Things to Do During an Overwatch Offseason
The season just ended and you can’t play competitive mode. So your road to Top 500 has yet again come to a halt. OMG. Now what?
Overwatch has introduced a brand new concept to the gaming world, not to mention the e-sports industry. A concept that mixed MOBA and multiplayer online FPS genres together. It’s only been around for less than a year yet it’s already taken the gaming world by storm. Its genre’s dubbed by Polygon as a, “hero based shooter.”
And like plenty of online games, there exists a ranked mode where players prove their skill and gain points in small increments per win (-or loss) that eventually garner up. In this Blizzard title’s case, “competitive play,” which is a seasonal event that lasts two-and-a-half months, after which all skill ratings reset to 0 until the next competitive season arrives.
Which means unlike other games, Overwatch’s seasons provides… well… an offseason. It lasts a week in between the seasons, and during which there will be no competitive mode. So what’s there to do for competitive players?
I’ve got a few ideas.
Practice heroes you don’t use often
While it’s good to have a main that you use and are confident with your skills on, it’s also just as good to have a versatile skill set in these competitive games. It’s not enough to be a Widowmaker camper for all your games. And quite frankly, one-hero players are often, a weakness in the team. So go ahead and practice your Sombra translocator beacon toss at the practice range.
Go for arcade mode
While the satisfaction of every win in a competitive mode is inexplicably zen and pride, it’s nice to sit back and play a less high octane game with very few to lose. Arcade mode provides change of pace for Overwatch players and besides, you can get a bonus loot box for every third win in nine games, on top of the ones you earn every level up while in this mode. It resets weekly. So like I said, change of pace. Also, you get another free loot box for every first time you win a particular arcade mode ever ( — this one doesn’t reset).
The obvious, quick play
It’s the closest thing you have to competitive mode during the offseason. While no skill points are on the line, matches can get quite serious here. It’s a place to test the “real world” applications of new metas in patches or check on nerfs and buffs. Expect to have non-cooperative teammates. And less serious enemies.
Head to the Overwatch website
If you’re into the game solely for it’s competitive mode and are not interested in non-ranked play but can’t get enough Overwatch, their website provides a lot of stuff for fans. They’ve got the video shorts, comics, and fun articles like Oasis Travel Tips — if only it were a real place. *sigh*
Do something else
Hard as it may to accept for some people, life exists outside Overwatch. Catch up on your favorite shows, go out and get some sun, exercise! Or fine, just play a different game. That’s what I do.
Overwatch is a fun game. It’s whole point is, arguably, to compete. But its ranked mode has seasons unlike its cousin games like DOTA 2 or CS:GO. You have a week of non-competitive Overwatch during the offseason. Go do other things, my friend.