Fortnite’s annual Halloween bash – Fortnitemares – is back, and this year’s got a seriously cool twist. Epic teamed up with Doja Cat, who appears in-game as the Mother of Thorns, a creepy, vine-covered mini-boss haunting the island.
You’ll need to track her down to finish a few Fortnitemares quests, but that’s easier said than done. She doesn’t hang around in one set location, and because she’s part of the event challenges, pretty much everyone is hunting her right now.
If you’ve been wandering the map wondering where she actually spawns, here’s what you need to know.
Where to Find the Mother of Thorns
So, first off – there’s no guaranteed spot where she’ll show up every time. The Mother of Thorns can spawn in one of three pumpkin patches that pop up around the island.
Here’s the full list of possible locations:
- West of Supernova Academy
- At the bottom area of Gourdy Gate
- Next to the southern red barn in Freaky Fields
Once you get close, check your minimap – if you see a boss icon, you’ve found her. You’ll also hear a distinct musical cue as you approach, and then you’ll spot her sitting on this throne made of twisted vines and thorns.
Pro tip: don’t land directly where she spawns. It’s chaos down there during the first few minutes of a match. Drop a little away, grab a weapon, then move in when the initial wave of players thins out.
How to Defeat the Mother of Thorns
The good news? She’s not a super complex boss fight. The bad news? You’ll be dealing with half the lobby trying to fight her at the same time.
The Mother of Thorns doesn’t have any weird abilities or teleport tricks – it’s a straightforward fight. What really makes it hard is staying alive long enough to actually finish her off.
A few quick tips to make it easier:
- Loot first. Get at least one solid weapon (an AR or shotgun will do) and some shields.
- Let others fight first. Wait for someone else to engage her, then swoop in when she’s low on health.
- Keep moving. Don’t stand still near her throne; there’s barely any cover and players will beam you from a distance.
When you finally drain her health bar, she’ll drop to her knees instead of disappearing. You’ll then have the option to revive her, and she’ll actually join your squad afterward – a fun little event bonus.
What You Get for Beating Her
Aside from bragging rights, the big reward for defeating Doja Cat’s boss version is the Mythic Thorn Ripper weapon. You’ll need this item for another Fortnitemares quest, so make sure you don’t forget to pick it up before leaving the area.
Even if you’re not doing the challenges, the Thorn Ripper is a great weapon to have in your loadout – it deals solid damage and fits perfectly with the Halloween vibe.
Final Tips
Always land close but not directly at the pumpkin patch. Listen for her theme music – it’s your biggest clue she’s nearby. If she’s not in one area, move fast to the next one before the storm starts closing in.
Doja Cat’s Mother of Thorns is easily one of the coolest parts of this year’s Fortnitemares. Between the creepy visuals, the unique boss drop, and that eerie music cue, it’s a fun challenge worth chasing – especially if you’re trying to grab all the limited-time rewards before the event wraps up.
