If you have picked up a strange blue item this season that does not seem to do anything when you try to use it, you have likely found an Unstable Element. It is easy to dismiss as junk since it has no obvious function on its own, but it actually unlocks one of the better hidden loot sources on the current map. Here is how to get Unstable Element and find good loot without really caring about the best spots in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3.

What Is the Unstable Element in Fortnite

Unstable Element was first introduced in Chapter 7, Season 1. The Unstable Element does not act like a normal weapon or item. It exists purely to open a sealed door inside the teleporter system, and that door leads to a stash of loot you cannot access any other way. It cannot be purchased from an NPC or found in a standard chest, which is part of why most players go several matches without ever running into one.

How to Get the Unstable Element in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3

You only get this item by using the teleporters on the map. Step into any teleporter and travel to a different exit point, and there is a chance the Unstable Element will appear on the ground right as you arrive. It does not spawn on every single trip, so if you come out empty-handed, simply teleport again to a different connection point. A few attempts are usually enough to get one. I have attached a map below for all teleporter locations in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3, as it is harder to find Unstable Element than Jonesy, so this map might come in handy:

How to Use the Unstable Element to Open the Hidden Vault

Once you are carrying the Unstable Element, stay inside the teleporter area instead of heading back out onto the open map. As you move along the tunnel, you will come across a locked door that gives no interaction option unless you are holding the item. Walk up to it and you will see a prompt appear, letting you open it the same way you would open a normal chest.

Behind that door is a separate stash with noticeably better loot than what you would typically find on the ground. The exact contents change between runs, but you can expect a mix of useful gear, ammo, and a real chance at picking up a Sprite. Other players in the lobby can open these vaults too, so once you have the item, head to a door before someone else gets there first.