Top DPS Heroes in Overwatch 2 Classic Mode: A Nostalgic Power Ranking

Stepping back into Overwatch 2's Classic mode feels like traveling back in time. As a long-time player, I find myself re-acclimating to the original 12 DPS heroes, a roster that feels both familiar and strangely novel compared to today's expanded lineup. This limited-time throwback mode resurrects the unpolished, sometimes chaotic balance of the game's launch era, where certain heroes felt overwhelmingly powerful. With only five Tanks and four Supports available, the choice of DPS becomes the single most critical factor in determining a match's outcome. While the gameplay might feel clunky to veterans of the modern game, there's an undeniable charm and raw power fantasy in revisiting these original versions. The heroes are split evenly between defense and offense orientations, but in practice, I've found that player skill and understanding of each hero's classic kit trump any arbitrary categorization. Let me share my experiences and breakdown of the most formidable damage dealers in this nostalgic arena.

Mei: The Unyielding Area Denier

Picking Mei in Classic mode was a genuine surprise. Her kit harbors two monumental alterations that make her a defensive powerhouse. Her primary fire, the Endothermic Blaster, is a single-target stream that not only slows enemies significantly but completely freezes them in place after a brief duration. This frosty lockdown is incredibly potent for isolating and eliminating non-Tank heroes solo, and it serves as a perfect counter to many powerful abilities other heroes rely on. The other game-changing tweak is her Ice Wall. Each segment now boasts a hefty 500 HP, double the durability of its modern counterpart. This robust barrier can single-handedly salvage team fights, create crucial breathing room for your team, or block off enemy advances for an extended period while reinforcements arrive. Her Cryo-Freeze and Blizzard ultimate remain largely unchanged, but their value is immense. The invulnerability and self-heal from Cryo-Freeze are as vital as ever, and a well-placed Blizzard can still decisively swing the momentum of a match. Mei transforms from a nuisance into a formidable zone controller who dictates the pace of engagement.

Soldier: 76: The Reliable Foundation

Soldier 76 earns his spot through consistent, reliable performance. The key change to his mechanics is the complete removal of recoil from his Heavy Pulse Rifle. This makes tracking targets at medium range feel buttery smooth. However, he isn't considered "broken" like some others because this comes with trade-offs: holding down the trigger increases bullet spread, and each bullet deals a modest 17 damage. Therefore, the optimal strategy involves controlled burst fire, especially against smaller or distant targets. His supporting kit makes him a team player's dream:

• Helix Rockets: Deliver a powerful burst of explosive damage, perfect for finishing off weakened foes or breaking shields.

• Sprint: Provides essential mobility for repositioning, chasing down kills, or escaping dangerous situations.

• Biotic Field: This area-of-effect healing beacon is invaluable in sustaining your team during prolonged fights, often reducing the burden on your Supports.

• Tactical Visor: Functions as an effortless aimbot, guaranteeing hits on all visible targets and shredding through enemy formations.

His well-rounded kit, combining self-sufficiency, team utility, and straightforward damage output, makes him a cornerstone for any squad.

Genji: The Flanking Menace

Genji's core fantasy as a swift, lethal flanker is amplified in Classic mode. While his base kit of Shurikens, Swift Strike, and Deflect feels familiar, key enhancements elevate him. His mobility is more fluid; his double jump can be reset simply by touching a wall, granting him unparalleled vertical and horizontal traversal to outmaneuver enemies. The most significant upgrade is to his Dragonblade ultimate. It now lasts a full 8 seconds and deals increased damage, providing a generous window to carve through multiple opponents. The absence of modern hard counters like Ana's Sleep Dart or Moira's Fade-out makes his ultimates even more terrifying. Furthermore, Genji serves as a crucial counter to one of Classic mode's biggest threats: Bastion. His Deflect ability, though shortened to 1.5 seconds, can turn Bastion's devastating sentry fire back on itself, making Genji an essential pick in a meta where Bastion is prevalent.

Bastion: The Immovable Object & Unstoppable Force

Bastion is the definition of overpowered in this retro mode. Playing him is a lesson in raw, unadulterated firepower. His Configuration: Sentry form renders him immobile but transforms him into a rotary cannon of doom with infinite duration and no cooldown on switching configurations. Players can deploy into turret mode whenever they wish, melting even the sturdiest Tanks in seconds. His self-sufficiency is staggering:

• Self-Repair: He can continually heal himself without any resource cost, negating the need for constant Support attention and making him incredibly difficult to whittle down.

• Configuration: Tank (Ultimate): This is a vast improvement over his modern ultimate. For 8 seconds, he becomes a mobile artillery piece, dealing massive area damage and knockback with each shot, capable of clearing entire objectives.

Facing a competent Bastion requires coordinated teamwork and specific counters, as he can single-handedly dominate sightlines and choke points.

Cassidy: The Close-Quartes Duelist

Cassidy is arguably the most popular DPS pick in Classic, and for good reason. He is a master of close-range duels. His primary fire from the Peacekeeper is powerful, often requiring only 2-3 body shots to eliminate a non-Tank hero. However, his true terror lies in Fan the Hammer, his alternate fire. Each of the six wildly fired rounds deals 70 damage, meaning a full volley can instantly delete any 200-health hero. The combo that defines his playstyle is devastatingly simple yet effective: use Flashbang to stun an enemy, leaving them helpless, and then unload Fan the Hammer for a near-guaranteed elimination. This binary, high-impact gameplay makes him a constant threat on the battlefield.

Hanzo: The Undisputed King

Without a doubt, Hanzo stands at the pinnacle of Classic mode's DPS hierarchy. He is, quite simply, a broken hero. The source of his overwhelming power is the long-removed Scatter Arrow. This ability fires a single arrow that splinters into multiple projectiles upon impact, each dealing substantial damage. Its most infamous use is targeting an enemy's feet, causing all fragments to hit them simultaneously—a technique that can instantly kill even Tank heroes. This alone makes him a menace in any enclosed space or choke point. Beyond this legendary ability, his core kit is also formidable:

• Storm Bow: Maintains its high skill-cap, one-shot potential with headshots.

• Sonic Arrow: Provides invaluable reconnaissance for the entire team.

• Dragonstrike: His ultimate is less telegraphed and easier to confirm kills with than Cassidy's Deadeye, capable of wiping teams that are poorly positioned.

Hanzo combines insane burst damage, area denial, and team utility, cementing his status as the most potent original DPS hero in the Classic experience. Revisiting these heroes is a potent reminder of how far the game has evolved. While the balance may be skewed, there's a unique thrill in wielding these versions of our favorite characters at the peak of their original power. The Classic mode is a wonderful, if occasionally frustrating, tribute to Overwatch's roots.