How To Use Hot Air Balloons in Fortnite: Complete Guide

Hot air balloons are one of the first things players notice when they load into Fortnite Chapter 7. With every new chapter comes a fresh map, new mechanics, and new ways to rotate, and these floating balloons instantly stand out above the island. They’re scattered across the sky and act as both vantage points and mobility tools, making them a huge part of early and mid-game strategy. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how hot air balloons work in Fortnite, how to use them to rotate safely, and why they can give you a massive advantage in Chapter 7.

How Does Hot Air Balloons Work in Fortnite?

Hot Air Balloons are one of the standout features on the Fortnite Chapter 7 map, floating across the island on preset paths that players can easily take advantage of. They move in a loop, so if you’re anywhere near their route, you’ll spot them drifting overhead—or you can check your map, where each balloon icon moves in real time so you always know where the next one is headed.

These balloons aren’t just for travel. Each one carries two loot containers, making them worth checking even if you’re not planning to ride. If you do hop on, they offer an easy way to reposition, rotate safely, or grab instant high ground over nearby players. Just keep in mind that Hot Air Balloons aren’t invincible—they only have 2,500 HP, meaning an enemy squad can shoot them down if you hang around too long. Used smartly, though, they’re an amazing mobility tool and a great way to stay one step ahead of the storm.

How To Use Hot Air Balloons in Fortnite

Hot air balloons follow a loop, stopping briefly at several stations across the map. Each stop has a small waiting area with a timer that shows when the next balloon will arrive. Once it docks, you can climb aboard and ride it to the next station—each leg of the trip takes about three minutes.

There are four balloons that rotate around the map and five stations where you can hop on. Their routes include these areas:
• Southeast of Wonkeeland
• West of Sandy Strip
• Northeast of Sus Studios
• North of Battlewood Boulevard
• East of Bumpy Bay

If you time your rotations well, balloons become one of the safest and easiest ways to cross long distances without burning through mobility items or risking open-field movement.

Conclusion

Hot air balloons add a fun layer of movement to Fortnite Chapter 7, giving players an easy way to rotate, grab quick loot, or take the high ground without burning resources. Once you understand how their routes work and where each station is located, they become one of the most reliable tools for getting around the island safely. Whether you’re chasing zones, avoiding third-parties, or just looking for better positioning, mastering hot air balloon travel can genuinely improve your matches this season.