Fortnite has come a long way since it first hit PCs back in 2017. In fact, the ever-developing game currently undergoes vast transformations every couple of months, with each new Season.
However, dataminer LunakisLeaks found files for the original Chapter 1 map have been added back into the game, prompting a debate about whether developers plan on revisiting the classic map.
As predicted, the discussion on social media got pretty heated, but we've broken down all the details to see whether we could really be going back to Tilted Towers.
Be sure to watch our wide variety of Fortnite content here!
New Season, Old Map
We've seen theories about time travel and much more being bandied about in the face of the new old map, with many predicting that some kind of Doctor Who-ish shenanigans will occur in time for Chapter 2 Season 3.
However, leaker FireMonkey put a quick stop to the speculation. They tweeted, "The reason the old map was re-added to the files was likely because the devs were re-adding old event files to re-use for future events and that just so happened to be one of the files they re-added to the files."
They clarified that the file reappeared as a part of the v12.10 update, which also "re-added the old Event playlist and some old event meshes back to the files." So, it seems likely this is a pure coincidence at the moment.
Read more: New Fortnite v12.30 Leaks: Deadpool, Kingsman, Yacht And More Ahead of Chapter 2 Season 3
Apex Inspiration
However, rival Battle Royale game Apex Legends returned to its original map, King's Canyon, back in February. It is unlikely that this escaped the notice of Epic's developers, so they might have taken some "inspiration" from the idea.
After all, Fortnite players are used to taking part in Limited Time Modes, which allow them to play unique matches for a limited period. Perhaps we could see Chapter 1's map added in an LTM? It seems more practical than introducing time travel, at least.
Read more: Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 3: Cameo Skin Appearances We Want To See
Community Reaction
As is to be expected with any announcement, opinions on social media are divided and heated. Some players are revelling in the nostalgia of potentially returning to an old map, whereas others believe it's a waste of time.
Twitter user SnownymousFN wrote, "Old map sucks, just people blinded by nostalgia, going back to the old map will NOT make it like season 3, plays will be the same, the new map is 10000% better and well laid out, well designed and way nicer to just look at."
Despite initial issues with movement (which prompted comments from players as high-profile as Ninja), the addition of Choppas seems to have balanced the Chapter 2 map well, although some players still yearn for a return to Chapter 1.
However, I don't see the need for such anger, especially if the OG map was introduced carefully, through an LTM or other special event, rather than replacing the current map for an entire Season or longer. Adding it as an LTM would allow players to choose which map to play, keeping everyone happy. Personally, I'll be dropping into Tilted Towers faster than you can say "flux capacitor".