How to damage players with the Ripsaw Launcher in Fortnite

Fortnite Ripsaw Launcher workshop rack
(Image credit: Epic Games)

The Fortnite Ripsaw Launcher is an interesting item, as it can function both as a weapon and a tool in the battle royale. You can easily damage players with the Ripsaw Launcher in Fortnite by firing one of its blades in their direction, though for some of the other tasks you need to perform with it a little more finesse is required, such as using a single blade to destroy five structures. The Ripsaw Launcher brings a certain amount of chaotic energy to Fortnite, as you can tear through opponents' barricades or raze buildings to the ground with a few well-aimed blasts of the spinning blades. Whether you need one for challenges or otherwise, here's where to find a Fortnite Ripsaw Launcher and how to use it.

Where to find a Ripsaw Launcher in Fortnite

Fortnite Ripsaw Launcher chop shop map

(Image credit: Epic Games)
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The best place to get yourself a Ripsaw Launcher is at the Chop Shop in the frozen northwest area of the Fortnite map. It’s a large red workshop building roughly northeast of Logjam Lotus. Head inside and you’ll find a couple of Ripsaw Launchers lying on the ground. From the ground floor of the main workshop, you can also reach a smaller, gray garage building which has a wall full of extra Ripsaw Launchers.

You also have a small chance of finding a Ripsaw Launcher in the world as they can appear on the ground, in chests, and in supply drops. So you might not have to venture to the Chop Shop to get them, although that is the best option if you absolutely need one for something specific. Do note that the Ripsaw Launcher is not available in any competitive playlists! Wherever you spot one, grab it and get slicing.

How to use the Fortnite Ripsaw launcher

Fortnite Ripsaw Launcher firing

(Image credit: Epic Games)

The Ripsaw Launcher fires saw blades that will stick into any destructible object and deal constant damage until they break, meaning it can absolutely shred through structures - both player-made and those already on the map. You also need one to complete several weekly Fortnite quests. The first requires you to chop down Fortnite Timber Pines, the second tasks you with finding giant mushrooms in Fortnite and slicing those up too, while you'll also need to damage players with it.

However, this destructive power is balanced by the launcher's limited ammo capacity as it comes with just 12 sawblades and can hold three at once. To increase the range and velocity of each sawblade, you’ll need to hold down the fire button to rev up the launcher. Revving it up also makes it a Fortnite melee weapon, so you can slice your foes and any builds up close. Overall, it’s not exactly easy to use or something you should whip out mid-shootout, but it might be something to hold onto if you’ve got the inventory space, especially in battle royale modes with building enabled.

Destroy 5 structures with a single shot of the Ripsaw Launcher in Fortnite

Fortnite Ripsaw Launcher

(Image credit: Epic Games)

One of the quests in Week 8 asks players to destroy five individual structures with a single shot of the ripsaw launcher - as in, one spinning blade destroys five different objects before it eventually self-destructs. Once you have a Fortnite Ripsaw Launcher, here's some things you can do to sort it:

  • Use objects inside buildings, rather than buildings themselves. Chairs, tables, shelves and similar props tend to be lined up nicely and break quickly.
  • Shoot objects in advance to weaken them (though don't destroy them)
  • Plan your shots carefully, don't waste sawblades experimenting.

The Chop Shop, as mentioned above, is actually a very good option for this challenge. Aside from being full of Ripsaw Launchers, the main room also contains all manner of flimsy objects and furniture that you can destroy efficiently and effectively. If you look at the image above, the saw is about to destroy the boxes, tables, then pass on through and work on the door behind them - a trajectory that worked for us when we tried it.

Will Sawyer
Guides Writer

Will Sawyer is a guides writer at GamesRadar+ who works with the rest of the guides team to give readers great information and advice on the best items, how to complete a particular challenge, or where to go in some of the biggest video games. Will joined the GameRadar+ team in August 2021 and has written about service titles, including Fortnite, Destiny 2, and Warzone, as well as some of the biggest releases like Halo Infinite, Elden Ring, and God of War Ragnarok.

With contributions from