Beneath Fortnite’s intense battles lies a deep sense of longing for the original mode that intrigued millions of players with its thrilling gameplay. Now, with the original Fortnite experience returning permanently, the Fortnite fanbase can relive the nostalgic moments that first captivated their love for the game.
Fortnite is a popular online video game where players have the opportunity to compete in live battles, either solo or with a team. On Dec. 6, the classic Battle Royale game permanently added its beloved original map back to the game for players to enjoy. The release of the original Fornite provoked popularity due to its simple gameplay, a wide variety of locations to explore, and the excitement it evoked among players discovering the game for the first time. According to an article by Patrick Hearns on Digital Trends, over 1 million concurrent players returned to Fortnite in light of the new update. The original map first came back in 2023 for two months, but this time, it’s here to stay.
The primary cause for the permanent return of the original fortnite map has been the sense of nostalgia it evokes; offering players the opportunity to relive some of their fondest memories. “It’s very close to my heart,” says longtime player Anja Basdeo (‘26).
Players old and new returned to the lobby for this exciting update. Mia Long (‘25), who has been playing for one year, recognized the impact of the original map. “The original Fortnite map is something that a lot of people associate growing up with, and it’s something that they’ve been playing for a long time,” she said.
For many long-term players, Fortnite is more than just a game; it’s something that brings people together. “Not only is it a fun, well-developed game, it allows for a lot of people to connect with their friends,” said Long. Fortnite not only connects friendships, but the game also maintains lasting ones. “I have some friends that don’t go to this school anymore, I have played with them in Fortnite,” said Brendan Thomas Aksman (‘25). “Fortnite is a really great way of keeping connections, and I think that is what people tend to forget.”
Fortnite has both fostered and strengthened connections, turning intense battle moments into lasting memories. “Getting victory royales with my friends is so much fun, and I also love getting to play with so many different people,” said Ella Dorfman (‘27). “The original season just kinda has this good sense of nostalgia.”
Advisor of the eSports club Mr. Patrick Hartmann adds, “It’ll be nice to be back on something that I pretty much started on.”
Players are now able to enjoy their favorite memories again as the original map is now an option year-round for players to choose from along with eight other different versions of gameplay. “I stay up at night thinking about Dusty Depot and Tilted Towers, and I think about how much I miss those two places,” said Aksman.
Other players had some suggestions on how Epic Games could improve bringing the original map back. “I think one thing they should do too, if they’re gonna put this mode back, is they should release some of the retired skins,” said member of the eSports club Abhigyan Gupta (‘27).
But the game isn’t all about victory royales and different maps. Some players have noticed how they can apply Fortnite to their everyday lives. “Fortnite makes me see that failure doesn’t define you,” said Basdeo. “If I die it’s a minor setback but I can turn it into a major comeback.”
