Fortnite Gnome Locations: Why They Are Still the Best Way to Level Up

Honestly, if you're still grinding matches for 500 XP at a time, you're doing it wrong. We’ve all been there—landing at the hottest POI, getting clipped by a sweaty skin within thirty seconds, and heading back to the lobby with basically nothing to show for it. But here is the thing: Fortnite’s obsession with garden gnomes is the ultimate "cheat code" for the Battle Pass that people just forget about.

Whether it’s the weirdly nostalgic Chapter 2 Remix gnomes or the fresh ones popping up in the new Chapter 7 map, these little plastic guys are worth their weight in gold. Well, XP. Same thing, right?

The Secret Gnome Lair and Why You Need to Find It

Everyone is talking about the new South Park collab and Professor Chaos right now, but have you actually looked under the island? There's a spot—basically a hole in the ground—that leads to a full-on gnome headquarters. It’s not just a cute Easter egg. It’s a loot goldmine.

You take a zipline down into this dark, sewer-like network and suddenly you're in a chamber with four chests and high-tier ground loot. If you break the blue wall with the neon sign, there’s even more. Most players fly right over this because they're too busy trying to find a kinetic blade or whatever the current meta weapon is. Don't be that player.

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Landing here gives you a massive head start. You get the "Secret Discovery" XP bonus just for showing up, plus enough loot to actually survive the first circle. It’s tucked away, but once you know the entry point, it’s a game-changer for your rank.

Tracking Down the 10 Hidden Gnomes (The Easy Way)

Look, hunting for gnomes used to be a nightmare. You’d be wandering around Weeping Woods or Holly Hedges, getting shot at while staring at a bush. But the "Remix" style quests changed the game. Now, you get a little "!" icon on your screen when you're close.

It makes things way less stressful. Kinda.

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If you’re hunting the classic set for that 100,000 XP milestone, here is the shorthand on where they’re actually hiding.

1. The TV Addict: Go to the stone house in the southeast corner of Holly Hedges. He’s literally just sitting there watching static.
2. The Nature Lover: Directly east of Holly Hedges, there's a cluster of trees. Check the base of the biggest one.
3. The Bridge Guard: In Weeping Woods, there’s a small wooden bridge by the playground. He’s just chilling on the railing.
4. The Barista: This one is in Craggy Cliffs. Go to the "Big Shots" coffee shop. He’s behind the counter. No, he won’t make you a latte.
5. The Beach Bum: Head to the shore northeast of Craggy. Look for a red umbrella.
6. The Shocking Truth: There’s a massive electrical pylon south of Steamy Stacks. He’s right underneath it, probably getting irradiated.
7. The Riverside Camper: Between Frenzy Farm and Dirty Docks, there’s a campfire at a bend in the river.
8. The Waterfall View: Northwest of Lazy Lake. He’s on a tiny ledge about halfway down the waterfall. Careful not to slip.
9. The Cabin Hermit: There’s a tiny shack southwest of Misty Meadows. He’s inside, probably hiding from the storm.
10. The Solar Power: Head to the Weather Station on the snowy mountain. He’s buried head-first in the snow near the solar panels.

Why does this matter?

Each one of these gives you a flat 10,000 XP. Grab all ten and you get a 20,000 XP bonus. That’s 120,000 XP just for walking around and interacting with objects. You can do this over multiple matches, so don't feel like you have to pull a "Mission Impossible" run across the whole map in one go.

The Weird History of the Gnome vs. Bear War

If you're new to the game, you might think these gnomes are just random assets. They aren't. There’s deep lore here. A few chapters back, there was a literal shadow war between the gnomes and the teddy bears. You’d find them in secret basements with maps and battle plans.

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In the current 2026 map, things have shifted. You’ll often find a gnome and a bear together. Are they friends now? Is it a truce? Honestly, it’s probably a trap. But it adds a layer of "Fortnite weirdness" that makes exploration feel like it actually matters.

Pro Tips for Gnome Hunting in 2026

Don't just run blindly toward a location. Use the tools you have.

• Grab a Vehicle First: Whether it's a chopper at the Weather Station or a modded SUV, you need mobility. Most gnome spots are on the edges of the map.
• Listen for the Giggle: Gnomes actually make a weird, high-pitched laughing sound when you’re within a few meters. If your "!" icon isn't popping up, follow your ears.
• Check the Basements: Epic loves putting these guys behind breakable walls. If a house feels "gnome-y" but you don't see one, start swinging that pickaxe at the floorboards.

Finding all the gnome locations is basically the most efficient way to finish your Battle Pass without spending 40 hours a week in Creative mode. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it’s a nice break from the constant "box fighting" and "piece control" meta that dominates the core gameplay.

Now that you know exactly where to look, your best bet is to drop into a Team Rumble match. The storm takes longer to close, you have gliders, and you can hit at least 4 or 5 of these spots before the match ends. Start with the Weather Station to grab the chopper, then work your way north toward Steamy Stacks.