Overwatch Reclaims the Top Spot, Surpassing Marvel Rivals on Steam

It’s official — Overwatch has overtaken Marvel Rivals as the most played hero shooter on Steam, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the genre.

Originally released in 2016, Blizzard’s Overwatch quickly became one of the most influential hero shooters ever created. In 2022, Blizzard replaced the original game with Overwatch 2, introducing new heroes, updated mechanics, and structural changes to the beloved formula. However, the sequel received mixed reactions, with portions of the community divided over gameplay adjustments and monetization decisions.

Marvel Rivals: The Strongest Challenger Yet 🦸

In December 2024, NetEase Games launched Marvel Rivals, immediately positioning it as Overwatch’s most serious competitor to date. The game replicated the hero shooter formula but infused it with a roster of iconic Marvel superheroes, attracting massive attention at launch.

By February 2026, Marvel Rivals had expanded to over 45 playable characters, with Elsa Bloodstone confirmed as the next addition, scheduled to arrive on February 13. The game’s rapid content cadence and popular limited-time modes helped it maintain strong momentum throughout 2025.

However, recent data suggests the balance of power has shifted.

Overwatch Officially Surpasses Marvel Rivals on Steam 📊

Following a surprise relaunch and major overhaul, Overwatch has surpassed Marvel Rivals in both current player count and 24-hour peak numbers on Steam.

At the time of reporting:

• Overwatch current players: 108,000+
• Marvel Rivals current players: 70,000+
• Overwatch 24-hour peak: 165,000+
• Marvel Rivals 24-hour peak: 112,000+

These figures confirm that Blizzard’s hero shooter has regained the upper hand, at least on Steam’s platform metrics.

The Surprise Overwatch Relaunch Explained 🔄

The dramatic spike in Overwatch’s player numbers follows its largest relaunch to date. Blizzard made the bold decision to drop the “2” from the title, rebranding the game back to simply Overwatch.

The relaunch introduced sweeping changes, including:

• A fully overhauled user interface designed to present more information at a glance
• New sub-roles within each class, granting passive bonuses such as:Wall vision in specific scenarios
• Enhanced health pack effectiveness

Blizzard also reset seasonal progression, effectively launching a new Season 1 under a fresh narrative arc.

New Storyline: “Reign of Talon” Begins ⚔️

The rebooted seasonal structure introduces a new overarching storyline titled “Reign of Talon.”

Season 1, subtitled “Conquest,” centers on Talon overtaking Overwatch forces, seemingly led by Vendetta, a villain who debuted during the game’s 20th season.

Players are asked to choose sides, with each faction earning rewards weekly. The narrative is planned to unfold across six seasons throughout the year, with one new hero launching per season, signaling Blizzard’s long-term commitment to sustained content.

Marvel Rivals Isn’t Slowing Down 🔥

Despite Overwatch’s resurgence, Marvel Rivals remains highly competitive. The game continues to generate excitement with:

• Frequent character additions
• Strong limited-time modes
• Teases for rumored heroes like Cyclops and Ghost Rider, hinted at through in-game dialogue from Deadpool

The rivalry between the two titles appears to be intensifying, with each pushing new mechanics and hero designs to capture player attention.

Community Response Fuels Overwatch’s Revival 💬

Blizzard’s recent changes suggest a strong response to community feedback. The game’s director has even confirmed a redesign for one of its newest heroes, based directly on player input.

The massive surge in player count indicates that the relaunch has resonated with fans. For the first time since the sequel’s initial release, Overwatch is seeing a level of popularity comparable to its earlier peak years.

A Renewed Rivalry in the Hero Shooter Genre 🎮

With Overwatch reclaiming Steam’s top spot and Marvel Rivals continuing to expand aggressively, the hero shooter genre is entering a new competitive era. Both titles are evolving rapidly, and player momentum could shift again depending on upcoming updates, heroes, and seasonal content.

For now, however, Overwatch once again sits at the top of Steam’s hero shooter rankings.