If you’re a lapsed Overwatch fan who logged hundreds of hours on the original 2016 release before Overwatch 2 launched in 2022, you’ve probably wondered do people still play Overwatch 1 at all. Many players assumed the game would vanish entirely once Blizzard pushed the free-to-play sequel, but that’s not quite what happened. I’ve dipped in and out of both versions over the last two years, and I’ve been shocked by how active the original game’s core community still is, even without official developer support. Most players who stick around aren’t doing it for clout or ranked rewards, they’re there because they prefer the experience the original game offers.
Do People Still Play Overwatch 1? Breaking Down Current Player Numbers
First, it’s important to note that official Blizzard-run Overwatch 1 servers were shut down permanently when Overwatch 2 launched, so all active play happens on third-party community-hosted servers, almost exclusively on PC. As of the latest available data, the largest Overwatch 1 server networks have between 10,000 and 15,000 concurrent active players during peak hours across NA, EU, and small APAC communities. That’s a tiny fraction of Overwatch 2’s 100,000+ concurrent player base, but it’s stable enough for reliable matchmaking for popular modes.
I tested matchmaking times last month on a Saturday evening in NA East, and I waited 72 seconds for a full 6v6 quick play match as a support main. That’s way faster than I expected for a game that’s technically been discontinued for two years. The vast majority of active Overwatch 1 players are long-time fans who prefer the original's 6v6 format, no battle pass, and all hero unlocks from day one. You won’t find many new players here, but the existing community is incredibly dedicated and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Why Players Are Still Choosing Overwatch 1 Over Overwatch 2
It’s easy to write off people who stick to an old version of a game as stubborn, but there are very real, practical reasons so many fans have rejected Overwatch 2 in favor of the original. For starters, the shift from 6v6 to 5v5 in Overwatch 2 completely changed the team dynamic, making tank play far more stressful for casual players and removing the coordinated tank synergy that made the original’s team play so satisfying. Many casual players also hate Overwatch 2’s battle pass system, which locks new heroes behind dozens of hours of grind or a paid upgrade, compared to the original where every hero was free for all players immediately on release.
Custom game servers are one of the biggest draws for remaining Overwatch 1 players, since you can access every custom mode ever created for the original, from hide and seek to themed role-play lobbies, without the restrictions Overwatch 2 has placed on custom game settings over time. The top reasons players stick with Overwatch 1 boil down to three core points:
- Preference for the original 6v6 team format with two dedicated tank slots, which many casual players find less chaotic and more team-focused than Overwatch 2's 5v5 structure
- Access to all original heroes, skins, and game modes for free on most third-party servers, no battle pass grind or paid DLC required to access core content
- Zero aggressive monetization, with no in-game shop, limited-time cosmetic FOMO, or pay-to-win mechanics that have become standard in the live service sequel
Plenty of players also just have fond memories of playing the original with friends in its 2016-2019 peak, and jumping back into Overwatch 1 feels like coming home to them. It’s a low-stakes, fun experience that doesn’t demand 10 hours a week of grind to keep up with new content.
How You Can Access Overwatch 1 Lobbies Today
If you’re interested in jumping back into the original game, there are a few hoops you’ll need to jump through first, since you can’t just download it directly from Battle.net and start playing anymore. First, you need to have owned a copy of the original Overwatch 1 on your Battle.net account before Overwatch 2 launched. If you did, you can still find the original game client in your purchase history and download it to your PC. Console players are out of luck for now, since there are no active third-party servers for PS4, Xbox One, or Switch versions of the game.
Once you have the original client installed, you’ll need to download a mod from a trusted Overwatch 1 community group that lets you connect to their third-party servers. You should only access third-party servers from trusted, well-known community groups to avoid malware or account bans from Blizzard, since modifying your game client to connect to unofficial servers technically violates Blizzard’s terms of service. That said, Blizzard has taken almost no action against casual players using these servers over the last two years, focusing instead on supporting Overwatch 2 and taking down servers that try to monetize access to the original game.
Setup usually takes less than 10 minutes, and most servers have detailed guides to walk you through the process step by step. Once you’re set up, you can browse available lobbies, queue for quick play, or join custom games just like you did on the original official servers.
Is It Worth Returning to Overwatch 1 Right Now?
Whether or not you should go through the effort to set up Overwatch 1 depends entirely on what you’re looking for from the game. If you’re a casual player who misses the old 6v6 format, doesn’t want to deal with Overwatch 2’s battle pass grind, and just wants to hop into quick play or custom games with old friends for a few hours a week, it’s absolutely worth the small effort to set up. The matches are fun, the community is friendly, and you don’t have to worry about keeping up with constant balance changes or new hero releases.
If you’re looking for a large, active player base, regular ranked matches, or cross-platform play, you’re better off sticking with Overwatch 2. Ranked play is the biggest gap in the current Overwatch 1 community, since most third-party servers don’t have large enough player pools to support consistent ranked matches across all skill tiers, and there’s no official ranked progression system. There are small community-run ranked leagues and monthly tournaments for more competitive players, but they’re mostly limited to NA and EU regions, and you’ll have to join specific community groups to participate.
In my experience, the biggest benefit of playing Overwatch 1 right now is the community vibe. The community is far less toxic than the current Overwatch 2 player base, in my experience, since everyone there is a long-time fan who’s there because they love the game, not just grinding for the next battle pass reward. I’ve run into far fewer angry players throwing matches or typing abuse in chat, and most people are just there to have fun.
At the end of the day, if you’re asking do people still play Overwatch 1, the answer is a definite yes, even if the community is much smaller than it was at the game's peak. It's not for everyone, and you'll have to jump through a few small hoops to access lobbies, but if you're craving the classic Overwatch experience that made the game a global phenomenon, there's never been a better time to jump back in. You might even run into a few old teammates you haven't seen in years while you're queuing up. If you do decide to give it a try, take a minute to introduce yourself in the lobby chat – most players are happy to welcome returning fans back to the game.