Fortnite Guide: What are Combat Caches

Fortnite matches are often defined by key power spikes - finding that rare loot or weapon that gives you an edge. The vaulted Supply Drop used to offer such boosts, but now that coveted role belongs to the Combat Cache. Unlocking one requires braving risk for reward, but can greatly shift the battle in your favor. In this article, you will find all the information you need to know about what are combat caches in Fortnite

What Are Combat Caches?

Introduced in Chapter 4 Season 2 after Supply Drops were vaulted, Combat Caches offer players a chance to obtain various epic weapons, healing items, materials, and ammo mid-match. They appear suddenly via a marked drop from the sky and reward those bold enough to wait out their opening timer.

The towering blue beam marks their location, but waiting to crack one open leaves you vulnerable. Successfully securing a Combat Cache's contents though gives you an instant leg up on less equipped opponents.

When and Where Do Combat Caches Spawn in Fortnite?

Combat Caches don't immediately populate the map, instead arriving later into matches. Specifically, they'll begin appearing on the island after the 3rd Storm Circle finishes closing.

The game randomly selects drop points across the map, though they tend to favor more central locations. Once Cache spawns, all players in the vicinity will receive an on-screen notification and map marker pointing them to the landing zone.

How To Open and Loot Combat Caches in Fortnite

Opening a Combat Cache takes a bit of patience, but nets major rewards:

1. Rush to reach the Cache landing site when notified of its arrival.
2. Approach the glowing pillar of light and interact to begin the opening sequence.
3. Wait approximately 50 seconds while the Cache unlocks itself.
4. Loot the spill of Legendary or Epic weapons and items as the Cache pops open!

Bear in mind the Cache's light shifts colors to indicate the value of contents dropping over time. Gambling on a late arrival could diminish potential gear quality.

Securing a Combat Cache puts you strides ahead of less prepared opponents in terms of firepower and resources. With an arsenal of exotic weapons and plenty of materials and healing in your pocket, you'll be primed to push the match into the endgame. Just be ready to fend off rivals eyeing that same power spike!