Well, it finally happened — Overwatch has gone offline. Not even a last-second Mercy raise can save this one.
Ahead of Overwatch 2‘s launch later this week, Blizzard shut down all multiplayer services for the original game. For a brief moment, the world will be Overwatch-less. It’s weird to think about, considering how staggeringly popular the hero shooter was for many years, even if its luster has since faded somewhat.
It’ll live on within Overwatch 2, of course — even if sweeping changes are incoming. There’ll be a battle pass with the new free-to-play model, and Blizzard is ditching loot boxes entirely. For better and worse, the sequel is an altogether different beast than Overwatch.
Everyone knew this was coming for quite some time, but it didn’t quite set in until now that nobody can play the original game anymore. As such, social media and Reddit are overflowing with posts from fans sharing cherished memories, awesome gameplay clips, and just looking back on how Overwatch impacted an entire generation.
Below, we’ve put together some of the best fan reactions for your viewing pleasure.
Farewell, old friend...
Overwatch 1 is officially a "dead game" pic.twitter.com/N5tPoi2Ci8
— Nibel (@Nibellion) October 3, 2022
Overwatch 1 Last Announcement 👋
" Even the best journeys end, but a new one is right around the corner. Thank you, heroes! See you October 4th! " #Overwatch2 pic.twitter.com/zkpJppEXVT
— Naeri X 나에리 (@OverwatchNaeri) October 3, 2022
The end of Overwatch 1. pic.twitter.com/IhHjmVPZiW
— Frogger (@FroggerOW) October 3, 2022
Overwatch… it's been an honor 🫡 pic.twitter.com/qqiWxIk39i
— Stylosa (@Stylosa) October 1, 2022
Precious memories.
Watching a single cinematic in 2016 led me to a game that gave me years of entertainment, friends that have improved my life tenfold, and the opportunity to do something I never thought possible – make writing my job.
Love you, Overwatch. #SeeYouOnTheOtherSide pic.twitter.com/JPIDdyMRtq
— Liz Richardson (@mizliz_) October 2, 2022
Overwatch holds a special place in my heart. I met lifelong friends, worked alongside the best in the business, traveled the world, and became a better caster/host/person because of it!
I’m so excited for @PlayOverwatch 2 and you already know that I’ll #SeeYouOnTheOtherSide 😉 pic.twitter.com/uBc0SF0Mdk
— Goldenboy (@GoldenboyFTW) October 3, 2022
This is a pic from my first @PlayOverwatch session EVER 😭 I had no idea how much Mercy would change my life, I had no idea I was about to gain a whole new family, I had no idea that HEROES NEVER DIE! I love you guys thank u 🙏❤️ #SeeYouOnTheOtherSide pic.twitter.com/ThSGyAQraV
— Lucie Pohl💥 (@LuciePohlComedy) October 2, 2022
Overwatch 1 was a treasure.
Here’s my favorite memory from OW1 and here’s to a new adventure in OW2 #SeeYouOnTheOtherSide pic.twitter.com/7bbBnboccr— I Draw Zen (@ZenUntil5v5) October 2, 2022
Highlights? There's plenty.
Throwback to when I accidentally killed half of my OWN TEAM with one scatter arrow.
Definitely my favourite memory from overwatch 1#SeeYouOnTheOtherSide pic.twitter.com/cOFPQ6G6qB
— Arrge (@ArrgeOW) October 2, 2022
Bringing back my favorite Overwatch clip of all time 😂❤️#SeeYouOnTheOtherSide pic.twitter.com/TxO95VEw3H
— Hoshi (@HoshizoraOW) October 3, 2022
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.