In the most recent patch notes, Epic Games announced that soon you would get the chance to win a free harvesting tool in Fortnite. You need to complete the first challenges in order to be eligible for Phase One. The first challenges will be available until April 26, at 8:59 AM ET.
Then every two days a new phase will begin, and if you get through all three stages, you'll receive the Secret Sledge Pickaxe. However, you'll have to complete all previous phases in order to move on to the next one. So, if you want to be able to participate, you'll have to do this first urgent quest. We'll update this guide as soon as new quests come out and we enter a new phase of the challenge.
Updated April 30, 2022: We've updated this guide to include the latest information on the Covert Ops quests in Fortnite.
Urgent Covert Ops Quests
The Origin has a proposal for you, but first you'll need to establish a Device Uplink to help him. There are only two tasks you'll have to do. Then you'll simply have to wait until Phase One starts on April 26.
The Covert Ops quests can only be completed in the Zero Build game mode.
If you even miss just one day, you won't be able to progress.
- Establish a Device Uplink in Zero Build
There are several places where you can establish a Device Uplink, just like when doing Resistance quests. You can check the location by opening your map, visiting the quests tab, and selecting the Covert Ops section. You can hover over it and pin the locations where you can establish a Device Uplink will appear.
- Eliminate players in Zero Build (10)
While playing the Zero Build game mode, eliminate a total of ten players. You can do this until April 26, at 8:59 AM ET, so if you have a habit of playing daily, it shouldn't be too much trouble. If you play duos, trios, or squads, just be sure to finish any players that you may knock since you'll get the elimination right away and you won't risk your opponent being revived.
Phase One
The first phase of the Urgent Covert Ops quests has started and you only have two days to complete them. However, they shouldn't take as long as the first set of quests since they don't require you to fight any opponents, just visit a couple of locations and find some intel.
- Establish a Device Uplink in Zero Build
Before you get to your actual task you'll have to establish a Device Uplink in the Zero Build game mode. Here are all the locations where you can do this.
- Collect compromised intel from IO Outposts in Zero Build (2)
After establishing a Device Uplink you'll have to collect compromised intel from IO Outposts. These are the same locations where they could be found last Season, however, they are now destroyed and in shambles. Either way, you'll have to visit two of these places. Follow the quest marker on your map to find the intel, then approach it and press interact.
You have until April 28 at 8:59 AM to finish these two quests before we enter the next phase of challenges.
Phase Two
We're now over halfway there. Only phases two and three remain before you get your hands on the new and time-limited pickaxe. You only have two days to get through this phase and gain access to the last one. Get to it as soon as you can and don't let it expire.
- Establish a Device Uplink in Zero Build
In the Zero Build game mode, you'll once again have to establish a device uplink to get your quest. You can do this in Tilted Towers, Rocky Reels, Condo Canyon, Coney Crossroads, or the Daily Bugle.
- Destroy structures with a Tank in Zero Build (300)
All of the locations where you can establish a Device Uplink have a tank nearby. It might be easier to go to the one farthest from the Battle Bus trajectory so fewer people will land there and you'll have a better chance to take hold of the tank before anyone else does. Then, simply use its boost to go into buildings and use its weapon to blow them up as well and do this faster.
Phase Three
This is the last phase of the Covert Ops quests, meaning that once you finish this quest, you'll get your shiny new pickaxe. The quests are exactly just like the ones before: you'll have to establish a Device Uplink and then complete a task within the time limit. You have until May 2, at 8:59 AM ET to finish these quests before they are no longer available.
- Establish a Device Uplink in Zero Build
Just like before, you'll have to establish a Device Uplink in the Zero Build game mode. You do this in Command Cavern, The Fortress, Tilted Towers, and Rocky Reels. These are places that have not yet been taken over by the Seven and therefore still have IO Airships flying above them.
- Plant timed explosives at an IO Airship, Command Cavern, or the Fortress in Zero Build (3)
This is your last task before you receive the new limited-time harvesting tool. You need to plant three timed explosives on IO Airships. Out of all the POIs where you can do this, Command Cavern might be best since it has the biggest ship. Quest markers will appear on your minimap once you're on the ship so you know where you can place them. Approach the explosive and press the 'plant explosive' button. Once you leave the game after placing all three explosives, the pickaxe will be yours to claim.