Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
recon scanner fortnite feature

How to Use a Recon Scanner in Fortnite

The Recon Scanner is back! Get your hands on this once-vaulted item and discover the location of every enemy player in Fortnite.

The Recon Scanner is an item used to seek out and mark the location of chests and enemy players. It was first introduced in Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 7, the season of alien invasions and flying saucers! The scanner has been temporarily reintroduced in Chapter 3 Season 2for Rail Gun Recon Week where players can use it to gain extra XP. Find out more below.

Recommended Videos

How to Use a Recon Scanner

The Recon Scanner is classed as a miscellaneous item as it does not deal any significant damage to players. Instead it is used as a reconnaissance device to locate chests and opponents (including IO guards and animals). It holds 2 rounds of Scanner Ammo in the chamber, and has a fire rate of 3. The ammo for this item is not available to pick up from ammo boxes, instead it recharges within the Recon Scanner itself, taking 15 seconds to recharge. When fired, the Recon Scanner shows how many enemies are in range:

fortnite_recon_scanner_rail_gun_week1
Using a Recon Scanner in Fortnite (screenshot by Touch Tap Play)

Related: How to Ignite Structures in Fortnite

Combing this item with a Rail Gun can be pretty deadly as you can track players and shoot them through structures. The best way to use the Recon Scanner is to fire a couple of rounds over structures nearby to reveal nearby opponents, or shoot one directly into the building where you are to see who else is there.

fortnite_recon_scanner_rail_gun_week5
Use the scanner indoors to show a player’s location (screenshot by Touch Tap Play)

Enemy players, IO guards, and animals will all be highlighted in red with a red icon above their heads. Once they can be seen you can either seek them out, fire projectiles or a Rail Gun at them, or hide until they have gone

fortnite_recon_scanner_rail_gun_week4
The Recon Scanner shows items and enemies nearby (screenshot by Touch Tap Play)

Do not forget- the Recon Scanner is also useful for pinpointing where chests are located. Fire a round over a building and see if it worth investigating. Chests and ammo boxes will be highlighted in yellow with a small icon above them.

Find a Recon Scanner where you would normally find loot, grab one and get scanning! Let us know in the comments below if you’d like to see the Recon Scanner stay in Fortnite permanently.

Good luck!

Author
Image of Rowan Jones
Rowan Jones
Rowan has been creating content for Touch Tap Play since 2021. When she’s not writing game guides, Rowan can be found trying out new mobile games, laughing during horror movies, or wandering in the Devon countryside with her dog. She has a love/hate relationship with Dead By Daylight, and a healthy obsession with Fortnite.