The news that new heroes in Overwatch 2 will be obtainable via a Battle Pass sparked considerable discussion. Blizzard now explains the decision in more detail and introduces the system more closely.
This is the situation with the Battle Pass: According to initial leaks, Jon Spector, the “Commercial Leader” of Overwatch, confirmed that new heroes in Overwatch 2 will be available through a Battle Pass.
In the first season of Overwatch 2, the new support hero Kiriko, recently introduced, will be available.
Importantly, there will be a “free” Battle Pass as well as a premium version for about $10. However, both “tracks” provide access to the new heroes: With the premium pass, new heroes are available immediately, while the free pass requires reaching level 55 first.
This change compared to the model from Overwatch 1 sparked lively discussions among fans of the game and also brought criticism.
Blizzard has now published a blog post that explains in detail how the whole thing is supposed to work. Additionally, some members of the team behind Overwatch 2 have expressed their opinions on the new system.
Why the Battle Pass system fits Overwatch 2 according to Blizzard
The heroes in Overwatch operate somewhat on a “rock-paper-scissors” principle, where certain heroes are essentially direct counters to others. If you find yourself at a disadvantage, switching heroes is advisable in Overwatch. This brought a strategic component as well.
One of the criticisms of the Battle Pass system is that some players can access new heroes faster than others – either through intensive play or by spending money. This would provide an advantage in a rock-paper-scissors system if you have access to more heroes than your opponents.
This is what Blizzard says: In Overwatch 2, this system will be somewhat relaxed: “Even though each of the Overwatch 2 heroes has their own strengths and weaknesses, and some heroes are more effective against others, we believe that our game plays better and is more fun when there are fewer hard counters and a broader selection of effective heroes,” explains Blizzard in a blog post: “Another advantage is that your personal favorite heroes are playable more often. This philosophy will also guide us in the future” (via playoverwatch.com).
Aaron Keller also emphasized this point in a group interview with PC Gamer. Additionally, players will tend to play certain heroes more often after a certain acclimatization: “As players reach higher and higher skill levels, the group of heroes they play becomes smaller because it takes a long time to become good with a hero to play at this level.” For these players, it is also not a problem if certain heroes are not immediately available.
Over time, players will unlock the new heroes through the free pass as long as they play enough. Jon Spector also explains in the interview that regular players could obtain the heroes well before the end of a season. He also states: “We want players to regularly play the game during the season to achieve this” (via PC Gamer).
A season is expected to last around 9 weeks. The first two seasons will bring a new hero each. After that, the seasons will alternately bring a new hero or a new map.
Additionally, heroes can also be unlocked after their Battle Pass expires – either through special “hero challenges” or in the in-game shop.
Ultimately, Overwatch General Manager Walter Kong explained the reason for the Battle Pass: “Heroes are the most engaging content we have in the game. And when we designed this model, it seemed to fit very well to integrate these heroes into our new engagement system” (via PC Gamer).
Can you test new heroes? As Blizzard explains in the FAQ about the new heroes, new heroes can also be tested when they are not yet unlocked. This can be done for instance:
- In the practice area
- in custom games
- in No Limits
- Mystery Heroes
- Mystery Deathmatch
Additionally, other game modes and events where testing is possible will be added, but no detailed information is available yet.
How does the Battle Pass of Overwatch 2 work exactly?
This is included in the Battle Pass: In the blog post, Blizzard goes into more detail about the Battle Pass and the seasons. The most important points include the following information:
- There is a free and a premium pass
- The new heroes will be unlocked at level 55 of the free pass
- The premium pass gives immediate access to new heroes
- In the “Ranked Competitive” modes, new heroes will only be selectable a few weeks after the season starts – allowing free players to catch up. Kiriko is expected to be available after two weeks.
- Players of Overwatch 1 will receive the new heroine Kiriko immediately upon logging in during seasons 1 or 2.
- Furthermore, there will be direct access to the new heroes Sojourn and Junker Queen in season 1 – without Battle Pass.
- New maps are not included in the Battle Pass – all players receive them upon release.
- Loot boxes are no longer available.
Additionally, Blizzard has already provided insight into what the Battle Pass variants will contain.
The free pass in season 1 includes:
- Hero Kiriko (immediate unlocking for returning Overwatch players; level 55 on free pass)
- 2 epic skins
- 1 weapon charm
- 2 souvenirs
- 1 highlight intro
- 14 additional items (emotes, victory poses, name cards, sprays, player icons, etc.)
- Prestige titles (8 obtainable titles that are only available after completing the entire pass)
The premium Battle Pass additionally includes:
- Immediate access to Kiriko
- 20 % XP Battle Pass boost
- 1 Mythic skin
- 5 legendary skins and 1 epic skin
- 3 Play of the Game intros
- 4 weapon charms
- 3 emotes
- 3 souvenirs
- 6 poses
- 6 name cards
- 30+ additional cosmetic rewards
What do you think of the new system in Overwatch 2? Do you like the Battle Pass, or do you find it unsuited for Overwatch? Let us know in the comments!
Besides Kiriko, the new heroine “Junker Queen” is also coming to the game. And she already made a name for herself in the Overwatch 2 beta.
