Los Angeles, California – Blizzard Entertainment has announced the removal of Overwatch 2’s Hero Mastery Gauntlet PvE mode due to its lack of resonance with players. The decision was shared on the developer’s forums, citing the mode’s underperformance as the reason for its discontinuation starting from Season 11.
While the Hero Mastery Gauntlet will no longer be accessible as a round-based tower defense mode where players team up against robots, the Hero Mastery Solo Courses will still be available for solo play. Blizzard has assured players that more courses will be introduced in future seasons to enhance the gaming experience.
The Hero Mastery Gauntlet, which launched in March 2024, had a short lifespan of just three months before being scrapped. Despite receiving criticism, its removal has left some players disappointed, particularly because it marks another PvE mode cancellation in the history of Overwatch 2.
Back in May 2023, Blizzard had also announced the cancellation of the long-promised PvE Hero mode for Overwatch 2, a decision that disappointed many players. The company’s director, Aaron Keller, later expressed regret for this change in direction, acknowledging the ambitious vision behind the mode.
Following the closure of the Overwatch League and a shift in strategy to make new heroes available to all players without a premium battle pass purchase, Blizzard has been making changes to Overwatch 2 to cater to a wider player base. Season 10 saw the introduction of all past playable characters and the newest Damage hero, Venture, accessible to all players.
With Season 11 underway, players have until the end of Season 10 to complete Lifetime Challenges for Hero Mastery Gauntlet and compete on the mode’s Top 500 leaderboards. While the removal of the mode may disappoint some, Blizzard’s continuous efforts to evolve Overwatch 2 indicate a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for all players.