Epic Games announced earlier today that the Fortnite Throwback Axe, an item that is an iconic rendition of the classic default pickaxe from Chapter 1 in the game's history, will be given away to players to celebrate the game's upcoming next-gen launch. Fortnite remains a cultural powerhouse in video games, though its stranglehold of the medium has waned over 2020 as more titles have emerged to capture content creators' imaginations. Recent examples like Among Us and even Phasmophobia have proven that players are constantly looking for the next big thing - but even still, Fortnite remains massive, with a next-gen launch scheduled for next week on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
For those unfamiliar with the Throwback Axe, it's the pickaxe that was originally available in Fortnite Chapter 1 as a default choice, and has since become one of the most iconic items in the game's history. Fortnite started out small, and before the many skins and gigantic video game crossover events with properties owned by Marvel and more, it was slowly churning out updates to its growing fanbase as quickly as it could. While the "OG" pickaxe certainly isn't flashy by any standard of the game's aesthetic, it's also revered because of that, and it's a reminder of a simpler time for players who had, years ago, just picked up what could be gaming's next big thing.
Fans know how that shook out, and if they need a reminder, they only need to look at the update Epic Games posted on its Fortnite update blog earlier today. The post announced that the Fortnite Throwback Axe would be available for all players as part of a celebration for the game's upcoming launch on next-gen consoles, and also reminded players what they can expect from the title on newer tech. Both versions of the game on next-gen will feature 4K resolution at 60 fps, improved loading performance, and split screen at 60 fps. Players will also be able to pick up from where they left off in crossplay, with carry over between old supported platforms and next-gen.
The most positive feedback has centered on the addition of the Fortnite Throwback Axe, though, and rightfully so. It's place in Fortnite history is important, and it's unsurprising to see how excited many people are to acquire what is, visually, one of the least flashy items made available recently. It's fair to say a lot of the game's players may have missed Chapter 1, and a chance to make up for that will be appreciated.
With that said, it's interesting to see the responses to the announcement tweet, as many fans are still perpetuating the notion that Fortnite is a "dead game" on social media. Of course, Fortnite is certainly not dying, but the lack of meaningful content updates lately and a season that has been scattershot in its tone and reception has lead to fans clamoring for something bigger, especially with next-gen so close. The Fortnite Throwback Axe is a nice appeal to fans that appreciate the game's past - now it's time for Epic to look at its future and come up with something that hooks players all over again.
Source: Fortnite