Is Overwatch 2 worth playing in 2025?

Overwatch 2 has entered its second year since its release in August 2023. The game was launched as a sequel to Blizzard's original Game of the Year-winning title. This was done so that the developers could implement various changes to the game without maintaining two different player bases. However, with the title entering its second year, players might wonder whether Overwatch 2 is still worth playing in 2025.

Although the game retains the foundations of an incredible title, the presence of better alternatives and some confusing decisions by Blizzard make Overwatch 2 a difficult recommendation in 2025.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Is Overwatch 2 on a decline?

The game seems to be suffering from many issues (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

There are many reasons Overwatch 2 has fallen out of favor with fans. Even today, the game sits at "Mostly Negative" reviews on Steam because the promises made to sell the fans on the idea of an Overwatch sequel were never fulfilled.

PvE Campaign

Blizzard had promised players a new PvE campaign mode in the Overwatch sequel, an expansive addition that would add more depth to the narrative and lore of the IPs. However, the mode was heavily toned down four years after its reveal at BlizzCon in 2019 and was effectively canceled following the poor reception of the first batch of campaigns. As such, there are no new exciting additions for players to look forward to.

Balance Patches can be a toss-up.

Blizzard usually releases mid-season balance patches to bring small but refreshing changes to the game's meta. However, many reworks have had unintended effects. In a recent mid-season patch, the game provided major buffs to all the tanks, which while a boon for tank players, has had dire consequences for other classes.

However, although these issues and various other problems are plaguing Overwatch 2, that is not to say there is nothing to enjoy about the game.

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Overwatch 2 is still enjoyable in 2025

Consistent updates

Blizzard continues to provide consistent updates for the game, adding new heroes and new maps throughout the year. A unique returning addition to the title is 6v6 matches, with Blizzard currently testing how to bring the old format to the sequel. So, while the game is not seeing any ambitious additions, players can still look forward to the yearly additions Blizzard has continued to introduce since the sequel's inception.

Active player base

Overwatch 2 still maintains a pretty sizable chunk of fans (Image via SteamDB)

It is undeniable that the overall player base has effectively declined since Overwatch's glory days, even after the release of the sequel. However, if Steam charts are anything to go by, the game still boasts good numbers.

Thus, if players want to try a team shooter with a large roster of playable characters, consistent updates, and an active player base, Overwatch 2 is still a good pick.

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To summarize, while Overwatch 2 is not currently in its prime due to tough competition and certain decisions made by the developers, the game can still be enjoyed with friends in 2025.