Blizzard took this time to give fans a deeper look at everything new coming to Overwatch 2, which is set to arrive on October 4. Among the many big changes announced at the event is a move towards a seasonal battle pass model. Since Overwatch 2 is free-to-play, Blizzard is also switching things up by bringing new content to the game every nine weeks. Along with this, the studio will split the battle pass into free and premium tiers, each offering a wide assortment of cosmetics, among others. This incoming battle pass system for Overwatch 2 will replace the loot boxes for Overwatch and will come with a new in-game store. Here’s a quick rundown of everything that Blizzard revealed at the June 16 event:
At least one new hero, map, and/or game mode will come out every season. Blizzard guarantees that it will introduce at least one new hero every other season. The first season will come with three new heroes (Sojourn, Junker Queen, and another unnamed support hero), six new maps (Colosseo, New Queen Street, Midtown, Circuit Royal, Rio, and an unnamed map set in Portugal), a new game mode (Push). A new tank hero and map are already confirmed for Season 2 of Overwatch 2 on December 6. PvE content will start rolling out in 2023. Story content will revolve around the Overwatch peacekeeping force fighting against Null Sector, an omnic terrorist group. Blizzard describes Overwatch 2 as an “always on, always evolving” game.
It’s funny how things can change in half a decade. Most would have laughed at the notion of a free-to-play Overwatch when it first came out. Then again, we wouldn’t be surprised if Overwatch 2 ends up becoming even more popular than the original title due to the move. Blizzard is billing Overwatch 2 as a true evolution of Overwatch and it definitely checks all the boxes. It’s not just because Overwatch 2 is going free-to-play, but with content plans stretching well onto the next year already, it is clear that Blizzard did its homework. With a lot of improvements presumably planned in between big updates and after, Overwatch 2 could reach newer heights once it comes out in October. In the meantime, you can chance an early look at Overwatch 2 by signing up for the second PvP beta on June 28.
