Epic Games surprised the Fortnite community today with the announcement of a new limited-time game mode called ‘Reload’ that takes players back to the iconic Chapter 1 map.

Fortnite announces Reload mode

Details of Reload came as a shock to many fans, as no information about the mode had been leaked or teased ahead of today’s reveal. Players will be able to jump into Reload starting tomorrow, June 22nd, where they can experience yet another fresh take on the classic battle royale gameplay.

Reload scales down and modifies the original Fortnite map that fans fell in love with in earlier chapters. Fan-favorite POIs like Tilted Towers, Pleasant Park, Retail Row, Lazy Lagoon and more are all making their return.

Epic describes Reload as “a place of great energy and forgiveness,” hinting that eliminated players may have a chance to redeploy back into the match instead of waiting for their squad to be fully wiped out. This mechanic seems to draw inspiration from the redeployment system popularized by games like Call of Duty: Warzone.

With no hints or warnings, Epic has thrilled longtime Fortnite fans with this surprise reveal of a mode that leans heavily into nostalgia. Players will have a chance to drop into Reload and relive the past starting tomorrow – but how long will this trip down memory lane last? Only time will tell if Reload is just a short-term LTM or a new permanent addition to the game