If you’ve been grinding Fortnite quests for a while, you know the drill — most challenges ask you to thank the bus driver, dance on a bridge, or pick up five apples. Easy peasy. But every now and then the game throws a curveball with those sneaky “First to…” tasks. Instead of just completing an action, you need to be the very first player out of all 100 to pull it off. Sounds intense, right? Honestly, once you crack the code, these become some of the most satisfying mini-objectives to check off. I’ve been chasing these for a few seasons now, and today I’m spilling all my secrets so you can bag them like a pro — or at least with a lot less rage-quitting.
Here’s the thing: these quests aren’t about winning the whole match. It’s more like a chaotic lottery where the fastest (or sometimes the most reckless) player wins. You’re essentially speedrunning a tiny slice of the game while everyone else is still loading their fancy skins. My first attempt at “First to die” was a disaster — I jumped late, landed on a roof, and died second. Yep, I somehow managed to come in second place at dying. That’s when I realised you need a clear game plan for each one. So let’s break down the most common “First to…” objectives and how you can smash them before anyone else even touches the ground.
First to Die — Embrace the Chaos
This one is morbidly fun. To be the first eliminated, you literally throw yourself into the grinder. As soon as the Battle Bus appears, jump immediately and point your glider straight toward the nearest hot zone — Tilted Towers, Brutal Bastion, wherever the sweat lords gather. Don’t even think about picking up a weapon. The moment your feet hit the pavement, sprint toward the nearest enemy swinging a pickaxe. If you hear gunfire, run towards it like a moth to a flame. One match I did this so fast I died before the announcer finished saying “Grayson, reporting for duty.” Glorious. Pro tip: aim for densely packed landing spots and skip any shield or loot — your only goal is to get sent back to the lobby first.
First to Get a Kill — The Quickdraw Hustle
Getting that first elimination is all about sharp elbows and a bit of luck. Pop out of the bus immediately and zero in on a populated POI where players land early. The moment you touch down, grab the nearest weapon — a shotgun is the holy grail here, but even a grey pistol will do if you’re quick. Then go full predator on someone who is still fumbling with a chest or mindlessly harvesting a tree. I’ve had ace moments where I landed at Mega City, scooped up a Havoc Pump Shotgun from a floor, and clapped a guy before he could even close the door. You want to be the bully this time. If you hesitate, someone else will snatch that first kill while you’re still figuring out your inventory.
First to Get Full Shields — The Potion Goblin
This one feels almost unfair if you know the right spots. The trick is to ignore weapons entirely and treat shield items like buried treasure. Land at a location with guaranteed shield spawns — gas stations, Rebel’s Roost (still a champ in 2026 with all those mushrooms), or any named area with a lot of floor loot. I usually land at Rebel’s Roost, snatch every Shield Shroom in sight, and pop two Minis followed by a Big Potion instantly. If you can stack small shields first, you’ll hit 100 shields in seconds. Last week I managed this so fast my squad thought I’d clipped into a bug — nope, just pure greed for shields. Pro move: if someone else lands right next to you, throw a quick wall build just to buy a second while you chug. Chug first, fight later.
First to Land — Dive Like a Bullet
This challenge is pure physics. The moment the Battle Bus indicator pops up on your screen, hammer that jump key and angle your camera straight down. Glide forward while diving to reach maximum velocity, and aim for a high-elevation point like a mountain peak or a rooftop — you’ll “land” sooner than someone aiming for a valley. Do not even glance sideways; any wobble costs precious milliseconds. I once dove so perfectly that I landed before the Bus had finished its opening route, and the game awarded me the first-to-land XP while I was still looking around confused. If you struggle with this, practice in a safe fall zone where you can see how dive angles affect your speed. No need to fight, just touch dirt first and you’re golden.
First to Open a Chest — The Outdoor Looter
Forget fancy buildings. The fastest chests are always the ones sitting out in the open — at campsites, on hilltops, or behind rocks. Pick a drop spot with a well-known outdoor chest, like the area near Classic Courts or the gas station above Creeky Compound. Jump immediately, glide straight to that chest, and spam the open button as you land. I’ve been beaten to indoor chests so many times because another player phased through the wall like a ghost. Outdoor chests remove that hassle. One easy spot I still hit in Chapter 6 is the chest on the small island north of Lazy Lake — nobody ever goes there, and it’s always just sitting there waiting. Easy first.
First to Forage — Mushroom Munching Masterclass
Foraging might sound hippie-dippie, but it’s surprisingly competitive. You just need to be the first to eat something picked from the ground. Rebel’s Roost remains the MVP here because it’s littered with Shield Shrooms that you can instantly consume. Land on the roof or near the outer garden, grab a mushroom in mid-air if you can, and start munching immediately. Don’t bother opening a door or looting anything else. I’ve had matches where I ate a shroom while still gliding down (not literally, but you get the vibe). Also, keep an eye out for cabbage patches near farms — those work too, but mushrooms are just faster.
First to Fish — The Peaceful Angler
This one’s delightfully chill if you pick the right pond. My go-to spot is the lake southwest of Grand Glacier; it’s just out of the way enough that most players ignore it. Hop out immediately, dive towards the shoreline, and grab a rod from the barrel that always sits on the dock. Cast into the nearest fishing hole the second you land. You don’t need a weapon — just a peaceful little fish. I’ve had this done within 10 seconds of landing, and it’s oddly satisfying when the “First to fish” banner pops up while you hear gunshots in the distance. If you do see an enemy, crouch by the water’s edge or behind a rock. Trust me, nobody wants to fight a guy holding a fishing rod.
Wrapping It All Up
These “First to…” quests might seem like a mad dash at first, but they’re really just bite-sized puzzles. The key is to commit fully to your objective and ignore everything else. Don’t try to multitask — you’ll end up being second in everything, and that’s just soul-crushing. I’ve learned to hit these during my warm-up matches so I don’t stress about my K/D. Whether you’re diving straight to your death or peacefully fishing while the island burns, there’s a unique rush in being the absolute first at something. So go ahead, queue up, and show the lobby what a true speed demon looks like. Just remember: if you get the first shield, maybe don’t waste it on a dance — there’s still a Victory Royale to chase afterward. Or not. You do you!