tires to access a hidden bunker – the next encrypted code is blurrily written on the wall, so interact with it to complete the first stage of this quest.

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 1 location in Anvil Square
Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 1 location in Anvil Square

  • 2 of 2 - 19.19.19.1.27. 1.22. 22.16.15.10.20.21. 2.17.26.12 (1) = SPRAY AT SPLITS BOWL

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 2 location map
Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 2 location map

Head to the Splits Bowl bowling alley in the middle of Faulty Splits, then pull up the emote wheel by holding down on the d-pad. Instead of your usual emotes, a special Distant Roar spray will appear, so spray that on any surface inside the bowling alley to complete the quest.

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 2 location
Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 2 location

Further encrypted Cipher Quests going live on March 1:

  • 12.18.15.5.14.25. 14.4.2.22 (1) = LONELY LABS

  • 19.11.2.20.22.5.20.8.4. 22.13.1.4.19 (1) = SHATTERED SLABS

Fortnite Cipher Quests Rewards

A selection of rewards unlocked by completing the Fortnite Cipher Quests
A selection of rewards unlocked by completing the Fortnite Cipher Quests

By completing Fortnite Cipher Quests, both unencrypted and encrypted, you'll unlock various reward items for your locker, and there's an additional item that will be awarded by beating a specific encrypted Cipher Quest in Faulty Splits. Those rewards are:

  • Complete 7 unencrypted Cipher Quests - Keep the Peace spray

  • Complete 15 unencrypted Cipher Quests - Order Up loading screen

  • Complete 24 unencrypted Cipher Quests - Deciphered emoticon

  • Complete 3 encrypted Cipher Quests - Circuitry wrap

  • Complete the Splits Bowl encrypted Cipher Quest - Distant Roar spray