# Is Overwatch losing popularity?

> Overwatch lost momentum after Overwatch 2's rocky launch and the rise of Marvel Rivals, but it still has a large, active player base and regular updates.

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.

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https://gamevoyages.com/is-overwatch-losing-popularity/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-30