Summary
- The third Overwatch: Classic event revives the infamous GOATS meta from now until April 7.
- The three-tank, three-support meta dominated the original Overwatch in 2018.
- Heroes added to the limited-time event include Moira, Brigitte, and Wrecking Ball.
Overwatch 2 has officially begun its third Overwatch: Classic event set in the 2018 GOATS meta. Characterized by the infamous three-tank, three-support teams featuring heroes like Brigitte, Moira, and Wrecking Ball, this new Overwatch 2 event is available from now through April 7.
Overwatch: Classic is a new type of limited-time event where Overwatch 2 travels back in time to various iconic points in the original game’s history. The first event that took place in Season 13 featured Overwatch as it was at release back in 2016, while the second one from Season 14 revived the Mercy-centric Moth Meta from 2017.
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Now, Overwatch: Classic is back in Season 15 – and this time, it has recreated one of the most polarizing periods in Overwatch history. Overwatch Classic: GOATS brings back the triple tank, triple support teams that dominated the game back in 2018, when Wrecking Ball, Moira, and Brigitte were the newest heroes in the game. From now through April 7, fans can fight across Blizzard World, Rialto, Busan, and other maps from early Overwatch in 6v6 matches where perfectly timing one’s ultimates was the key to victory.
- Limited-time 6v6 event available now through April 7.
- Heroes added include Moira, Brigitte, and Wrecking Ball.
- Maps added include Blizzard World, Rialto, and Busan.
- Hero balance is adjusted to as it was in September 2018.
The GOATS meta got its name from the team that first debuted the infamous composition, though some have claimed it to be an acronym for “Go All Tanks and Supports.” Featuring three tanks and three supports – classically D.Va, Reinhardt, Zarya, Lucio, Moira, and Brigitte – GOATS teams quickly punished squishy, solitary, and less-mobile targets. The meta dominated the competitive scene for a long time because the composition was effective and easy to play, to the point that Overwatch began to suffer due to static gameplay and limited viable hero options. Luckily, Overwatch Classic: GOATS will only be around for two weeks, meaning the meta won’t overstay its welcome.
Interestingly enough, the GOATS meta was directly responsible for the introduction of Role Queue, the feature where players are locked to the role they wish to play before a match begins. Role Queue has been both a blessing and a curse, as it has kept match queue times low at the cost of team comp flexibility. This has led to Overwatch 2 experiments such as 6v6 Min 1 Max 3 and the Quick Play: Hacked Limit 2 and Kingmaker playtests, all of which did away with Role Queue in favor of other limitations.
Fans who want the 6v6 experience without the GOATS meta can do so in Competitive Play for the remainder of Season 15. Open queue 6v6, with a limitation of no more than two tanks, will be available until Season 16 starts on April 22, so players can access it both during and after Overwatch: Classic.
- Released
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August 10, 2023
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence