How to find a Fortnite alien parasite and eliminate an attached alien parasite

The Fortnite alien parasite can either be seen as a blessing or a curse, depending on your feelings towards these hovering monsters. Yes they're annoying and drain a certain amount of your health, but they do also provide several benefits to the host if you allow one to attach itself to your head, so you'll need to make your own mind up on their contribution to Fortnite. One thing we know for sure is that they are integral to a number of quests, whether you're trying to eliminate an attached alien parasite from wildlife or another player, or deal damage with an alien parasite attached to your head. That means locating them is a priority, so here's what you need to know about how to find a Fortnite alien parasite and what to do next.

Where to find Fortnite alien parasites

Fortnite alien parasites are currently stuck on the heads of animals roaming around the map. So to find one be on the look out for Fortnite wolves, Fortnite boars, and Fortnite chickens. Those links will take you to maps where you can find each of the creatures, if you're having trouble locating one.

Just listen for animal noises and, when you find some, you'll need to kill the host animal to release the Fortnite parasite, which should then attach to you. Be careful to not to hit the parasite as you can kill them in the process, freeing the animal but getting you nothing, unless you're actually trying to eliminate an attached alien parasite.

You can also find alien parasites waiting to hatch from Fortnite alien eggs in Holly Hatchery, Hydro 16, or other locations as marked below:

Fortnite alien parasite locations map — (Image credit: Epic Games)

As you can see, these eggs are spreading to other areas now, such as the underground parking lot in Lazy Lake and the derelict house in Craggy Cliffs. If you get close to one of these eggs or shoot it, a Fortnite alien parasite will emerge and chase after you while it tries to attach itself.

What do Fortnite alien parasites do?

First the bad news: a Fortnite alien parasite will drain a portion your health straight away. It will leave your shields alone at least, but if you want one you'll have to take the hit on the health. In return, however, you'll get protection from headshot damage, as well as the ability to run faster and jump higher, so it's up to you if you want to chance it. That health suck might seem like a dangerous price to pay, but you'd be surprised how many people will effectively waste their efforts shooting your protected head, giving you more time to deal with them.

How to get a Fortnite parasite off your head

Once a Fortnite alien parasite is stuck on your head you have a few options for getting it off – jumping into water is probably the easiest option, while you can also get into anything you can interact with, like a dumpster or Porta-Potties. Less favorable options but usable in a pinch are to set yourself on fire, or take enough damage that the parasite jumps off. Obviously those last two are desperate measures, so maybe just find some water.