Overwatch, Apex Legends, and Fortnite are all taking a trip down memory lane by introducing throwback modes to their games. Overwatch: Classic is a limited-time mode in Overwatch 2 that aims to recreate the original Overwatch experience as it was at launch. While the maps, UI, and sound effects will remain unchanged, the heroes will play like they did eight years ago. This means that abilities and gameplay mechanics will be reverted to their original state, such as D.Va’s exploding mech taking her out with it, Torbjorn handing out armor packs, and Mercy being able to resurrect her entire team at once. The lead gameplay designer, Alec Dawson, expressed the team’s desire to capture the charm of the original Overwatch experience. The mode will feature teams of six Symmetras deploying laser turrets and Hanzo’s Scatter Arrow deleting enemies around corners, creating chaotic but special gameplay moments. Overwatch: Classic will run until December 2 and bring back the game’s original 6v6 format, allowing any number of heroes from each role on a team, without a limit on how many players can choose the same hero. Despite the return to larger team sizes, Overwatch: Classic is not part of Blizzard’s upcoming 6v6 tests, which will focus on gathering feedback on hero balance and queue times. However, the development team will still collect data and listen to player reactions to having more players in a match. The mode is set to go live on Tuesday, November 12, and will be a regular event featuring heroes and balance from popular moments in the game’s history. Players are eager for these nostalgic modes as they offer a break from the hyper-competitive hero design of the sequel. Game director Aaron Keller emphasized that players are looking for something different than what the sequel offers, and this mode will serve as a stress test for the game’s engine. The announcement post indicates that future events may feature different moments in the game’s history, depending on how players respond to Overwatch: Classic. While there are no specific details about the next throwback mode, the development team has various ideas in mind, including revisiting old metas like the ‘Goats’ meta from 2018 or creating modes with every hero in their most overpowered state. These modes aim to evoke excitement and perhaps some trepidation among players. It appears that Overwatch players have been craving more lighthearted and less competitive modes, evident in the popularity of Junkenstein’s Laboratory, where players can equip talents that alter hero abilities. Junkenstein’s Laboratory garnered a significant amount of playtime, with roughly 35% of Overwatch’s total hours spent in this mode on the day it launched. Its popularity led to Blizzard releasing a balance patch for it and extending its availability for an extra week. The developers want to ensure that players who love the world of Overwatch and its heroes have access to less stressful and more flexible gameplay options. Therefore, Overwatch: Classic represents a step in that direction. In conclusion, Overwatch: Classic is an exciting addition to Overwatch 2, offering players a chance to relive the original Overwatch experience and enjoy a more carefree and nostalgic mode. With the potential for future throwback events and the positive reception of similar modes in the past, it seems that these nostalgic experiences will continue to be embraced by the Overwatch community.