Is Overwatch losing popularity?
Overwatch is less dominant than at its 2016–2018 peak, but it is not dead. Interest dropped after Overwatch 2 launched in 2022 with a monetization model many fans disliked and later cancelled its promised PvE hero mode. Marvel Rivals, released in December 2024, then drew a large part of the hero-shooter audience. Still, Overwatch 2 keeps a big player base, regular seasons and an active esports scene.
Why Overwatch lost players
- Overwatch 1 was replaced. Overwatch 2 replaced the original rather than launching alongside it, and the original game is no longer playable.
- Monetization. The switch to free-to-play brought a battle pass and pricey shop skins, while new heroes were initially locked behind the pass.
- Cancelled PvE. In 2023 Blizzard cancelled the large hero mode that was a key selling point of Overwatch 2, which led to a wave of negative Steam reviews.
- Format change. Teams went from 6v6 to 5v5, which some longtime players disliked.
- Competition. Marvel Rivals offered a similar format with popular characters and a free hero roster.
Why it is still alive
Blizzard keeps releasing seasons, heroes and maps, and has been adding bigger changes, such as hero perks and a new Stadium mode in 2025, along with experiments with 6v6. The game remains free to play on PC and consoles with cross-play.
FAQ
Can you still play Overwatch 1?
No. Overwatch 2 replaced it on all platforms in October 2022, and the original servers were shut down.
Did Overwatch 1 skins carry over to Overwatch 2?
Yes. Cosmetics from Overwatch 1 accounts were carried over to Overwatch 2.
Is Overwatch 2 pay to win?
No. Heroes and gameplay content can be earned for free; paid items are mostly cosmetic.
Is Marvel Rivals a copy of Overwatch?
It is a team-based hero shooter in the same style, so the comparison is natural, but it uses third-person view, Marvel characters, team-up abilities and destructible maps.