On December 6th, 2024, Epic Games finally released the highly anticipated mode of Fortnite OG. This nostalgic mode has brought players and fans alike right back to the initial release of Fortnite in 2017, with classic guns, locations, and gameplay returning after more than seven long years. The inevitable return of OG has rekindled a feeling of nostalgia in many older players, while also drawing in new players who look forward to experiencing the game as what it was originally.

Since the launch of Fortnite, it has undergone countless changes, collaborations, and updates as time goes on. As a constantly evolving game, Fortnite has collected great traction since release and in time, become one of the most well known video games across the globe. The ongoing mode of Battle Royale has been introduced to new weapons, items, vehicles, and even map changes over time. Although updates like this have kept the game fresh and engaging, many players often felt as if Fortnite lost the simplicity and excitement it once had, and longed for things to go back to the way they were.

As time went on, Epic Games slowly came to realize that the players who once loved the simple and fun game were through with it entirely, and did not plan on returning. In response, on November 3rd, 2023, Epic Games shocked the world by releasing what would be known as the first iteration of Fortnite OG. As a limited time event, the first wave of Fortnite OG was extremely popular among players new and old, and had record-breaking numbers of players upon the day of release. With the original island, familiar items, and old vehicles, players were immediately captivated by the nostalgia and loved it. This first wave lasted less than a month, and to this day some players argue that the first release of OG will never be topped.

Upon the re-release of OG in 2024, Epic Games kept hits such as older in-game items, and got rid of negatives, such as the mode only lasting a month. Upon the time of writing this, Fortnite OG plans to cycle through every season in the first Chapter of the game each month, and it is currently in OG: Chapter 1 Season 1. For many players, this feels like a major victory, and an exciting celebration of the game’s origins. A long time Fortnite fanatic, Tristan Yates had lots to say about the re-release of OG. Yates stated that, “OG isn’t simply a way of playing an old version of the game. It’s about celebrating the moments that made Fortnite so great from the start.” This sentiment helps make it evident how OG has become more than a game mode, but rather a way to reflect on simpler times. That feeling of nostalgia from OG can give sentiment for not only Fortnite, but also simpler life experiences as well, as many players were much younger upon the game’s first release, and practically grew up alongside Fortnite.

Regardless of all of the praise received from a majority of players, nothing in the world can come without criticism. A great deal of newer players who are used to the fast-changing and updated nature of the game have found it boring and difficult to adjust to a simpler gameplay in OG. In addition, many veterans have expressed their frustrations with newer players in OG being extremely toxic in-game as well as making it an unpleasant experience. A newer Fortnite player, Lucas Rhymes, shared some thoughts about his initial reaction upon playing OG. “I can see why people love OG so much. It has such a unique feel to it, however it feels leagues simpler than what Fortnite is today, and just isn’t for me.” Rhymes’ statements assist in illustrating how new players are not in favor of OG at all, and will continue to prefer the faster, more challenging game that Fortnite has become today.

As veteran players complain about how the game is too confusing and unoriginal, newer players complain how OG feels too basic, easy, and slow for their taste. Another large issue in Fortnite that players new and old have agreed upon is the insane amount of collaboration skins or items that Fortnite has. Fortnite started out with a few collaborations that brought fans of Fortnite and other franchises together, such as Borderlands, Among Us, or even Family Guy. It began as a creative way to enjoy the game, but with collaboration after collaboration, fans quickly became sick of them and missed the originality that older Fortnite once held. Donald Mustard, the former lead creator of Fortnite, spoke about the start of the collaborations, stating “There was no one saying what certain characters are allowed to do. I wanted to create something where you can hang out with your friends and express yourself however you want.” The original mindset of Mustard was what made Fortnite so loveable by all, and his retirement might have been a key factor in Epic Games resorting to the release of OG.

Despite all of the opinions surrounding the game, one thing has been made evident. Fortnite OG has relit the flame with veteran players and newer players, and sparked lots of discussion upon its release. Fans and new players alike have found a common ground, and will continue to enjoy OG together in their own ways. What is next for Fortnite? Only time will tell, and for now, players will continue to play the OG experience that started it all.