Overwatch 2 introduces “Classic Mode”

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As someone who’s been playing Overwatch since its inception and still has a soft spot for the original 6v6 format, I must say, Blizzard has struck a chord with me by introducing the Overwatch Classic mode. The nostalgia is palpable as soon as I see those familiar maps like Temple of Anubis, Hanamura, King’s Row, and Dorado pop up again.

Upon releasing World of Warcraft Classic, Blizzard achieved a remarkable milestone by amassing over 8.27 million active subscribers – an impressive resurgence that nearly doubled the game’s player count at its lowest point during the Battle for Azeroth expansion.

Between August and September, there was a noticeable decline in active players for Overwatch 2, with approximately 2.5 million less people playing. However, come October and November, the game seemed to recover. Given this pattern, one might wonder why they’re introducing a Classic Mode at this point in time?

The Classic mode

In contrast to WoW Classic, Blizzard is adopting a more careful strategy with Overwatch Classic. Rather than debuting as an independent game, Overwatch Classic will only be accessible as a limited-time event for three weeks. The goal is to determine if the classic mode harmonizes well within Overwatch and measure the community’s enthusiasm for it. By stirring up nostalgia, they hope that this could rekindle interest among longtime players.

So far, opinions are divided. While some can hardly wait for the new update,

“Overwatch Classic is coming back TOMORROW! The team really outdid themselves with this update – not only was the concept brilliant, but their execution was smart and efficient. It’s amazing to see how they managed to seamlessly integrate it into Overwatch 2. Kudos to Team 4 for a job well done!

— Samito (@SamitoFPS) November 11, 2024

others, are still not overly enthusiastic:

Classic” can be understood as just “Overwatch.” The number 2 signifies that it’s an updated version of the original game, with enhancements such as different map times, a few new characters, and a change from 6v6 to 5v5 gameplay.

— Viveen (@HyenaArena) November 11, 2024

But what awaits you in Overwatch Classic?

  • The “old school” maps will all be available to play again, including: Temple of Anubis, Hanamura, King’s Row and Dorado.
  • The role distribution was not limited, so you can pick a role of your choice at any time in the upcoming mode.
  • Players in a Classic match will be limited to 6 vs. 6.
  • Some of the most popular heroes didn’t even exist yet – for example Orisa, Ana, Kiriko, Junker Queen or Brigitte.

You can see who is playable in Overwatch Classic here::

If you want to refresh your memory of over eight years ago, you can read more about Overwatch here:

The “Overwatch Classic” event spans from November 12 to December 2, 2024. This special occasion transports players back to the game’s initial phase, allowing them to re-experience the classic 6v6 format. Importantly, this nostalgic mode is not intended to be a permanent feature; instead, it will be accessible only during this event period within the “Event Hub” and “Arcade mode” of “Overwatch 2”.

This gathering reinstates the initial rules for Quick Play in Overwatch, offering the first 21 characters and 12 original battlefields. Initially, players can choose any hero or role without limitations; however, a limit of one hero per player will be enforced later. The maps have been revamped visually to align with the aesthetics of Overwatch 2.

As a fan, I’m excited to step back in time with just the classic skins from the original Overwatch. Some elements like loot boxes and the traditional user interface won’t be part of this experience. Whether we get to revisit Overwatch Classic regularly will hinge on the community’s feedback.

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2024-11-12 20:10