Epic Games shocked Fortnite fans everywhere today with the announcement that the iconic original Fortnite map will be returning in 2024. This news comes on the heels of the game’s highly successful “Fortnite Original” limited-time mode, which brought back the classic map for two weeks in September.
According to a tweet from the official Fortnite account, the two-week OG mode generated overwhelming fan enthusiasm, with over 44.7 million players logging in to indulge in the nostalgia. As a result, Epic Games decided bringing back the original map as a permanent option was the right choice.
“Ngl the OG season far exceeded our expectations,” read the tweet. “So much so that we’d like to bring it back…opens 2024 roadmap doc. In the meantime, see you on the Battle Bus!”
The Return of a Fan Favorite
Fortnite first burst onto the scene in July 2017 as a co-op sandbox survival game before pivoting to the free-to-play battle royale mode that catapulted it to global fame later that year. That original battle royale island, with its lush green fields, dense forests, sandy beaches and craggy mountains, has a special place in many gamers’ hearts.
The OG island housed classic locales like Dusty Depot, Lucky Landing, Tomato Town and Retail Row. It saw medieval castles and modern cities dotting the landscape side-by-side. Many credit this eclectic design as part of why those early seasons of competitive Fortnite captured lighting in a bottle.
Over the years, Fortnite has evolved, and the ever-changing meta often leaves behind old favorites. The September return of OG Fortnite offered the perfect chance for nostalgic fans to revisit the magic. Some personalities, like pioneer Fortnite streamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, even came out of retirement to celebrate the occasion.
However, two weeks felt fleeting to many who wanted this iconic era of the game to have a permanent home once again. Epic Games took notice, paving the way for the map’s full-time comeback.
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What to Expect When Fortnite OG Returns
At this early stage, details remain scant regarding exactly what the 2024 return of the original Fortnite map will look like. Will it simply recreate the 2017 launch version of the island, or will it incorporate locations and points of interest added within the first few seasons? Will there be seasonal events, updates or battle passes unique to OG Fortnite? These critical questions should become clearer as 2024 draws nearer.
The tweet also mentioned an upcoming “roadmap doc” that will likely outline Epic’s content plans for 2024, including support for an OG Fortnite mode separate from the current Chapter 4 reality. With over a year until launch, expect more info to trickle out slowly over the coming months.
The broader implications here also can’t be overstated. By bringing back this massively popular old map to live alongside the current one, Fortnite is proving itself an industry leader in video game preservation. As gaming generations continue to turn over, keeping iconic past iterations alive grows more challenging. However, backing up words with action like Epic Games is doing highlights a path forward for enduring hits to retain their legacy for years to come.
In Summary
Wherever the coming months take Fortnite narratively with its reality-distorting Zero Point lore, come 2024, Chapter 1 will once again open for eager virtual explorers. As we count down the days, here’s hoping Epic keeps listening closely to its community’s fondest wishes.
