Overwatch has seen a significant improvement in its Steam user review score, moving from "Mostly Negative" to "Mixed" this week. Since its launch on Steam in August 2023, the hero shooter has faced considerable backlash, initially holding the distinction of being the platform's worst-reviewed game with only 10% positive reviews during its launch month. It now ranks as the 20th worst-rated game according to Steam 250's Hall of Shame Ranking.
Early criticism focused on changes made in the transition from the original Overwatch to its free-to-play successor. These included reducing team sizes from six to five players and a monetization model that initially required new characters to be purchased or unlocked via the Battle Pass, a decision Blizzard later reversed. The original Overwatch was also entirely replaced by the new version, meaning the previous game ceased to exist.
A further point of contention was the shelving of a planned significant PvE component. Despite initial promises, only a few missions were released before development issues led to the project's cancellation. Many players felt the other changes did not justify the rebranding as a sequel.
Blizzard has since worked to improve the game and its standing with players. In response to emerging competitors, the pace of new hero releases has increased, with five new heroes introduced in February and a total of ten planned for 2026. User reviews reflect this shift, with some players praising the new characters as fun and having interesting kits. One Steam user stated, "The new characters are fun with interesting kits, the battle pass is good value, there's a lot of chances to get loot boxes which means free cosmetics, the paid cosmetics have been really good; and overall the game has a lot to offer everyone from Currency Whales to F2P players." Another review offered a fresh perspective, "I think this game deserves interest and attention. It gave me a breath of fresh air after many years of playing TF2. Even after sweaty 4–5 hour sessions, I still feel happy to return to it."
Despite the improvements, Overwatch still faces criticism. A significant concern for many players is the game's microtransaction pricing, with some hero skins costing upwards of $99.99 for cosmetic bundles. Detractors also point to the game's player base, citing toxicity and a design that can foster conflict rather than cooperation among teammates. One player with over 200 hours expressed extreme frustration with the game's characters and their experiences, yet still indicated a propensity to return to playing.
With its current trajectory, Overwatch continues its slow climb in user reception on Steam, aiming to further improve its standing among players.