Comparing VALORANT and Overwatch is like comparing two different shades of bright lights. Both are dazzling but SERIOUSLY unique.
They might cater to similar crowds with their bright art styles and fun characters, yet each brings something different to each game.
Since VALORANT burst onto the scene in 2020, there’s been a hot debate: VALORANT vs Overwatch—which genuinely takes the crown? To make things easy, I’ve crafted this nifty guide to help you through this tricky decision.
Overwatch vs. Valorant: The Numbers Game
First, let’s clarify: As of 2022, it’s not just Overwatch anymore; it’s Overwatch 2. The sequel replaced the original, leaving no option to play the first instalment.
When comparing multiplayer games, player count is a crucial metric. It’s the first thing gamers look at to determine which is better.
But here’s the kicker: getting reliable data is tough since both games keep their player data private.
In 2023, some estimates floated around:
- Overwatch 2: 18.9 million active players
- VALORANT: 19.5 million active players
However, these numbers are tricky to verify as most platforms need access to the APIs required to obtain accurate data. Looking at Google trends and the number of in-game marketplaces popping up for each game also gives us a good idea of which is more popular, and VALORANT takes the lead.
Characters and Gameplay
One of the main attractions for both VALORANT and Overwatch is their roster of characters. Each game offers a variety of heroes, each with unique abilities, roles, and visuals.
These characters shape the gameplay experience, and your role can change dramatically depending on your character choice. But in terms of which is better, it’s all about personal preference, making this debate entirely subjective.
Kings of Esports
In the esports arena, VALORANT shines brighter. Designed with competition in mind, it boasts a robust esports ecosystem. While Overwatch 2 has the Overwatch League (OWL), it doesn’t match the scale of VALORANT.
VALORANT, often seen as a hybrid of CSGO and Overwatch, melds tactical gameplay with hero-based action, making it a popular choice in the esports community.
In 2022, VALORANT’s Champions Tour hit 1.5 million peak viewers, dwarfing Overwatch League’s 437,000. By 2023, VALORANT had hosted 1930 tournaments compared to Overwatch’s 426.
Updates and Growth
So, where does this leave us in the VALORANT vs Overwatch debate?
VALORANT has the upper hand, with more players and a more substantial esports presence. Plus, it’s only available on PC, which makes its player numbers even more impressive.
Overwatch 2 shifted to a free-to-play model in 2022, introducing a battle pass but also facing a surge of cheaters. Continuous updates have helped with these issues, but the game still struggles.
Lastly, both games receive regular updates with new maps, characters, and skins, keeping their ecosystems lively and engaging.
So, Who Wins?
Many hoped Overwatch 2 would revive the franchise, but it didn’t succeed. Contrarily, VALORANT has consistently grown since its 2020 release, attracting more players and expanding its esports footprint.
While Overwatch saw its peak years ago, VALORANT continues to rise, capturing the hearts of gamers worldwide.
In the end, if we’re calling it, VALORANT takes the win.
It’s fresher, growing faster, and has that extra edge that keeps players returning for more.
