Fans of the hero-shooter genre have taken a keen interest in Overwatch Classic‘s return in Season 13 of Overwatch 2. The nostalgia that the 6v6 mode evokes is evident, especially since Overwatch won Game of the Year upon its 2016 release. Reminiscent of the game’s early days and the original 21 heroes, the event has already attracted a large number of players.
Overwatch Classic may have been influenced by games such as Fortnite, which in November 2023 reintroduced Chapter 1 of its battle royale game and in November 2024 released a remixed version of Chapter 2. However, there is one important element that might be beneficial for Fortnite but not for Overwatch 2 in the long run. In particular, it is likely best for Blizzard to refrain from copying the announcement of a permanent original Fortnite mode opening in December.
Not Everything That Works in Fortnite Will Flow Into Overwatch 2
Chapter 1: Season 5 marked the start of the original Fortnite OG version, and the map changed until Season X. Fortnite OG saw tremendous success during its existence, which resulted in milestones like: Reaching 44.7 million players in a 24-hour period, setting a concurrent player record of over 5 million players, and players logging over 100 million hours in a 24-hour period.
The return of well-known attractions like Frenzy Farms, Slurpy Swamp, and Retail Row has given players a nostalgic experience even though Fortnite Remix Chapter 2 hasn’t attracted as many players as earlier events.
In a similar vein, the November 12 launch of Overwatch Classic has resonated with the player base, taking seasoned players back to 2016 while giving new players an opportunity to experience the game as it was in Patch 1.0.
Since Overwatch 2 switched to 5v5 team compositions in 2022, 6v6 has been a long-requested feature that has generated constant discussion, so its return in this mode is particularly noteworthy.
By making Overwatch Classic a Permanent mode, Overwatch 2 Runs a Risk
For devoted Fortnite and Overwatch 2 players, November and December are noteworthy months. Memorable early patches from both games’ histories have returned, but only temporarily.
Thankfully, the news that Fortnite OG will be making a permanent comeback has lessened the blow of Remix Chapter 2’s impending termination. However, Blizzard runs the risk of compromising Overwatch 2‘s identity if it decides to make Overwatch Classic more than just a Limited Time Mode.
In contrast to Fortnite OG, which ought to be a permanent mode with few issues, a permanent Overwatch Classic could exacerbate arguments regarding the necessity of Overwatch 2, leading players to wonder why the sequel was made.
After all, the game’s PvE story missions—which have since been shelved—and the switch to a single tank per team were its primary selling points when it was first being marketed. It would seem safe to keep Overwatch Classic as a recurring event, but making it a permanent mode would probably only draw more criticism from the 6v6-missing fan base.
