Epic Games has revealed that Fortnite’s next major update will see the perennially popular battle royale return to its Chapter 1 roots, while retaining its popular sprinting and mantling gameplay mechanics.
Earlier today, Epic posted an image of the classic Fortnite battle bus to X/Twitter, alongside the words “Sprint (or Mantle, your choice) back to Chapter 1….see you soon 11.2.2023," alongside the hashtag #FortniteOG. The post echoes a similar teaser from Epic vice president and co-founder Mark Rein, who yesterday revealed that the word/theme for the next season of Fortnite was set to be “rewind."
Sprint (or Mantle, your choice) back to Chapter 1....see you soon 11.3.2023. #FortniteOG pic.twitter.com/4LnTksppRp
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) October 27, 2023
My word for the next season of @FortniteGame is: rewind!
— Mark Rein (@MarkRein) October 26, 2023
Epic’s post seemingly confirmed rumors from recent weeks pointing towards a return to the Chapter 1 Fortnite map of old. Influencers have since revealed that they have been sent care packages from Epic that, as reported by Gamespot, featured pins representing seasons from the first chapter of the battle royale. Also included in each pack was a vinyl that seemingly sported an etching of the Chapter 1 Season 5 map on the back.
Whaaaaat?! #EpicPartner pic.twitter.com/fgXxMChOpT
— Marcel (@BasicallyIDoWrk) October 24, 2023
The X/Twitter post revealing Fortnite OG also served to reassure players that the mantling and sprinting mechanics introduced in Chapter 2 and 3 will remain as part of the game, despite rumors to the contrary that left many in the community concerned.
Fortnite recently played host to the Alan Wake: Flashback experience, which sought to recreate the story of Remedy Entertainment’s cult 2010 game to prepare gamers unfamiliar with its mystery-heavy plot ahead of the release of Alan Wake 2 on Oct. 27.
Last week Epic announced that it was laying off 830 employees in a “survival move” triggered by what CEO Tim Sweeney described as recent “financial woes." Today also saw the company raise the price of Fortnite’s in-game currency ‘V-bucks’ in the United States, and other countries.
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer