Fortnite Cipher Quests: How to decode encrypted quests

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 4 location in Shattered Slabs
(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Cipher Quests have an extra layer of complexity beyond the usual sets of assignments, as several of them are encrypted Cipher Quests that initially appear as a string of numbers. To work out what needs doing for them, you need to use a modified substitution cipher to change those numbers back into letters, then combine the words they spell out with the clues given. We've got a full explanation for the process behind that, but if it all sounds a bit too complicated then don't worry as we also have all of the solutions written out which you can skip straight to.

There are five cosmetic rewards to be earned by completing these Fortnite quests, and as two of them can only be claimed by clearing the encrypted Cipher Quests it pays to know exactly what they mean. If you're ready to crack the code, or just want to read ahead to find the answers, then here's how to decode and complete all of the encrypted Cipher Quests in Fortnite.

What are the Fortnite Cipher Quests

The in-game Fortnite Cipher Quests screen

(Image credit: Epic Games)

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.

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)
  • 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)
  • Place Fortnite recruitment posters (4)
  • Purchase items from Fortnite Characters or a Vending Machine (5)
  • Reroll Fortnite augments (3)
  • 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)

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
    Inspect the wall... beneath eastern building at...

(Image credit: Epic Games)

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

(Image credit: Epic Games)
  • 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

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Make your way 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 second part of this quest.

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 2 location in Faulty Splits

(Image credit: Epic Games)
  • 12.18.15.5.14.25. 14.4.2.22 (1) = LONELY LABS
    Decrypt the signal... beneath snowbank at...

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Head to Lonely Labs in the northeast corner of the island, then look at the shipping containers next to the Fortnite Capture Point flag. You'll see that one of them (marked below) is sticking into a snowbank, and if you go through it you'll find stairs leading down to a secret bunker. Go down there and interact with any of the computer units to complete the third stage of this quest.

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 3 location in Lonely Labs

(Image credit: Epic Games)
  • 19.11.2.20.22.5.20.8.4. 22.13.1.4.19 (1) = SHATTERED SLABS
    Dig at the top of...

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Make your way to the northwest end of Shattered Slabs, where you'll see a series of sections cut into the hill with a small cave-like opening at the top. Enter that to find a small glowing mound on the floor, then hit it with your harvesting tool to pop an arcade machine out of the ground, completing the fourth and final stage of this quest.

Fortnite Cipher Quests Encrypted 4 location in Shattered Slabs

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Cipher Quests Rewards

A selection of rewards unlocked by completing the Fortnite Cipher Quests

(Image credit: Epic Games)

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

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Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 750 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

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