Travel Back to 2016 in Overwatch 2: Classic Mode

Travel Back to 2016 in Overwatch 2: Classic Mode

As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the return of Overwatch: Classic is a much-welcomed trip down memory lane. It’s like getting a chance to revisit my gaming roots, albeit with a few more gray hairs and a lot less free time.


This year, it’s not just the US government that seems to be taking a trip back to 2016. Unexpectedly, Blizzard has unveiled “Overwatch: Classic” within “Overwatch 2”. Essentially, this means players can revisit the original form of the game as it was when it first debuted 8 years ago.

In the course of its transformation into the present version, the game has undergone significant adjustments. So, what can players anticipate during the three weeks of Overwatch: Classic?

Back in Time to 2016

Ever since its debut, Overwatch has received numerous updates in the form of patches. Currently, Blizzard is planning to roll out a mode that transports players back in time, offering them a chance to play the game as it was approximately a decade ago. This includes team sizes of 6v6, distinct hero abilities, and no restrictions on character selection.

For a span of three weeks, this special mode will only be accessible; however, those not keen on experiencing the game’s original release can continue playing the standard 5v5 mode instead.

What Should Players Expect

In the latest iteration of “Classic”, the primary distinction from the initial games lies in the team size. Now, players can experience “Overwatch” as originally envisioned with 6 versus 6 gameplay. Additionally, there’s flexibility to construct a team with any combination of roles and even multiple instances of the same character.

In addition to its timeless appeal, Classic mode in Overwatch 2 is set to resurrect the 2 Capture Point gameplay style that was previously discontinued. This revival will also encompass iconic maps such as Hanamura, Temple of Anubis, Volskaya Industries, and several others.

Additionally, certain hero skills that were previously taken out due to player exploitation will be reintroduced in the game. Granted, their removal was necessary at the time, as players misused these abilities. However, they provided a great deal of enjoyment when accessible. Here are some examples of removed abilities:

  • Hanzo’s Scatter Arrow
  • Symmetra’s 6 Turrets and Teleporter
  • Mercy’s original Resurrection ultimate
  • Torbjorn’s 3-level Turret System; armor packs
  • Bastion’s original ultimate turns him into a tank; self-repairing

Fans are questioning whether Cassidy will once again go by “McCree” in the classic mode, but it’s likely that the developers will choose to overlook this topic. It would be nice if they could reach out to the original game director, Jeff Kaplan, for one last update on the matter.

Make Overwatch Great Again

In contrast to Overwatch 2, the original Overwatch feels like the Wild West, with fewer rules in place, yet it was often perceived as more enjoyable when it initially launched. It’s true that it had certain issues that have since been addressed over the past few years. However, with a smaller character roster at its launch, fans might appreciate revisiting aspects of the game that may have become less prominent due to all the subsequent changes.

Some players may long for a time midway through the game’s life, and perhaps there could be an opportunity to determine how far back in Overwatch’s history they’re comfortable returning. While 5-Resurrect Mercy might be bearable, some folks draw the line at Carwash Turret Symmetra – a character version that others aren’t keen on revisiting.

For the next three weeks, you can play “Overwatch: Classic” on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4|5, PC, and Nintendo Switch platforms. Enjoy!

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2024-11-12 14:12