How Overwatch Classic actually makes modern Overwatch 2 look better

The debut of the limited time Overwatch Classic Mode in Season 13 of Overwatch 2 has caused a lot of excitement, especially due to its nostalgic roots. Future Overwatch Classic events will take players on a journey through the game's history, as the developers have confirmed plans to revive iconic eras such as 2017 Moth Meta, Goats and Triple Tank compositions. While the event garnered quite a bit of attention, it also shows that the sequel has made some improvements over the original.

By returning to patch 1.0 Overwatch classic serves as a point of comparison, showcasing the advances in game balance, visual design and user interface that have become hallmarks of Overwatch 2. For some, these differences may make the previous version seem outdated in comparison. The contrast highlights how far the game has come in refining its mechanics and overall gaming experience, despite the challenges the sequel has faced since its release in 2022.

Overwatch Classic shows how far the franchise has come

The best parts of Overwatch 2 are presented through the lens of Overwatch Classic

Without role queue, Overwatch Classic may remind players of the hectic, often unbalanced matchups that were common in 2016. Although playing compositions like Six Winstons could be fun, it had obvious pitfalls. Sometimes there is a lack of structure in the original Overwatch slowed the pace of play and led to frustratingly one-sided games where teams could easily become overwhelmed. Lucio's original ability to wall ride, along with Mercy's limited mobility and Cassidy's inability to roll in the air, were elements that felt more limiting compared to the smoother, more dynamic gameplay Overwatch 2 Some players have expressed similar thoughts, noting that playing heroes in Overwatch Before her mobility adjustment, Classic made her appreciate the changes in quality of life even more.

“Without role queue,
Overwatch
Classic may remind players of the hectic, often unbalanced matchups that were common in 2016.”

Notably, the role queue with separate queues and skill rating (SR) was only introduced in July 2019. However, limits will be added for individual heroes Overwatch Classic on November 18th, this is just one step towards restoring the original balance process. Before Role Queue, it was common to see oppressive triple tank and triple support compositions, with the Goats meta being a popular example.

Likewise, the limited-time mode includes 12 of the original maps from the hero shooter release, including attack maps such as Temple of Anubis, Hanamura and Volskaya Industries. OverwatchThe often controversial Assault Mode, or 2CP, could feel severely unbalanced at times, as the second objective was notoriously difficult to capture due to its proximity to the enemy spawn. Although newer modes like Push and Clash have their criticism, Assault was ultimately removed due to its persistent design flaws. While it's nice to revisit visually stunning maps like Hanamura, it may also bring back memories of the challenges the attacking team faced.

Attack mode was removed at launch
Overwatch 2
although maps like Paris and Horizon Lunar Colony were removed from the competitive map pool due to balancing issues in the original game.

Additionally, certain abilities, such as Roadhog's original Hook, Hanzo's Scatter Arrow, and Mercy's ancient mass resurrection ultimate, could once turn the tide of games in ways that seem almost absurd by today's standards. Hanzo's Scatter Arrow is attracting a lot of attention due to its heavily RNG-based projectiles that bounce off surfaces, while Mercy's ability to revive multiple teammates is reigniting debate about whether Mercy players should avoid teamfights in order to make a big play. Likewise, the change to Torbjörn's turret, which no longer requires upgrades, and moving Symmetra to a damage role fit the game's playstyle better.

Overwatch 2 should be recognized for its achievements

All in all, despite early challenges like the Sojourn, Mauga and D.Va metas, as well as controversies over canceled PvE content and the move away from loot boxes, Overwatch 2 has evolved into a faster and more balanced experience. The sequel's improved interface, game mechanics and role-based structure provide an overall fairer and more optimized environment. In contrast, Overwatch Classic is a chaotic yet nostalgic throwback to the exciting, innovative but often unbalanced game of 2016. This comparison ultimately highlights Overwatch 2showcases Team 4's strengths and shows how much both Team 4 and the game have evolved, both in design and in delivering a more polished experience.