Overwatch 2 Players Debate the Shelf Life of the Classic Event

The Classic Event is generating massive excitement within the Overwatch 2 community, as players eagerly anticipate the return of original hero ability kits, classic OW1 maps, 6v6 team compositions, and the temporary removal of role-locking; setting the stage for some truly chaotic, old-school Overwatch fun.

Many players hope this mode will extend beyond its planned three-week run, while others believe it should have its moment and then make a graceful exit. Let’s dive into the differing opinions on the Classic Event and explore what its lasting impact might be on Overwatch 2.

Overwatch 2 Players Are Divided on Whether the Classic Event Should Be Permanent

Excitement is buzzing across the Overwatch community with the release of Overwatch 2’s Classic Event. Many players are thrilled to see the return of original abilities, compositions, and maps from the first Overwatch, with some hoping this mode might become permanent. Others, however, feel that the event has a limited shelf life and that its nostalgic appeal may fade over time.

Starting with the positive reactions, players on the r/Overwatch subreddit are expressing their desire for the event to stay around longer. One user wrote, “First of all: THANK YOU for bringing Classic. I've missed Overwatch 1 so much, with all the maps we've lost as well as the gameplay. This is great! But I already know I'll miss this once those 3 short weeks are up,” in a post titled, “Addressing the elephant in the room: Please don’t limit it to 3 weeks.”

Many players share this sentiment, reminiscing about Overwatch 1’s gameplay and features, with some returning solely for this event, having avoided Overwatch 2’s current state. Despite this excitement, others argue that keeping Classic mode long-term may diminish its charm and that a limited event preserves its appeal.

In response to the discussion, players have pointed out that the novelty of throwback modes in other games like WoW and Fortnite has shown to wear off over time. "A permanent mode sounds ideal on paper, but having a three-week event that occasionally returns makes it more exciting, prevents burnout, and turns it into a fun community event," one user commented.

This view captures the stance of many players who oppose a permanent Classic mode, a position Blizzard seems to align with. The developers have indicated that the Classic Event is intended as a short-term nostalgic experience, stating that they want it to be an occasional event rather than a permanent fixture.

In the FAQ section of their blog post, Blizzard addresses the question, “Will Overwatch: Classic ever return? Is this just a one-time thing?” with, “While we’re not planning for this to be a single event, we will be measuring player response to inform our plans.” With this balanced approach, Blizzard hopes to satisfy both sides of the debate. If player feedback is strong, we may see consistent Classic events in Overwatch 2’s future.