The Birthday Presents item is back for Fortnite’s eighth anniversary and, this year, it’s restricted to Fortnite OG. Presents are part of a short, quest-driven event that runs through September 30, 2025, alongside the return of Balloons and birthday cakes. If you’re aiming to clear the free reward quests quickly, here’s what spawns to focus on, how the item behaves once you pick it up, and the fastest ways to tick off the objectives tied to Presents and Balloons.

Where to find Birthday Presents (OG only)

Birthday Presents are Legendary-tier loot in this event and can spawn in three ways: as ground (floor) loot, inside regular loot chests, and in supply drops. In OG, the item is easy to spot when it’s on the ground — look for a distinct, gift-wrapped box color that stands out from typical floor loot.

Because spawns aren’t guaranteed, volume wins. Land at densely packed named locations from the OG map (for example, Salty Springs or Greasy Grove) and prioritize opening as many chests as possible while sweeping floor loot along the way. Keep an eye on incoming supply drops mid-match; they’re another valid source.

Spawn source What to do Notes
Ground (floor) loot Clear buildings and outdoor loot lines thoroughly. High-traffic POIs increase checks per minute.
Loot chests Chain chest routes in chest-dense POIs. Legendary items aren’t guaranteed; persistence pays off.
Supply drops Rotate toward drop markers as the circle closes. Expect competition; third-party risks are high.

How Birthday Presents work (throwable structure with high-rarity loot)

Birthday Presents are utility items you throw, similar in feel to deploying a portable fort. When thrown, a large, four-walled gift box appears. Break a wall with your Pickaxe (or drop the Present at your feet to spawn inside) and claim the loot.

  • Rarity and stack: Legendary; carries up to 5 per stack.
  • Structure durability: the present’s box has 450 health.
  • Loot expectations: commonly includes an Epic or Legendary-grade weapon and event items such as the Birthday Medallion.

Because throwing Presents and collecting event items are quest objectives, it’s usually better to deploy them promptly and use the contents rather than hoard the stack.

Balloons are unvaulted — where to find them and how to ascend 80 meters

Balloons are also back for the birthday event, and they’re required for quests that measure altitude gained. Balloons can be found as floor loot, in chests, inside Presents, in supply drops, and from vending machines.

  • To hit the 80-meter ascent requirement, equip three Balloons (the maximum) and float. It’s largely a waiting game once you’re airborne.

All birthday quests you need to clear (eighth anniversary)

There are six limited-time quests tied to the celebration. Completing the set unlocks the birthday rewards; progress resets per quest rules where noted.

  • Search containers before damaging a player in a single match (eight total). Tip: land where you can loot uninterrupted and avoid early fights until you hit eight.
  • Dance (any emote) by a birthday cake found at named locations.
  • Throw Birthday Presents (three total). Find them via floor loot, chests, or supply drops in OG, then deploy.
  • Ascend to 80 meters using Balloons. Equip three Balloons and let them carry you up.
  • Eat slices of birthday cake at named locations. You need missing health or shields to consume slices.
  • Wish the bus driver a happy birthday. Thank the bus driver at match start.

Fastest routes for Presents and Balloons during the event window

If you’re going match by match for Presents:

  • Prioritize OG POIs with dense building clusters to maximize chest opens per drop.
  • Path through floor-loot heavy areas between buildings to add rolls on the floor-loot table.
  • Divert to nearby supply drops when feasible; they’re a valid source and can shortcut the hunt.

For Balloons and the 80-meter ascent:

  • Loot normally until you find Balloons from floor loot, chests, a Present, a supply drop, or a vending machine.
  • Once you have a stack, step into safe terrain, equip three, and ride the lift to complete the height requirement.

Timing and availability

Birthday Presents and Balloons are part of Fortnite’s eighth birthday event, which ends on September 30, 2025. During this period, Presents are limited to Fortnite OG. If you’re planning to complete the birthday questline for free rewards, expect normal RNG variance and budget a few matches to find the items you need.