Overwatch has officially reclaimed his throne, transcending Marvel Rivals As the most played hero shooter on Steam. Originally launched by Blizzard in 2016, Overwatch A sequel was received in 2022 that replaced the original title, adding new heroes and updated mechanics. Subsequent changes to the game's beloved formula received mixed reception.
In December 2024, NetEase Games was released OverwatchToday's toughest competition, launch Marvel Rivals with great fanfare. Marvel Rivals Was an instant success story, replicating OverwatchA unique hero shooter formula that builds its roster with a cast of Marvel superheroes. As of February 2026, the game has seen over 45 characters added to its lineup, with NetEase announcing Elsa Bloodstone as the next Marvel Rivals Nayak is slated to release on February 13.
Overwatch 2 players aren't happy after the latest Marvel Rivals announcement
Many Overwatch 2 players are upset after the recent Marvel Rivals announcement confirmed that new heroes will be joining its roster in Season 1.
Overwatch officially surpasses Marvel Rivals
Snow wonder Overwatch The relaunch has seen the game overtaken Marvel Rivals In player count, surpassing Marvel's competitive hero shooter with its current players and 24-hour peak. At the time of writing, Marvel Rivals The current player count is over 70,000, while Overwatch There are over 108,000 players. Ovof erwatch The 24-hour player count peak is also significantly higher, reaching an all-time high of over 165,000 players, while Marvel Rivals Currently has a 24-hour peak player count that is over 112,000.
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A big increase in of Overwatch The number of players comes on the heels of the game's biggest relaunch to date, with the title dropping the “2” in its name and simply rebranding Overwatch. Extensive changes include an overhauled user interface, presenting players with more information at a glance, new sub roles that give each class character unique passive abilities, such as seeing players through walls or increasing the effectiveness of health packs. The game also launched five brand-new playable characters, including Emre, who makes his first appearance Overwatchcomic tie-ins, and Jetpack Cat, a character originally conceived early on OverwatchMany fans of the development have requested.
relaunch of Overwatch With a new season 1 for the game's newest story, it also resets its seasonal progression, the story titled “Reign of Talon”. Season 1, subtitled “Victory,” sees Overwatch Overtaken by Talon's forces, apparently led by Vendetta, the villainous character who recently made his debut in the 20th season of the game. Players participating in the game's new season are asked to take sides in this battle, with each faction earning them in-game rewards at the end of each week. The game's new storyline is set to play out over six seasons, with a new protagonist set to debut with each season.
Overwatchcompete with Marvel Rivals Seemingly heating up, the two games introduce characters and mechanics that catapult them into the spotlight. Recent exciting additions to the game's roster, as well as teases for rumored heroes like Cyclops and Ghost Rider (as hinted at through in-game dialogue from a fourth-wall-breaking Deadpool) have kept the game's fan base eager for more, but of Overwatch The surprise revival has allowed the game's popularity to reach heights it hasn't seen since the sequel's initial release.
A huge suite of changes, including Overwatch's director confirmed a redesign for one of its newest characters based on player feedback, indicating that the game's developers are listening closely to the requests of its fans. With a huge spike in the game's player count, it's safe to say OverwatchThe fan base has overwhelmingly accepted these changes.
- issued
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August 10, 2023
- ESRB
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T For Teens // Blood, mild language, tobacco use, violence
Source: Steam DB – Overwatch (Steam DB – Marvel Rivals)