Overwatch 2 Reveals All Overwatch: Classic Hero Kits

Key Takeaways

Overwatch: Classicfeatures the original 21 heroes with abilities as they were in 2016, offering nostalgic gameplay without modern changes.
The limited-time game mode features 6v6 battles, old maps, and no role restrictions, providing a unique experience for new and old players.
Players can freely choose heroes with no role restrictions, allowing unique team comps like the iconic six-Winston composition.

As a long-time fanatic of Overwatch since its inception, I must say that diving back into the classic mode is like revisiting an old friend after a long time apart. The nostalgia is overwhelming as I see familiar faces with tweaked abilities and fresh graphics that make them look even more polished than before.

In the latest update, Overwatch 2 unveiled the character kits for the heroes playable in the classic Overwatch game mode. Although the abilities of the original 21 Overwatch characters remain unchanged from their 2016 versions, long-time players might find it beneficial to review them considering the numerous adjustments these characters have undergone between that time and the present day version of Overwatch 2.

More recently, it was revealed that Overwatch 2 is introducing a special game mode called Overwatch: Classic. This limited-time offering allows fans to revisit the original First-Person Shooter (FPS) game as it originally debuted in 2016. In this mode, players engage in team battles with six on six, with no restrictions on hero or role selections. Additionally, the classic Assault game mode and the initial 12 maps from launch will be included. For long-time players, this offers a trip down memory lane, while newcomers can expect a distinctive gaming experience compared to the current version of the game.

As an avid fan, I’m thrilled about Overwatch: Classic! This throwback takes us back to the origins of Future Earth, where only the original 21 heroes from the debut of Overwatch 1 will be playable. Each character has been reverted to their launch state, categorized into four classic roles: Offense, Defense, Tank, and Support. However, in these Overwatch 2 matches, there are no role restrictions, enabling us to pick any hero we desire. This means we can field up to six heroes of the same role if we prefer, and for the initial days of the event, we can even select the same hero across the team, mimicking legendary comps like the six-Winston “Gorilla Warfare” setup!

All Overwatch: Classic Hero Abilities

OFFENSE HEROES

Cassidy

Peacekeeper Accurate, powerful revolver
Peacekeeper Wildly fire remaining rounds
Combat Roll Roll in the direction you’re moving and reload
Flashbang Stun enemies in front of you
Deadeye Face off against your enemies. Press your Ultimate to lock on, then Primary Fire to fire.

How does Cassidy’s role differ in Overwatch: Classic compared to Overwatch 2?In the original Overwatch, Cassidy delivers Wild West-style action. His damage output is significantly higher than usual in Overwatch 2 – each hammer projectile from fanning the hammer deals 70 points of damage. The Flashbang ability returns to its original form, causing heroes caught within it to be immobilized briefly and exposed to attack. Lastly, Deadeye provides greater flexibility for Cassidy as he can halt firing midway and retain up to half of his Ultimate charge.

Genji

Cyber-Agility Climb on walls and double jump
Shuriken Throw an accurate burst of 3 projectiles
Shuriken Throw a fan of 3 projectiles in an arc
Swift Strike Rapidly dash forward and inflict damage on enemies. Eliminations reset the cooldown
Deflect Deflect incoming projectiles towards the direction you are aiming and block melee attacks
Dragonblade Unsheathe a deadly melee weapon

How does Genji’s Dragonblade stand out? For one, Genji’s Dragonblade can attack continuously for up to eight seconds, making it harder to overlook. Additionally, Genji is more agile since his Double Jump ability resets as he climbs walls.

Pharah

Rocket Launcher Long-range explosive projectile weapon
Jump Jet Fly rapidly upwards
Concussive Blast Launch an explosive blast to knock back enemies
Barrage Launch a continuous volley of mini-rockets
Hover Jets Hold Jump to hover

How does Pharah’s kit differ? Pharah’s original equipment gives her greater chances to remain airborne for longer periods, and she has a greater ability to knock opponents off ledges using her Concussive Blast. Additionally, she inflicts more damage with increased splash explosion damage from the rockets in her Rocket Launcher.

Reaper

Hellfire Shotguns Short-range spread weapons
Wraith Form Move faster and become invulnerable, but you cannot shoot
Shadow Step Teleport to a targeted location
Death Blossom Damage all nearby enemies
The Reaping Collect Soul Globes to restore health

How does Overwatch 2 differ? One of the modifications in Overwatch 2 is that Reaper’s passive ability, The Reaping, will revert to its original state where defeated enemies will drop soul orbs. These orbs can be collected by Reaper, restoring 50 HP. Additionally, it’s important to strategize when using Wraith Form because it can no longer be canceled prematurely.

Soldier: 76

Heavy Pulse Rifle Automatic assault weapon
Helix Rockets Launch a volley of explosive rockets
Sprint Run faster while moving forward
Biotic Field Deploy a field that heals you and your allies
Tactical Visor Automatically aims your weapon at targets in view

How has Soldier: 76 changed over time? Soldier: 76 has primarily undergone tuning adjustments throughout Overwatch. His Heavy Pulse Rifle now causes slightly less damage, at 17 points per bullet. However, the rifle no longer experiences recoil; instead, the spread of the bullets will increase the longer you hold it down.

Tracer

Pulse Pistols Short-range automatic weapons
Blink Teleport in the direction you are moving
Recall Travel back in time to your previous location and health
Pulse Bomb Throw out a powerful sticky explosive

How has Tracer’s gameplay approach evolved over the course of Overwatch? Tracer’s time-traveling playstyle has undergone only minor modifications throughout the history of Overwatch, with the primary alterations focusing on her Pulse Pistols and Pulse Bomb. Notably, the Pulse Bomb is now capable of dealing immense damage that can easily eliminate most heroes.

DEFENSE HEROES

Bastion

Configuration: Recon Mobile with a light automatic weapon
Configuration: Sentry Immobile with a powerful rotary cannon
Configure Switch between weapon configurations
Self-Repair Heals yourself
Configuration: Tank Mobile with a powerful cannon

How Things Have Changed: The initial setup for Bastion contrasts significantly with his current playstyle. Bastion, a challenging character to master, can virtually lock down chokepoints when deployed in Sentry mode, unleashing a barrage of machine gun fire that prevents movement, yet he remains stationary and has limited ammunition while in this form. This vulnerability – being attacked from behind – becomes an easy target if enemies manage to flank him. Remember to employ the Self-Repair ability for healing Bastion during non-damaging phases. Be cautious as Configuration: Tank can dish out heavy damage when wandering freely across the battlefield in tank form.

Hanzo

Storm Bow Hold to charge then release to launch arrows further
Sonic Arrow Reveals enemies for a short time upon impact
Scatter Arrow Splits into multiple ricochet arrows on impact
Dragonstrike Launch a deadly Dragon Spirit that devastated enemies it passes through
Wall Climb Jump at wall to climb up them

Here’s What I Noticed About Hanzo: Instead of using his traditional Special Arrow, the Scatter Arrow, he now unleashes a barrage of projectiles that ricochet off walls. This move, paired with the Sonic Arrow, can effectively halt an elusive enemy who might be lurking nearby. Unfortunately, Hanzo is no longer equipped with his passive Lunge jump, which restricts his mobility to some extent.

Junkrat

Frag Launcher Bouncing explosive projectile weapon
Concussion Mine Throw a knockback mine with Ability 1 then detonate it with Alternate Fire
Steel Trap Place an immobilizing trap
Rip-tire Drive and detonate an exploding tire
Total Mayhem Drop bombs on death

How does Junkrat differ? Unlike other characters, Junkrat takes a significant amount of self-damage from his Frag Launcher. Also, his Concussion Mine has a single charge, which means he can’t use it as frequently or for both offensive and defensive purposes.

Mei

Endothermic Blaster Short-range spray weapon that freezes enemies
Endothermic Blaster Long-range icicle launcher
Cryo-freeze Become invulnerable and heal yourself
Ice Wall Create a wall in front of you
Blizzard Launch a weather control drone that freezes enemies in a wide area

Hey Gamers! You might find that Mei’s original setup was way more frosty in my gaming experience. Her Endothermic Blaster now chills enemies individually with a quick freeze on primary fire, and if you time it right, you can end them with a freezing finish using the Alternate Fire. Furthermore, the Ice Wall I build is beefed up – each pillar now boasts a healthy 500 HP, making it tougher to take down.

Torbjorn

Rivet Gun Slow-firing long-ranged weapon
Forge Hammer Swing to improve your turret or damage an enemy
Rivet Gun Inaccurate but powerful short-range weapon
Build Turret Build an upgradeable turret
Armor Pack Build an armor power up
Molten Core Increase your weapon attack speed, gain additional armor, and temporarily upgrade a level 2 turret to level 3
Scrap Collector Collect scrap to gain resources

What’s Changed? Originally, Torbjorn constructed his tools and supplies from debris left by both friends and foes. Gather scrap to erect Armor packs that teammates can utilize for extra health points. Deploy Turret initially places a low-damage Level 1 turret; however, you can enhance it to a Level 2 turret using the Forge Hammer (similar to the one currently used in live play). Previously, Torbjorn’s ultimate ability, Molten Core, boosted his armor and movement speed while instantly upgrading a Level 2 turret into a missile-firing, rapid-fire Level 3 turret to dominate any battlefield.

Widowmaker

Widow’s Kiss Automatic assault weapon
Widow’s Kiss Hold for long-ranged sniper weapon
Grappling Hook Launch a hook that pulls you towards a ledge
Venom Mine Launch a poison trap
Infra-sight Provide your team with a view of the enemy’s location

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed that the Widowmaker has become deadlier with her bullets charging faster and dealing more damage from afar. However, this enhanced lethality comes at a price – each use of the Grappling Hook will leave her exposed for a longer period due to its increased cooldown.

TANK HEROES

D.Va

Fusion Cannons Automatic short-range spread weapons
Light Gun Automatic weapon
Boosters Fly in the direction you are facing
Defense Matrix Block projectiles in an area in front of you
Self-Destruct Eject and overload your mech, causing it to explode after a short time
Call Mech Call down a new mech
Eject! Eject out of your mech when it is destroyed

What sets this apart? Originally, D.Va’s kit was more stationary and didn’t possess the Micro Missiles skill that would be incorporated later in Overwatch. Her Defense Matrix maintains a field for several seconds after a 10-second cooldown, but it leaves her vulnerable to damage from her own Self Destruct ability’s blast, which takes 4 seconds to detonate. This means Pilot D.Va must be careful not to get caught in the radius of her powerful self-destruct ability.

Reinhardt

Rocket Hammer Devastating melee weapon
Barrier Field Deploy a frontal energy barrier
Charge Charge forward and smash an enemy against a wall
Fire Strike Launch a fiery projectile
Earthshatter Knock down all enemies in front of you

How does Reinhardt differ? Unlike the original version, Reinhardt won’t benefit from two charges for Fire Strike or a smaller health pool. However, his Earthshatter will offer a wider area of effect to surprise enemies. Additionally, he will be capable of absorbing more damage due to an increased Barrier Health compared to the live game.

Roadhog

Scrap Gun Short-range spread weapon
Scrap Gun Medium-range spread weapon
Chain Hook Drag a targeted enemy to you
Take a Breather Heal yourself over a short time
Whole Hog Damage and knock back enemies in front of you

How has Roadhog’s kit changed over time? Roadhog’s ability to hook and catch opponents is the focus of many adjustments in his kit. Be mindful of his hook, as it can grab anything within its vicinity and execute a deadly two-part combo with both his scrap gun and melee attack, making for an effortless finish against heroes with low health.

Winston

Tesla Cannon Electric frontal-cone weapon
Jump Pack Leap forward into the air. Landing on an enemy damages them
Barrier Projector Deploy a protective energy dome
Primal Rage Gain immense health, but you can only leap and punch enemies

What’s Different? Winston’s kit will be missing the long-range attack from his Tesla Cannon that was introduced in Overwatch 2. Also, carefully time your placements of Barrier Projector, as cooldown starts only after the shield expires instead of when it is deployed.

Zarya

Particle Cannon Short-range linear beam weapon
Particle Cannon Energy grenade launcher
Particle Barrier Create a damage barrier around you
Projected Barrier Create a damage barrier around an ally
Graviton Surge Launch a gravity well that pulls enemies to it

In the previous version of the game, Zarya had distinct cooling-off periods for Particle Barrier and Projected Barrier. It’s crucial to be mindful of when you activate either shield to safeguard yourself or your teammates. However, it’s worth noting that in the old version, Zarya gained energy much more quickly from these abilities compared to the current live game.

SUPPORT HEROES

Lucio

Sonic Amplifier Sonic projectile launcher
Soundwave Create a short-range blast wave to knock enemies away from you
Crossfade Increases the effectiveness of your current song
Sound Barrier Create temporary extra health for nearby allies

I noticed something’s changed with Lucio: His Crossfade ability now covers a larger area of 30 meters, compared to the 10-meter radius in his current kit. However, the healing provided to my teammates is reduced. But, this makes him an excellent choice for quickly getting my team to the next battle.

Mercy

Caduceus Staff (Primary) Hold to heal an ally
Caduceus Blaster Automatic weapon
Caduceus Staff (Secondary) Hold to increase an ally’s damage inflicted
Guardian Angel Fly towards an ally
Resurrect Revive dead teammates
Angelic Descent Fall very slowly
Regeneration Restore your own health after not taking any damage

As a gamer, here’s how I see it: When I use Mercy’s ultimate, Resurrect, in a teamfight, it’s like giving my allies a second chance. I can revive up to five teammates on the spot. But beware, if there are multiple Mercy players on our team, their healing and damage boost abilities stack, making us even more powerful!

Symmetra

Photon Projector Short-range beam weapon with increasing damage
Photon Projector Hold to charge, release to fire orb
Sentry Turret Deploy a small turret that damages and slows enemies
Photon Shield Give shields to an ally
Teleporter Deploy a teleporter that connects to the spawn room

How does Symmetra differ from other heroes? Unlike many Support heroes, Symmetra’s abilities are primarily focused on aiding her team rather than inflicting damage directly. Her Photon Shield ability increases the shield health of her allies, allowing it to regenerate as long as they remain alive. As for her ultimate, Teleporter, you can place the exit portal anywhere on the map and link it directly to your active spawn room. To make strategic sentry turret fortifications, try playing Symmetra multiple times to block off chokepoints against your enemies.

Zenyatta

Orb Of Destruction Energy projectile weapon
Orb Of Destruction Charge to release more projectiles
Orb of Harmony Launch this orb at an ally to heal them
Orb Of Discord Launch this orb at an enemy to increase the damage they take
Transcendence Become invulnerable and heal nearby allies

How does Zenyatta’s setup differ? Apart from the absence of his Snap Kick passive, which was introduced later, Zenyatta’s equipment remains largely the same. Be mindful of his Orb of Discord ability, as it amplifies damage by 50% on its target based on the damage it receives.

In this game mode for Overwatch 2, several adjustments made in Season 9 will be undone. For instance, the projectiles, health, and damage have returned to their original values from Overwatch 1. The charging rate of Ultimates has been increased dramatically, and if an Ultimate is interrupted, a portion of the meter will be refunded based on how quickly it was disrupted. Moreover, self-damaging explosive effects are now active again, meaning characters like Junkrat and D.Va should exercise caution when using their Ultimates to avoid accidentally killing themselves alongside the enemy team.

In addition to the enhanced graphics, there are some other changes to the classic Overwatch game: Symmetra can now only use her Teleporter ultimate, as opposed to having a choice between it and Shield Generator. Also, due to questionable actions of his original namesake that were revealed during the 2021 lawsuits, Blizzard decided to keep Cassidy’s new name instead of revert it back to McCree.

The inaugural Overwatch: Classic event commences on November 12 and concludes on December 2. Although Blizzard is cautious about making commitments before evaluating the initial response, they’ve hinted that they don’t intend for this to be a one-time occurrence of Overwatch: Classic. If players find it engaging, they might encounter additional events featuring more characters and kits inspired by significant eras in the Overwatch timeline.

2024-11-12 00:46