Overwatch 2: Dive into the C9 Conundrum

The gaming community thrives on unique slang and terminology. While some phrases evoke nostalgia ("Leeroy Jenkins!"), others, like "C9," remain enigmatic. This article unravels the origins and meaning of this expression.

Table of Contents

• How Did the Term C9 Originate?
• What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?
• Disagreements on the Definition of C9
• What is the reason for the popularity of C9?

How Did the Term C9 Originate?

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Although prevalent in various hero shooters, particularly Overwatch 2, "C9" traces back to the original Overwatch in 2017. During Apex Season 2, Cloud9, a dominant team, faced Afreeca Freecs Blue. Despite their superior skill, Cloud9 inexplicably prioritized individual kills over the objective on the Lijiang Tower map—holding the point.

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This shocking display, repeated twice across subsequent maps, led to Afreeca Freecs Blue's unexpected victory. The incident, abbreviated from Cloud9's name, became instantly legendary, and "C9" continues to be used in streams and professional matches.

What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

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In Overwatch chat, "C9" signifies a fundamental strategic blunder. It references the 2017 event, typically occurring when players become overly focused on combat, neglecting the map's objective. By the time they realize their mistake, it's often too late.

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

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The precise definition of "C9" remains debated. Some consider any objective abandonment a "C9," such as failing to hold a position due to enemy actions (e.g., Sigma's Gravitic Flux).

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Others emphasize the human error aspect: forgetting the objective. This aligns with the original incident, where Cloud9 seemingly abandoned the point unnecessarily.

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Finally, some use "C9" ironically or to taunt opponents. Variations like "K9" and "Z9" exist, with "Z9" possibly a meta-meme mocking incorrect "C9" usage.

What is the reason for the popularity of C9?

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Cloud9's 2017 Apex Season 2 performance explains "C9"'s popularity. As a top-tier esports organization with a strong Overwatch roster, their unexpected and spectacular failure was memorable. The sheer incongruity of such a high-level team making such elementary mistakes cemented "C9" in gaming lexicon.

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The phrase's enduring popularity stems from this unexpected upset. While its precise meaning may be debated, the core narrative remains: a shocking display of strategic failure by a top team.

We hope this clarifies the meaning of "C9" in Overwatch. Share this with your fellow gamers!