Overwatch
In computer gaming, Overwatch is an FPS (first-person shooter) game from Blizzard, released on May 24, 2016. In the game, each player joins a team of five to compete against six others. Players have the option of selecting from 35 different heroes from three different classes (tank, damage or DPS (damage per second), and support) who each have unique abilities.
Overwatch comes from another Blizzard project code-named Titan. Titan was planned to be a class-based MMORPG (massively-multiplayer online role-playing game) where players could select from a list of skills as they level their character. After Titan was canceled, Jeff Kaplan and others helped break off portions of the game to make the PvP (player vs. player) version that became the original Overwatch.
In 2019, Overwatch 2 was announced at BlizzCon with plans to add a new PvE (player vs. environment) mode that would allow players to work together and level up their characters. However, to accommodate everything promised, the game's engine would need to be redesigned to better support larger maps and all new character changes.
In March 2022, Blizzard stated that they were focusing too much on Overwatch 2 development and not enough on Overwatch, and that they would be releasing Overwatch 2 sooner in parts. Overwatch 2 was released as F2P (free-to-play) and as early access on October 4, 2022, without the PvE mode and a reduction of team players (now 5v5, not 6v6). In addition, Overwatch 2 standard modes of play had predefined roles of one tank, two DPS, and two support. Overwatch 2 also did away with loot boxes in favor of a store and battle pass.
On May 16, 2023, Blizzard announced it would cancel the originally-planned PvE mode and that only elements of the mode would appear in later seasons.
Overwatch may sometimes be abbreviated as OW, and Overwatch 2 may be abbreviated as OW2.
Where can I download Overwatch for free?
On a computer, Overwatch can be downloaded and installed using Battle.net. The original Overwatch was not free; however, since the release of Overwatch 2, it is now free to download and play. On all other platforms, Overwatch is found through the platform's store.
What platforms can I use to play Overwatch?
Overwatch 2 can be played on any of the following platforms:
- PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4 and 5
- Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X
What is the rating for Overwatch and Overwatch 2?
Both versions of Overwatch have an ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) rating of "T" for "teen."
Can I buy or play the original Overwatch?
No. As of June 16, 2022, the original Overwatch is no longer available or supported. Overwatch 2 has replaced the original Overwatch.
What is each Overwatch hero's name?
In alphabetical order, below are the names of each Overwatch hero and their role.
- Ana - Support
- Ashe - Damage
- Baptiste - Support
- Bastion - Damage
- Brigitte - Support
- Cassidy (formerly McCree) - Damage
- D.VA - Tank
- Doomfist - Tank
- Echo - Damage
- Genji - Damage
- Hanzo - Damage
- Illari - Support
- Junker Queen - Tank
- Junkrat - Damage
- Kiriko - Support
- Lifeweaver - Support (Newest hero)
- Lúcio - Support
- Mauga - Tank
- Mei - Damage
- Mercy - Support
- Moira - Support
- Orisa - Tank
- Pharah - Damage
- Ramattra - Tank
- Reaper - Damage
- Reinhardt - Tank
- Roadhog - Tank
- Sigma - Tank
- Sojourn - Damage
- Soldier: 76 - Damage
- Sombra - Damage
- Symmetra - Damage
- Torbjorn - Damage
- Tracer - Damage
- Widowmaker - Damage
- Winston - Tank
- Wrecking ball - Tank
- Zarya - Tank
- Zenyatta - Support