Blizzard Entertainment is bringing Overwatch fans on a journey back to 2016 with the announcement of Overwatch Classic mode, a nostalgic throwback to the game’s original form. Set to launch on the 12th of November, Overwatch Classic reintroduces the first version of the game, featuring the original 21 heroes and 12 maps that defined the game’s debut, with gameplay modeled after Overwatch 1.0. The mode will be available for three weeks, ending on December 2, as a special mode within the Overwatch 2 client.
Overwatch Classic: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Overwatch Classic mode is reminiscent of Blizzard’s success with World of Warcraft Classic, similarly aiming to bring back the original experience that once captivated players worldwide. To begin with, this limited-time mode will replicate Overwatch 1.0 as faithfully as possible, allowing players to pick any hero without restrictions. Consequently, this could lead to chaotic team compositions, such as six Torbjörns or tanks-only lineups, just as it was in the game’s early days. In addition, the matches will feature the classic 6v6 format, a departure from Overwatch 2’s 5v5 gameplay, although Blizzard clarifies that this event is separate from their experiments with permanently reintroducing the 6v6 format in Overwatch 2.
Iconic Maps and Classic Mechanics Return
In Overwatch Classic, beloved maps like Dorado, Numbani, Route 66, and Watchpoint: Gibraltar return, though they’ll retain some tweaks introduced in Overwatch 2, including updated timing and elevator mechanics. Players can also expect the original hero mechanics to make a comeback. Characters will regain their original abilities and charge their Ultimates faster, giving fans a taste of the intense, fast-paced gameplay that defined Overwatch’s early days.
Reliving the “Moth Meta” and the “Goats” Era
Blizzard has hinted that Overwatch Classic won’t be a static experience. As the event progresses, the mode will be updated to showcase some of the game’s most memorable “metas.” Fans can expect nods to periods like the infamous Moth Meta of 2017, when Mercy dominated the battlefield, and the Goats meta, characterized by triple-tank, triple-support compositions. These eras shaped the game’s competitive landscape and will offer a unique experience for both new players and veterans who lived through these phases.
What’s Missing?
While Overwatch Classic aims to replicate the 2016 experience, some features of the original game won’t be making a comeback. Players won’t see the return of loot boxes, the old UI, or Competitive mode. Available game modes will include the classic Assault, Escort, Hybrid, and Control maps, letting players relive a range of game types.
A New Kind of Nostalgia for Overwatch Players
Overwatch Classic promises to be more than just a trip down memory lane — it’s a chance for new and returning players to experience the game’s roots, as well as the thrill of early meta compositions.
