Overwatch 2 Devs Reveal the Most Toxic Player Rank

Overwatch 2 - and, by extension, all multiplayer games with a competitive, team-based focus - are no strangers to toxic behavior. Toxic players can be found across all ranks in Overwatch 2's competitive mode, but according to a developer, certain ranks stand out as particularly problematic. Let’s dive into the details.

In a recent discussion with popular Twitch streamer and Overwatch 2 coach Spilo, the game’s senior systems designer Gavin Winter offered insights into player behavior across ranks, following a recent data analysis. One notable finding was which rank harbors the highest levels of player toxicity.

Toxic behaviors observed ranged from players leaving or going AFK to throw matches, to making overly negative comments in the game’s chat. According to Winter, “The quantity of players that leave, rage quit games, go AFK - that mentality lends itself to maintaining a lower rank. I remember when I was in Silver and Gold, the percentage of games where somebody left, quit, just refused [to play], flamed each other—that was much higher in lower ranks.”

However, while lower ranks exhibit the highest levels of toxic behavior, the most disruptive actions seem concentrated in mid-tier ranks like Platinum and Diamond. Winter noted, “Near the middle, that’s where you get more disruptive behavior... I’m sure we can all think of our own reasons for why those things might be true, but that’s kind of how it looks.”

The pressure in these mid ranks likely intensifies, as players feel they are close to achieving Master rank. This insight is helpful for players progressing through these ranks on their climb during season 13 and beyond, offering a chance to mentally prepare - and perhaps, as a reminder to approach matches with patience and positivity next time they load into Overwatch 2.