The Overwatch Pulse Pistols are Tracer’s iconic dual pistols now available in Fortnite. I tested these weapons extensively during Chapter 7 Season 2, and I can tell you exactly how to get them and what makes them special. The Pulse Pistols dropped in update v40.40 as part of the Fortnite x Overwatch collaboration, and they’ve quickly become one of the most sought-after weapons in the game.
The good news is that unlike some exclusive items, the Pulse Pistols can appear as regular loot. This means anyone can grab them during a match without spending additional V-Bucks or completing special challenges. Below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding these pistols, using their unique abilities, and building the best loadout around them.
Table of Contents
Where to Find Overwatch Pulse Pistols in Fortnite
The Pulse Pistols can be found by looting regular Chests, floor loot, and Overwatch loot caches in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2. These pistols drop in Epic (purple) rarity, which means they appear less frequently than common or rare items. When you find them, you’ll see Tracer’s signature golden pistols with a glowing cyan effect that makes them instantly recognizable on the battlefield.
Loot Sources Breakdown
Regular Chests have the highest chance of spawning Pulse Pistols. I found that opening chests in named locations increases your odds compared to rural areas. Floor loot spawns them occasionally, especially near Overwatch-themed decorations that Epic has added to certain POIs. Overwatch loot caches are rare spawns that appear at specific locations on the map, and when they do appear, they almost always contain Overwatch collaboration items like the Pulse Pistols or Caduceus Staff.
Epic Rarity Explained
The Epic rarity designation means you’ll typically find these pistols 2-3 times per game session if you’re actively searching chests. The drop rate isn’t guaranteed, which matches what players on Reddit have reported about the frustration of hunting for specific items. Keep in mind that since they’re Epic rarity, you won’t see them in the early game as frequently as common weapons. Focus your chest-hunting on mid-to-late game rotations when loot pools have consolidated.
Pulse Pistols Abilities: Blink and Recall
What sets the Pulse Pistols apart from every other weapon in Fortnite is their ability to switch to first-person perspective when equipped. This alone makes them worth grabbing, but the real magic happens when you use Tracer’s signature abilities: Blink and Recall. These two mobility tools can completely change how you approach fights.
Blink Ability Controls
Blink sends you forward a short distance in the direction you’re moving, essentially a micro-teleport that lets you dodge attacks or cross small gaps. On PC, press the dedicated ability button (typically C or F depending on your bindings) while moving forward. On controller, hold the right bumper and press the corresponding face button. Players in our tests found that Blink works mid-air, making it invaluable for reaching high ground or escaping a build fight gone wrong.
Recall Ability Controls
Recall is your escape mechanism that retraces your last 4 seconds of movement, bringing you back to where you were if you overextend. On PC, hold the ability button to activate. On controller, hold the bumper and face button combination. The cooldown starts after Recall ends, not when you activate it, which means aggressive players can chain this ability with Blink for maximum repositioning. I found this particularly useful when shotgun rushing and realizing I needed to retreat quickly.
Combat Applications
The combination of Blink for approach and Recall for retreat creates a playstyle that rewards prediction over reaction. Use Blink to close distance on opponents, dump your magazine, then use Recall to return to safety before enemies can retaliate. Forum discussions confirm this is the most effective way to use the pistols in competitive play. The 40-round magazine gives you plenty of shots before needing to reload, which is crucial since Recall requires you to have a safe position to return to.
Pulse Pistols Weapon Stats
Here are the complete Pulse Pistols stats that every player should know before equipping them:
The Pulse Pistols deal 12 base damage per hit with a 1.5x headshot multiplier, pushing critical hits to 18 damage. Fire rate sits at 19.2 rounds per second, which makes these pistols melt through shields in close-quarters combat. The magazine holds 40 rounds of light ammo, and reloading takes 1.3 seconds. Structure damage comes in at 11 per hit, making these pistols viable for editing plays and breaking through walls during end-game scenarios.
What I noticed during testing is that the rapid fire rate compensates for the moderate damage per bullet. Landing 40 shots at 12 damage equals 480 total damage output before reloading, which is enough to down multiple opponents in a single magazine. The light ammo type means you’ll rarely run out of reserve bullets, and you can top off between fights without worrying about ammo management.
First-Person Mode Experience
The Pulse Pistols are the first weapon in Fortnite to feature a dedicated first-person perspective mode. When you equip these pistols, your view automatically switches to first-person, giving you a unique aiming experience that feels completely different from the game’s standard third-person view. I initially found the transition disorienting, but after a few matches, I preferred the increased peripheral awareness that first-person mode provides.
Beebom mentions this as a standout feature in their coverage, and I agree that it adds a novelty factor that makes using these pistols feel special. The first-person mode is permanent for the duration that you hold the Pulse Pistols, switching back to third-person when you holster them or pick up another weapon. Use this to your advantage during aim duels where the narrower FOV can actually help you focus on distant targets.
Best Weapon Pairings for Pulse Pistols
Based on my testing and analysis of how other players use these weapons, the Pulse Pistols work best as a secondary weapon paired with a high-damage primary. Their rapid fire and mobility focus make them ideal for cleanup duty after you’ve weakened opponents with your main weapon.
Shotgun Synergies
The Pulse Pistols pair exceptionally well with shotguns, particularly the Iron Pump Shotgun or Chaos Reloader Shotgun. Use your shotgun to deal initial burst damage, then switch to Pulse Pistols to track fleeing opponents with your rapid fire. The Blink ability lets you chase down kills that would normally escape, and Recall provides insurance against overextending during pursuit. Several Reddit users have confirmed this pairing as their preferred loadout for the Pulse Pistols.
Mobility Item Combos
Consider pairing the Pulse Pistols with other mobility items like the Skyline Deployer or Seven Power Gloves. These items complement the Blink and Recall abilities by providing additional movement options. The combination creates a highly mobile playstyle that confuses opponents who can’t predict your positioning. I found that adding a movement item transformed the Pulse Pistols from a fun novelty into a genuinely competitive loadout option.
Combat Strategies with Pulse Pistols
The key to mastering the Pulse Pistols is understanding that they’re not meant for hold-the-line defense. These pistols reward aggressive playstyles that leverage mobility over positioning. Start engagements by blinking toward your target, unload your rapid fire, then recall back to cover before enemies can return fire. This dance requires practice, but once you nail the timing, you’ll win fights that seem impossible.
Don’t forget that the first-person view narrows your awareness of surroundings. Use Pulse Pistols primarily in 1v1 situations or when you’re confident about nearby threats. During chaotic end-game scenarios, switch to a third-person weapon to maintain situational awareness. The Pulse Pistols excel in structured fights where you can predict enemy movement, but struggle in chaotic team fight scenarios where unexpected angles matter more than raw damage output.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get the pistol in Fortnite?
The Pulse Pistols can be found by looting regular Chests, floor loot, and Overwatch loot caches in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2. They drop in Epic (purple) rarity, so check chests frequently during mid-to-late game rotations.
What is the best pistol in Fortnite?
The Overwatch Pulse Pistols are among the best pistols in Fortnite due to their 40-round magazine, rapid fire rate (19.2 RPS), and unique Blink/Recall abilities. The first-person perspective mode also gives them a competitive edge for aim duels.
Can I use Blink to escape combat?
Yes, Blink works mid-air and lets you teleport short distances to escape combat or cross gaps. Combined with Recall, which retraces your last 4 seconds of movement, you have two escape tools that make the Pulse Pistols extremely survivable.
Is the first-person mode permanent?
The first-person mode is active only while the Pulse Pistols are equipped. Holster them or pick up another weapon to return to standard third-person view. This is a permanent feature of the Pulse Pistols in Fortnite.
Conclusion
Getting the Overwatch Pulse Pistols in Fortnite requires patience with chest hunting, but the reward is worth the effort. These pistols offer a unique gameplay experience with Tracer’s Blink and Recall abilities, combined with the novelty of first-person aiming mode. I found that the 40-round magazine and rapid fire rate make them viable as both a secondary cleanup weapon and a primary mobility-based loadout option.
If you’re looking to maximize your Pulse Pistols potential, pair them with a shotgun and a mobility item. Practice the Blink-Recall combo until the timing becomes muscle memory, and remember that first-person mode works best in structured 1v1 fights rather than chaotic team scenarios. The Fortnite x Overwatch collaboration brings something genuinely fresh to the game, and the Pulse Pistols are the standout item from this crossover.