Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3 sees the return of sprites, now serving as the season's central gameplay mechanic. These companions, first introduced in Chapter 6 Season 1, offer players passive abilities when equipped and are a key element for progression.
Sprites can be found throughout the island, within chests and lootable containers, and from defeated enemies. Equipping a sprite occupies a dedicated inventory slot, displays the sprite on the player's back, and grants a passive ability. The rarity of a sprite influences its effectiveness, with rarer sprites being more difficult to find but offering greater bonuses. Players can also carry additional sprites in their regular inventory slots, though they will not provide any active ability in this state.
Sprite Abilities and Rarities
The original batch of sprites includes the Earth Sprite, which increases the chance of finding rare items in chests; the Fire Sprite, which creates a fiery burst after dealing enough damage; and the Water Sprite, which replenishes shields while in water for the player and their squad. The Duck Sprite replenishes shields through emoting or jamming, while the Ghost Sprite grants a temporary cloak upon reloading. Players can also find the Demon Sprite, which siphons health and shields upon eliminating an opponent, and the King Sprite, which enhances pickaxe damage. The Dream Sprite grants a random item at each level, culminating in legendary loot at maximum level. The Punk Sprite offers a random effect upon leveling up, and the Zero Point Sprite spawns a Shield Bubble Jr. when a healing item is used.
Fortnite's June 25 update introduced five new sprites: the Striker Sprite, granting Overdrive when mantling or hurdling; the Fishy Sprite, increasing swim speed and providing a brief movement boost when damaged; the Aura Sprite, which grants a Shock Rock charge after dealing enough damage; the Boss Sprite, offering a boost to maximum HP and Shield; and the Grim Reaper Sprite, which marks enemies who attack the player.
Sprite Variants and Progression
In addition to base sprites, special variants exist, offering additional bonuses. Gold sprites provide bonus XP on kills, Gummy sprites yield extra sprite dust upon extraction, and Galaxy sprites grant bonus ammo when looting. These variants are tracked separately and require more sprite dust to reclaim if lost. Epic Games plans to introduce new sprites and variants weekly throughout the season.
Sprites can be extracted at designated points, triggering a noisy and visually distinct arrival of an extraction cannister after approximately 30 seconds. All carried sprites can be stored in this cannister, yielding sprite dust, a new currency used at terminals to upgrade weapons and acquire other items. Winning a match also results in sprite extraction. Extracted sprites can be equipped at the start of subsequent matches for an early advantage. However, failure to extract a sprite or win with it equipped results in the loss of the sprite and any progress made. Summoning a previously extracted sprite costs sprite dust and resets it to level 1.
Portable Extractors, a consumable item, allow players to initiate an extraction at any location. These can be purchased daily from sprite terminals for 2,000 sprite dust, earned by completing daily quests, or unlocked by mastering a certain number of sprites. Mastering two sprites unlocks four Portable Extractors, and mastering six unlocks another four.
Strategic Implications
Extracting sprites provides a tangible gameplay advantage, allowing players to start matches with a chosen sprite. This can be particularly impactful in early-game encounters. While sprites may become less crucial later in a match compared to found loot, investing in them offers a strategic benefit for future rounds. Furthermore, extracting sprites enables Battle Pass owners to use them as customization options for The Guardian skin, a mech suit piloted by a sprite.