Why Fortnite OG Proves That You Can’t Beat The Classics

Fortnite OG is a nostalgic journey I didn’t know I needed. It boldly takes a step back in a gaming world obsessed with constant updates and the shiniest new features. The season, a stopgap between Seasons 4 and 5, the map for which has already reportedly leaked online, unfolds the original map from July 2018, serving up a dose of gaming history that simply hits differently in the current evolved gaming landscape.

It’s like rediscovering your old Game Boy, and despite its lack of color and pixelated graphics, there’s an undeniable charm that modern consoles can’t replicate. Fortnite OG brings back the OG simplicity, a classic mom’s lemonade in a sea of energy drinks. So, grab your pickaxes and join me as I drop down into the whirlwind that is the OG season, because, let’s face it, you just can’t beat the classics.

The Good Ol’ Days

Picture this: Tilted Towers, the old battle bus, and a Chug Jug that’s practically a shielded umbrella in a storm of nostalgia. Fortnite OG is a time machine throwing you back to July 2018, no holographic skyscrapers, no Sonic Adventure 2 skating rails, no jungle temples—just you, your squad, and your handy-dandy golf cart that can, and will, knock you off a cliff to your death if you’re not looking.

Sure, Fortnite has sprinted ahead, introducing cyberpunk cities and vampire strongholds, but revisiting the old map showcases how much the game has transformed. It’s like going through a childhood photo album and reminiscing about a time when you didn’t have to worry about taxes and the housing economy. Fortnite OG is a reminder that sometimes, simplicity is the key to timeless enjoyment.

Cranking 90s, Breaking Records

Now let’s dive into the numbers, because, let’s face it, in the gaming realm, numbers speak volumes. Fortnite OG didn’t just tug at the strings of nostalgia; it orchestrated a symphony of players, marking an unprecedented surge. The launch witnessed a staggering influx of over 44 million players onto the OG map. Even Ninja was back getting Victory Royales in a special 24-hour stream.

Epic Games even proudly hailed it as the biggest day in Fortnite history, and boy, they weren’t kidding. For seasoned Fortnite veterans, queues were an unexpected blast from the past. Queues? In Fortnite? Yep, you read that right. It was like a virtual red-carpet event, with fans lining up for their turn to drop into the map, just like the good old days.

Fortnite just had its "biggest day" ever thanks to Fortnite OG, with over 44.7 million players jumping into the game and playing for a combined total of over 102 million hours pic.twitter.com/idPZGakf3F

— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) November 6, 2023

But wait, there’s more. Fortnite OG wasn’t just breaking records; it was setting the standards for the battle royale subgenre as a whole. At its peak, a mind-blowing 6.1 million players were all plugged in simultaneously, navigating the OG map, building (or not) their way to victory.

I’m no math whiz, but 44 million is a massive number. That’s almost as many people as the entire population of Argentina! And those aren’t just faceless figures either, they’re a community. A virtual legion of Fortnite aficionados dropping onto the OG map, each carrying their own piece of Fortnite history.

Navigating The Map As A Zero-Build Player

This part is a bit personal to me as a Zero Build player. I’m one of those “filthy casuals”, a rebel who prefers Fortnite without the luxury of harvesting materials and constructing a five-star luxury hotel with a lazy river every time I hear a branch snap within 100 meters of my location.

This is why when Epic Games dropped the Zero Build mode on us back in spring 2022, it was a game-changer for me. No more “Cranking 90s”, just pure shootem-lootem mayhem. However, Fortnite OG wasn’t designed with Zero Build in mind. The original map predates this mode by several years, making navigating it feel like trying to floss without rhythm—clunky.

me watching some kid in fortnite build a five star hotel after getting shot at once pic.twitter.com/SCscOa0gAh

— juju 💰 (@ayeejuju) November 7, 2023

The map is sparse, with fewer locations and even fewer buildings. The open spaces are a sniper’s dream, which is weird since there’s only one sniper available, not counting the scoped AR. For a game that thrives on creativity, the OG map poses a challenge for Zero Build players who are used to weaving intricate structures in the heat of battle.

Like I said, this isn’t a problem for most players. I can already hear some of you typing “git gud scrub” in the comments below and fine, I’ll take it. But if you’re one of the rare species of Fortnite players who feel the same way as I do, then we’re both part of a dying breed.

Zero builds kinda sucks with the OG map
byu/ShotBot inFortNiteBR

Traversing The Map Is A Hassle

Speaking of running, let’s address the elephant in the room—getting across the OG Fortnite map is a marathon. The developers initially designed this terrain with open spaces in mind, assuming players would be busy constructing towers and forts. But even if you’re not a zero-build player you have to agree, there’s just too much empty space. Good luck trying to find a hoverboard or a golf cart without getting a target on your back either.

I’ve never hit the energy limit more while sprinting than on this map. It’s like my character decided to go take a Fitness Gram Pacer test before the game without letting me know. My squad and I ended up becoming hoarders of Rift-To-Gos, using them strategically to position ourselves and avoid endless open-field sprints. Sure, it’s a bit of a struggle, but hey, it adds a layer of challenge and hilarity to the game, so I don’t mind it all that much. 

Okay can we all be honest and recognize that OG Fortnite is way more boring and visually unappealing than any of the past few seasons.
byu/BeanBuTv inFortNiteBR

The Perfect Representation Of Fortnite’s Evolution

Let’s zoom out a bit and appreciate the bigger picture though. Fortnite OG isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a testament to how much Fortnite has evolved over the years. Remember the times when the island disappeared with each new update? Heck, even Kevin the Cube made a comeback under Loot Lake, a throwback I doubt anyone was expecting.

The game has come a long way from bouncy lakes to giant robots fighting kaijus. Each bizarre live event was a chance for Epic to experiment with storytelling, and Fortnite OG brings back memories of those unpredictable and delightful moments. It’s a reminder that Fortnite wasn’t always about cyberpunk cities and vampire strongholds; it was about embracing the chaos and enjoying the oddball events.

Not All Glitters Is OG Gold

I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—Fortnite OG isn’t without its quirks and complaints. The return to the Chapter 1 map and items pool brought back some gameplay mechanics that didn’t exactly stand the test of time. Take swimming, for instance. In the OG map, it’s like water is lava; swimming is a no-go. Early-game deaths due to lack of swimming abilities are avoidable but annoying.

Then there’s the OG Shop. Sure, it’s a visual treat, reminiscent of the Chapter 1 days. But its limitations are hard to ignore. A small selection of items on one page that rotates every 24 hours, and everything available only in bundles? It’s like going to a candy store but being forced to buy an assorted bag when you only want that one specific candy. It’s cute, but it’s not the most practical setup.

Me on Nov 5th not knowing that the Fortnite shop would rotate everyday pic.twitter.com/FMVwCyS6Q8

— VixVoxFox 🦊 (@VixVoxFox) November 10, 2023

The Temporary Bliss of OG

Fortnite OG is a hit, no doubt about it. The queues are back, the player count is skyrocketing, and Epic claims it’s the biggest moment in Fortnite’s history. But it’s not going to last—it’s only going to stay for four weeks before the 5th season makes itself known. Just a brief stint in the past before we’re thrust back into the whirlwind of Chapters and Seasons.

In the grand scheme of things, Fortnite OG is a temporary fix, a band-aid on the wounds of recent Fortnite controversies. It won’t change the rising prices, the Epic Games layoffs, or the shifts in focus. But in a gaming era where everything old is new again, Fortnite OG is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges, a return to the classics can reignite the spark and bring players back to the core of what made Fortnite great in the first place.

OG fortnite came back, rockstar announced GTA 6 and frank ocean dropped a snippet after 7 years all in one week pic.twitter.com/SXlrfIC7Ao

— juju 💰 (@ayeejuju) November 9, 2023

So, there you have it, folks. Fortnite OG has its quirks, and though it’s not the smoothest ride, it’s still a heck of a good time. It’s a celebration of the classics, a nod to the OG players who’ve been around since Tilted Towers was the hottest drop spot. The OG season proves that sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics, even if it means running across vast open fields without a Grapple Glove in sight.

As the season draws to a close, let’s savor the moments, the victories, and the clunky runs across the green landscapes. Fortnite OG is a reminder that no matter how advanced the gaming world becomes, there’s always room for the classics, the roots, and the place where it all began. Now, go get that Victory Royale—it’s a season you don’t want to miss out on!