By: Michael Palmieri 

    On November 3, 2023, Epic Games re-released a revamped version of Fortnite chapters one through ten. This year, on December 6, Epic Games similarly released new seasons with the original graphics, sound, locations, item spawns, and much more. Epic Games plans on releasing a new season every month. The game has reignited a spark in the old community by bringing back the sacred “Double Pump Shot,” which was a popular attack back in the original seasons. There are many more game mechanics such as the zap trap and bounce pads.  

     This season, I decided to duo up with senior Jaydon Chase, also known as RRC18 on the sticks. We talked about the current game mechanics and the do’s and don’ts of this new chapter. A current concern in the game is healing. This season, the healing is scarce, making gunfights much shorter. I believe the healing in this game is a double-edged sword. It surely makes the game less competitive, which is what Epic Games was hoping for. However, it also shortens the in-game time, as players land, fight, and are eliminated quickly due to the lack of healing. Chase added, “There aren’t enough heals whatsoever. It’s becoming the new strategy to just camp out and not fight anyone, which feels wrong.” Throughout the time we played, he noticed the lack of healing on multiple occasions.  

     There is only one form of rotation, and that is the bounce pads, but they are very limited. Chase mentioned this throughout the game, saying things like, “It’s hopeless. We can’t get away from the storm. There’s just not enough rotation.” This is very relatable, as more often than not, players find themselves getting caught in the storm, having to rotate, getting low on health, and not being able to find heals, which then leads to getting into a fight and being eliminated.  

     The lack of healing and rotation has significantly impacted the gameplay strategy. Players are now more cautious, often choosing to avoid fights to conserve health and resources. This change has made the game feel less dynamic and more about survival than aggressive play. The scarcity of healing items means that players must be more strategic about when to engage in combat, often leading to longer periods of inactivity and a more defensive style of play.  

     Furthermore, the limited rotation options have made it challenging to navigate the map efficiently. Without sufficient means to escape the storm or traverse large distances quickly, players are forced to plan their movements more carefully. This element has added a new layer of complexity to the game, but it has also made it more frustrating for those who enjoyed the fast-paced action of previous seasons.  

     In conclusion, while the re-release of Fortnite with its original elements has brought back many nostalgic features, the current season’s lack of healing and rotation options has completely changed the gameplay experience. Players must now change and play more cautiously and strategically, which has its pros and cons. It remains to be seen how Epic Games will address these concerns in future updates, but for now, the game requires a new level of tactical thinking and patience.