Overwatch Classic Features in OW2: Key Dates, Maps, Heroes, and Abilities Guide

Blizzard has unveiled a much-anticipated feature, Overwatch Classic, an exciting new Arcade mode set to bring players back to the nostalgic days of its 2016 launch. Following the release of Overwatch 2 in 2022, many players have expressed a desire for the return of 6v6 matches and other classic aspects of the game. While developers teased the possibility of these features in Season 14, fans have longed for a dedicated event that revisits the original experience reminiscent of Fortnite’s iconic Season OG.

When Does Overwatch Classic Begin and End?

The Overwatch Classic event is scheduled to run from Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to Monday, December 2, 2024. This gives players a nearly month-long opportunity to revel in the nostalgia of the original game within Overwatch 2. Developers hinted that if this mode captures players’ hearts like they expect, it might make a comeback in the future.

What Exactly is Overwatch Classic?

Overwatch Classic is an Arcade mode that faithfully reimagines the game as it was back in 2016. Players will have access to only the 21 original launch Heroes, engage in 6v6 matches (as opposed to the 5v5 format), and can enjoy a game without any role or Hero limitations.

This means players could, for instance, form a team consisting entirely of Bastions or focus solely on the Tank class. To further enhance the authentic feel of the original game, many Heroes will have their kits reverted to how they were initially designed, thereby reintroducing abilities that have been absent for years. Expect that characters still present in Overwatch 2 will showcase their abilities as they once were, with Mercy fully reviving her team and Torbjorn upgrading his turret.

Maps Available in Overwatch Classic

The event will feature all 12 original maps from the first Overwatch. While they will be present in the new Classic mode, players should note that these maps will incorporate adjustments made in Overwatch 2 over the years. This means that although the maps retain their essence, they will not be identical to their 2016 counterparts. Major renovations, including those applied to maps like Dorado and Numbani, will still be in effect.

Assault Maps

Hanamura
Temple of Anubis
Volskaya Industries

Control Maps

Those
Lijiang Tower
Nepal

Escort Maps

Dorado
Route 66
Watchpoint: Gibraltar

Hybrid Maps

Hollywood
King’s Row
Numb me

Heroes and Their Abilities

Overwatch Classic boasts 21 Heroes, each with their original abilities reinstated. Many of these abilities have been present in Overwatch 2 but will now be adjusted to reflect their 2016 power levels. The Heroes have also been classified into their initial four roles, rather than the current three role system. Below, you can explore the abilities of each Hero:

Support Heroes

Mercy

Caduceus Staff (Primary) – Heal an ally by holding the staff.
Caduceus Blaster – A reliable automatic weapon.
Caduceus Staff (Secondary) – Boost an ally’s damage while holding.
Guardian Angel – Fly towards an ally.
Resurrect – Revive dead teammates.
Angelic Descent – Fall slowly to safety.
Regeneration – Regain health after not taking damage.

Other Notable Support Heroes Include:

Symmetra

Photon Projector – Short-range beam that increases damage.
Photon Projector (Charge) – Release a charged orb.
Sentry Turret – Deploy a turret for enemy damage.
Photon Shield – Shield an ally.
Teleporter – Create a spawn room connection.

Zenyatta

Orb Of Destruction – Energy projectile weapon.
Orb of Harmony – Heal an ally with this orb.
Transcendence – Become invulnerable and heal nearby allies.

Offensive Heroes

Cassidy

Peacekeeper – Powerful revolver.
Combat Roll – Roll and reload simultaneously.
Deadeye – Lock on to enemies with your Ultimate.

Other Offensive Heroes Include:

Genji

Cyber-Agility – Enhanced mobility with wall climbing.
Swift Strike – Dash to initiate damage.
Dragonblade – Unleash a deadly melee strike.

Defensive Heroes

Bastion

Configuration: Recon – Employ an automatic weapon.
Self-Repair – Heal yourself.

Other Defensive Heroes Include:

Hanzo

Storm Bow – Charge up for distance.
Dragonstrike – Send a Dragon spirit toward adversaries.

Tank Heroes

D.Va

Fusion Cannons – Automatic spread weapon.
Defense Matrix – Block incoming projectiles.
Self-Destruct – Eject to create an explosive impact.

Other Tank Heroes Include:

Reinhardt

Rocket Hammer – A devastating melee option.
Earthshatter – Knock down enemies before you.

What Can Players Anticipate?

The nostalgic revival of classic gameplay features through Overwatch Classic has the potential to rekindle excitement among the community, similar to the overwhelming success of Fortnite’s Season OG, which shattered Steam records in 2023. Blizzard is optimistic that this new mode will resonate with both veteran players and newcomers alike, creating a revitalized gaming experience.

Stay tuned as more details emerge about Overwatch Classic and prepare to step back into the glory days of Overwatch!

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