The Fortnite map that everyone loves to discuss is once more “on-the-table”. The Chapter 3 map has been officially declared as NOT returning during the upcoming season. It is not going to happen at any cost! This piece of information has been disseminated via HYPEX, a trusted industry leaker, who on Twitter made this revelation and turned over the entire community. He said in very clear terms, “CHAPTER 3 MAP IS NOT RETURNING NEXT SEASON,” besides that he is not sure whether Epic Games will eventually give it a chance again, but for now, the next year – a definite no-show.
So, what will this signify for the game? To put it in simpler terms, when the new season starts there will be no Chapter 3 locations available at all, which is going to be a huge disappointment for the players. Not even Sanctuary, not even Tilted Towers from that era, nothing at all. It is a complete closing of doors which is a little bit of a shock since Epic has been through using nostalgia as a tool. HYPEX underlined that there is “no CH3 map this year at all,” which would more or less lock the case.
And what’s going on with the players’ reactions? The reactions are definitely varied. It’s a whole spectrum of emotions, from very relieved to completely devastated. Some players’ celebrations are particularly loud. Ben, one of the users, just stated, “Thank GOD.” The other player MF2M who was even more specific added, “I wouldn’t want to say it, but THANK GOD. I didn’t want the people with Chapter 3 nostalgia to complain about the map being ruined.” This person is most likely talking about the wild rumors regarding a Simpsons-themed season when Homer Simpson would take over The Foundation’s statue. For some, this was probably too much and they thought it would really happen.
However, there are players on the other side who have tremendous sadness about the issue. To them, Chapter 3 and especially the first season was the top Fortnite experience. User Lord Whisperr tweeted, “Ch3S1 is dead, that’s so lame! I had the best time in Fortnite! I have been playing since 2017.” So, it is really a strong assertion from a longtime player. Another one, Slicedude, declared the “Chapter 3 season 1…the peak of Fortnite.” So, for this group of players the news comes as a major let-down, they see it as marking the end of the game’s golden age.
Apart from that, there is a lot of confusion and speculation, which I must say is the most fun part. The announcement has made everyone wonder, “Well, what’s next then?” One of the biggest theories circulating is that we might get a completely new map, maybe even a Springfield map from The Simpsons. User magickbones just straight up asked, “We’re actually getting a Springfield map aren’t we.” This map idea has been around for some time and this confirmation that the old map isn’t coming just adds more fuel to the already burning fire. Another user, RosadoRosado13, even imagined “a Simpsons agency,” which sounds both hilarious and terrifying at the same time.
And, lets not forget the Chapter 2 fans. There is no more Chapter 3, so some players are now getting worried about the Chapter 2 map’s destiny. One player, SnSpiral, bluntly stated, “If the chapter 2 map is not there then we are fucked.” It is clear that this move by Epic Games impacts the availability of other maps as well, not just the most recent one.
The whole scenario has spotlighted the function of leakers like HYPEX. One user, fysius, even made a guess that Epic might be leaking the info to the leakers indirectly as a way to hype the situation without damaging their public image. It is a theory but in the crazy world of Fortnite leaks, nothing can be ruled out.
So, where are we now? One thing is for sure, Epic Games is not returning but rather pushing forwards. By throwing away the Chapter 3 map, they are restricting the players’ ability to relive the past thus compelling them to get involved with the new reality they have in mind and it could be a takeover by the Simpsons, a completely new chapter or even something that nobody has predicted yet. It is a daring step, one that will definitely push away part of the community while, at the same time, attracting another.
There is division and it is becoming evident in real-time on social media. Honestly, I am just here with my popcorn waiting for the next crazy reveal. The very fact that no one really knows is what makes Fortnite, well, Fortnite. It’s never boring, that’s for sure. The only thing we can say with certainty is that the Chapter 3 island we used to fight over is taking its time off and it’s not coming back anytime soon. This battle royale game continues to evolve, and players on PlayStation and Xbox are eagerly awaiting what’s next.
