Fortnite’s Newest Mobility Item: The Wingsuit Explained
Chapter 7 Season 1—dubbed “Pacific Break”—has brought Fortnite back to its roots with a massive island that demands new traversal options. While we’re all adjusting to the tsunami wave drops instead of the Battle Bus, Epic has introduced another game-changing mobility mechanic: Wingsuits.
If you’ve been feeling like rotations take forever on the new map, or you’re tired of getting caught in the storm mid-rotation, Wingsuits are about to become your new best friend. They’re not just a gimmick—they fundamentally change how you can move across the Battlewood island, escape dangerous situations, and even engage in combat from unexpected angles.
Let me break down everything you need to know about finding, using, and mastering Wingsuits in Chapter 7.
What Are Wingsuits in Fortnite?
Wingsuits are reusable mobility items that let you glide through the air at high speeds after launching from elevated positions. Think of them as a hybrid between glider redeploy and the old rift mechanics, but with way more control and style.
Key Features:
Reusable equipment – Unlike consumables, Wingsuits don’t disappear after one use. Once you pick one up, it stays in your inventory until you drop it or get eliminated.
Speed-based flight – The faster you’re moving when you deploy, the longer and faster you’ll glide. Launch yourself off mountains or use vehicles for maximum distance.
Combat-ready – You can actually pull out weapons while gliding, making Wingsuits viable for aggressive plays, not just rotation.
No fall damage protection – Here’s the catch: Wingsuits don’t automatically save you from fall damage. You need to deploy them before hitting the ground, which adds a skill element.
They fit perfectly into Chapter 7’s Hollywood-action-movie theme. Seriously, soaring over the Pacific Break island with a Wingsuit feels like you’re in a blockbuster chase sequence.
Where to Find Wingsuits: Spawn Locations & Loot Sources
Wingsuits aren’t exactly rare, but they’re not littering the ground everywhere either. Here’s where you should look:
Ground Loot & Chests
Wingsuits spawn as standard loot items from:
- Regular chests (fairly common)
- Supply drops
- Floor loot spawns throughout the map
They appear with uncommon (green) rarity, making them easier to find than legendary weapons but not as common as basic consumables.
High-Altitude POIs
Since Wingsuits are most effective when launched from elevated positions, Epic has smartly placed more spawns near:
- Mountain peaks and cliffsides
- Tall buildings in named locations
- Elevated terrain near the map’s edges
Pro tip: If you’re landing somewhere with vertical terrain (hills, towers, multi-story buildings), you have a higher chance of finding Wingsuits nearby. Epic clearly wants you to find them where you can actually use them immediately.
Named Location Hotspots
While Wingsuits can spawn anywhere, certain areas seem to have higher concentrations:
- Areas with movie studio sets and soundstages (fitting the Battlewood theme)
- Coastal cliffs overlooking the ocean
- Urban areas with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings
I’ve personally had the most consistent luck finding Wingsuits in locations with dramatic elevation changes. The new map’s terrain is designed to synergize with this mobility option.
Inventory Management
Wingsuits take up one inventory slot, so you’ll need to decide if they’re worth carrying over an extra healing item or utility. For most situations—especially in mid-game rotations—they’re absolutely worth the slot.
How to Use Wingsuits: Basic Controls & Mechanics
Once you’ve grabbed a Wingsuit, here’s how to actually use it:
Step-by-Step Deployment
- Equip the Wingsuit from your inventory (it goes in a regular item slot)
- Gain altitude by climbing a structure, mountain, or launching from a vehicle
- Jump into the air and begin falling
- Activate the Wingsuit by pressing your use item button while airborne
Critical timing tip: You can deploy the Wingsuit at any point during your fall, but deploying earlier gives you more distance and control. Wait too long, and you’ll hit the ground before the animation completes.
Flight Controls
Once deployed, the Wingsuit functions like advanced glider controls:
Looking down – Increases speed but decreases altitude (dive-bombing) Looking up – Trades speed for altitude gain (useful for clearing obstacles) Left/right looking – Controls your direction and turning radius
The physics feel intuitive once you get the hang of it. You’re basically managing a constant trade-off between speed and altitude.
Maintaining Flight
Unlike gliders that let you coast forever, Wingsuit flight depends on momentum:
- You’ll gradually lose altitude over time
- Diving speeds you up but costs height faster
- You can’t regain height indefinitely—eventually, gravity wins
Think of it like surfing air currents. You’re not flying; you’re gliding with style.
Landing Safely
Here’s where players mess up: Wingsuits don’t automatically prevent fall damage.
To land safely:
- Slow your descent by angling upward as you approach the ground
- Aim for slopes or water which reduce impact
- Deploy early rather than late—better to land short of your target than splat into it
If you’re coming in too hot and too steep, you’ll take damage just like a regular fall. Practice makes perfect here.
Advanced Wingsuit Strategies & Tips
Now that you understand the basics, let’s talk about how to actually leverage Wingsuits competitively:
Rotation Mastery
Storm escapes: Wingsuits can save your life when the zone is closing. Launch from any elevated terrain and glide to safety instead of outrunning the storm on foot.
Third-party positioning: Hear a fight happening? Use a Wingsuit to glide in from an unexpected angle while both teams are distracted. You’ll arrive faster than running and with the element of surprise.
High ground abandonment: Built up in a fight but need to disengage? Wingsuits let you bail from tall structures without taking fall damage, denying your opponent the easy finish.
Combat Applications
Yes, you can fight while using Wingsuits. Here’s how:
Aerial assault: Pull out an SMG or AR while gliding and spray down unsuspecting enemies below. You’re a harder target to hit while moving through the air.
Escape under fire: If someone starts shooting while you’re gliding, serpentine your flight path by looking left and right rapidly. The erratic movement makes you tough to track.
Surprise engagements: Glide silently over enemies and land directly on their position for a shotgun blast. It’s risky but incredibly satisfying when it works.
Don’t use snipers or slow weapons while gliding—the movement makes precision shots nearly impossible, and you’re vulnerable while ADS.
Vehicle Synergy
Here’s a technique most players don’t know yet:
Launch ramps + Wingsuits = massive distance. Build a ramp, drive a vehicle up it at full speed, jump out at the peak, and immediately deploy your Wingsuit. The vehicle’s momentum carries over, letting you cover insane distances.
Planes (if they return) could synergize even better—bail from a plane and Wingsuit away for unpredictable repositioning.
Map Knowledge
Learn the map’s elevation points:
- Highest peaks give maximum Wingsuit distance
- Central mountains let you reach almost any zone circle
- Coastal cliffs are perfect for water landings (no fall damage)
I’ve been making mental notes of which locations have the best “Wingsuit launch pads” for different circle scenarios. Knowing where you can access high ground quickly is a huge advantage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After watching teammates (and myself) fail spectacularly with Wingsuits, here are the most common errors:
Mistake #1: Deploying Too Late
You’re falling, you panic, you deploy the Wingsuit with 2 meters to the ground. Splat. Always deploy earlier than you think you need to. The animation takes time.
Mistake #2: Flying Too Aggressively
New players dive-bomb everywhere because it feels cool. Then they realize they’ve lost all their altitude and are crash-landing into an open field with no cover. Manage your descent—speed isn’t everything.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Audio
Wingsuits make a distinct sound that enemies can hear. Don’t assume you’re sneaking up on anyone. Smart players will hear you coming and laser you out of the sky.
Mistake #4: Using in Final Circles
In tight endgame zones, Wingsuits are less useful and more dangerous. You become a slow-moving target in a small space. Save them for mid-game rotations.
Mistake #5: Not Carrying One
Seriously, if you have an inventory slot and see a Wingsuit, pick it up. The mobility advantage is too valuable to pass up, especially on Chapter 7’s massive map. You can always drop it later if you need the space.
Wingsuits vs. Other Mobility Items
How do Wingsuits compare to other movement options in Chapter 7?
Wingsuits vs. Shockwave Grenades
Shockwaves: Instant boost, limited charges, great for building fights Wingsuits: Longer distance, reusable, requires elevation
Use Shockwaves for quick escapes in close quarters; use Wingsuits for long-range rotation.
Wingsuits vs. Vehicles
Vehicles: Faster on flat ground, more predictable Wingsuits: Better for crossing mountains/water, harder to shoot down
Ideally, combine both—drive to elevation, then Wingsuit from there.
Wingsuits vs. Rift-To-Go (if they return)
Rifts: Instant deployment, guaranteed safety Wingsuits: More control, reusable, skill-dependent
Rifts are more forgiving; Wingsuits reward practice and game sense.
Wingsuit Challenges & Quests
Epic typically includes mobility items in weekly challenges. Expect quests like:
- “Travel X meters using a Wingsuit”
- “Eliminate opponents while using a Wingsuit”
- “Deploy a Wingsuit from different named locations”
These challenges force you to practice with the item, which honestly helps you improve. Don’t skip them—the XP helps with your Battle Pass progression, and you’ll get better at Wingsuit mechanics in the process.
Competitive & Ranked Implications
With Ranked mode returning on December 4, Wingsuits will likely play a major role in competitive strategy:
Zone RNG becomes less punishing – Bad circle? Wingsuit from nearby elevation to make it in time.
High ground isn’t a death trap – Built too high? Wingsuit away instead of taking fall damage or burning mats.
Third-party meta shifts – Teams can arrive at fights faster and from more angles, making awareness even more critical.
Expect pro players to identify optimal Wingsuit routes for every zone variant. The skill ceiling for this item is genuinely high.
Tips for Different Playstyles
Aggressive Players
- Carry Wingsuits for quick engagements and disengages
- Practice aerial combat to pressure enemies from above
- Use high-ground abandonment to bait opponents into bad positions
Passive/Rotation Players
- Prioritize finding Wingsuits early for storm safety
- Learn every elevation point for emergency escapes
- Use Wingsuits to avoid congested areas and fights
Content Creators
Wingsuits enable insane highlight plays. The clips of players gliding across the map and landing perfect shots are already going viral. If you’re creating Fortnite content, mastering Wingsuits gives you unique footage opportunities.
What We Might See in Future Updates
Based on Epic’s history with mobility items, expect:
Wingsuit variants – Legendary versions with longer glide times or unique effects Map additions – New POIs designed specifically for Wingsuit gameplay Limited-time modes – Wingsuit-only game modes or challenges Cosmetic Wingsuits – Custom designs that match your outfit (purely visual)
The fact that Wingsuits are a core Chapter 7 feature suggests Epic will continue supporting and expanding them throughout the season.
Quick Reference Guide
Rarity: Uncommon (Green)
Inventory Slots: 1
Uses: Unlimited (until dropped or eliminated)
Best Spawn Locations: High-altitude areas, chests, supply drops
Best Use Cases: Mid-game rotation, storm escapes, third-party positioning
Weakness: Requires elevation, audio gives away position, skill-dependent
Master the Skies of Pacific Break
Wingsuits are easily one of the best mobility additions Fortnite has introduced in recent seasons. They reward map knowledge, mechanical skill, and creative thinking—exactly the kind of depth that keeps the game interesting after hundreds of matches.
The learning curve isn’t too steep, but there’s genuine mastery potential here. The difference between a player who panic-deploys their Wingsuit and crashes versus someone who smoothly glides across half the map to third-party a fight at the perfect moment? That’s the kind of skill expression that makes Fortnite compelling.
My advice: Dedicate your first few matches of Chapter 7 to just practicing with Wingsuits. Land at elevated POIs, grab one immediately, and experiment with the flight mechanics. Learn what angles work, how momentum affects distance, and where the best launch points are on the map.
By the time Ranked returns on December 4, you’ll have a significant advantage over players who ignored this new mechanic. And honestly? Gliding over Pacific Break’s gorgeous new island with a Wingsuit just feels incredible. It’s pure Fortnite fun.
Now get out there and own the skies. See you in the air! 🪂
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