If you’re among the legions of players who think 2017 was peak Fortnite, we have good news.
Epic is releasing a new mode called Fortnite OG that promises to take players back to the game’s salad days.
Best of all, it isn’t just a short-lived jaunt through the past like Fortnite Chapter 4: Season OG.
Instead, the upcoming Fortnite OG is a permanent mode that will run alongside Chapter 6: Hunters, complete with its own Battle Pass.
It's time to get back on the bus, for good. pic.twitter.com/dzcUBY7C0b
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) December 5, 2024
When is Fortnite OG coming out?
So, when can you play it? Epic has revealed that Fortnite OG will launch on Friday (December 6). A countdown on the Fortnite Discover tab indicates it will go live at 2pm in the UK (6am PT / 9am ET).
As usual, the new mode will come with an update, which could see the release times shift a little bit (especially if downtime runs overtime).
THIS. IS. NOT. A. DRILL.
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) November 12, 2024
OG is coming BACK and is here to stay. Relive Battle Royale from the start and explore the OG map, collect OG loot, and relive OG seasons. Drop back in on December 6. pic.twitter.com/Zpg1CrItS5
What will Fortnite OG include?
Fortnite OG will start with Chapter 1: Season 1 on the original Fortnite Island, before moving through subsequent seasons at faster pace compared to Battle Royale.
Hence, the first season will conclude on January 31, 2025 at 7am. Unlike the smaller Reload map, this will be a full-sized map that Epic says it has meticulously recreated, right down to every tree, chest, car and object.
What’s in the OG Pass?
It will also come with its very own OG Battle Pass featuring 45 tiers of rewards. To mix things up, Epic has put a contemporary spin on classic skins including Renegade Rebel, Aerial Assault Bomber, and Skull Commander.
Players will be able to progress through the OG Pass by earning XP in any Fortnite game mode (in keeping with the recent changes made to Fortnite proper).
What’s in the OG lootpool?
To whet appetites, Epic has revealed some of the OG loot that will be scattered across the map, including classic weapons like the Rocket Launcher, Damage Trap, and Revolver.
The new mode will also resurrect popular metas like the Double Pump, allowing players to switch between two shotguns for devastating close-quarters shootouts.
FULL FORTNITE OG S1 LOOT POOL - COMING DEC 6th 🔥
— HYPEX (@HYPEX) December 3, 2024
No Mini Shields until Season 2 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/M30cBAFuID
What about movement?
As for game types, solos, squads and Zero Build will be available off the bat, with Ranked play coming at a later stage.
However, Fortnite OG won’t be a complete replica of the original – at least, not as far as movement is concerned. Epic is retaining the current building mechanics, along with movements like sprint, slide, mantle, door bash, and move while healing.
With our rose-tinted glasses on, it’s easy to forget that 2017 Fortnite was slower and clunkier compared to today, making it much more cumbersome to get around the map. To that end, players will be able to use ziplines and ascenders to get to hard-to-reach locations.
