Overwatch 2 takes step back toward original game with new mode

The Overwatch 2 devs have taken a step back toward the original title by introducing new changes that allow for double ups on heroes in Quick Play: Hacked.

Overwatch 2 has come a long way since its original iteration. From the introduction of role queue to the new heroes introduced to the shift to 5v5, the hero shooter has transitioned and progressed over its multiple years of existence.

And Blizzard continues to iterate and change up the game, with Season 9 massively shaking up the game’s balance and meta. The introduction of a healing reduction DPS passive meant heroes like Moira, Winston, and D.VA have entered the spotlight.

Now it seems the devs may be making another big change to the hero shooter, with the return of no hero limits in Quick Play: Hacked.

We're taking a look at Season 9 balance and a few of the changes coming to next Tuesday's patch, as well as the next Quick Play: Hacked event in this week's Director's Take. Check it out!https://t.co/nylhWmPUX1

— Aaron Keller (@aaronkellerOW) March 7, 2024

Overwatch 2 removes hero limits in Quick Play: Double Trouble

Quick Play: Hacked is Blizzard’s testing ground for core gameplay changes. This mode allows players to get their hands on potential changes and give feedback to the devs so they can investigate further. The mode had previously seen changes that made respawn and capture rates faster, which had a mixed response from the community.

Now Blizzard is returning to the mode, testing the effects of removing hero limits.

“We’re also going to be running our next Quick Play: Hacked later this season. This one is called Double Trouble and it removes the one hero limitation in game,” Game Director Aaron Keller explained in their latest Director’s Take.

This isn’t quite the return of the 6 Winston comps that we saw in Overwatch 1, as role limits will still be enforced. But it does mean heroes within their respective roles can be doubled up on.

This new mode is slated to come later on in the season with no release date in mind. But this mode may be the start of a larger shift in Overwatch 2, and a return to the old times of its predecessor.