Overwatch: Classic Announced for Overwatch 2

On Monday (11), Blizzard unveiled Overwatch: Classic, a new mode within Overwatch 2 that brings back key elements from the original game.

In this mode, players can choose from the entire roster of heroes from the first Overwatch, using their signature abilities and forming teams for 6v6 matches. However, Overwatch: Classic will only be available for a limited time, running for three weeks starting Tuesday (12).

Alongside the return of many beloved characters and their iconic skins, several classic maps like Hanamura, Temple of Anubis, and Volskaya Industries are making a comeback as well.

This feature will be included in Overwatch 2 for free, aimed at attracting nostalgic players and appealing to current fans of the multiplayer game. Blizzard has not yet confirmed if this mode will return in the future or if it might become a permanent addition to the game.

Reconquering with Overwatch: Classic

It’s evident that Blizzard longs for the level of engagement and fan support seen during the peak of the original Overwatch, and the aim of Overwatch: Classic is to recapture that lost audience.

The first game was completely phased out with the release of Overwatch 2. Despite its free-to-play model designed to retain the player base, the launch in 2022 fell short of expectations.

The release was marred by significant server issues and unfulfilled promises, causing many players to abandon the franchise. Since then, Blizzard has been trying to rebuild its community, hoping to win back fans who have since moved on to other games.

Part of this strategy includes a series of crossovers in Overwatch 2, featuring exclusive skins from popular franchises like My Hero Academia, One Punch Man, and Transformers, all aimed at regaining players’ attention.

With no plans to revive the original Overwatch, the responsibility falls on this new mode to bridge the gap between former players and those who have stayed loyal to the multiplayer experience. Whether Blizzard can pull this off remains to be seen. In case you are interested in other games like Overwatch 2.