content, beta, seasons, battle pass, we tell you everything

As agreed, Blizzard presented Overwatch 2 in more detail during a dedicated presentation. On the program end of loot boxes, battle pass, seasonal content, beta, new characters. We take stock.

The surprise had been spoiled, but Overwatch 2 will go free-to-play from October 4 on all platforms. Why make the game free? What will it change for the players? Summary of this presentation.

Why is Overwatch 2 free-to-play?

A new era is coming next October. Overwatch 2’s move to free-to-play will be a game-changer for fans, who regretted not having enough content on a regular basis. The team recognizes that it has not been able to meet their expectations by, for example, not offering enough new heroes. ” We want to create a game that our community will enjoy for years to come. We want fans to always have something new to play or discover. It motivated us to develop Overwatch 2 as an always-on, always-living game. “, explains Aaron Keller, director of the game.

The game will therefore constantly evolve and develop through seasonal content additions in order to keep it always fun and original even after installing it a long time ago. In terms of updates, seasons will have a 9-week rotation. “ There will always be new things to play, hunt and develop “, promise the teams.

Content at launch and seasonal updates

From October 4, Overwatch players will therefore be able to switch to the second opus for free, while others will be able to discover the reimagined FPS. It’s important to remember that Overwatch 2 will be fully cross-play and cross-progression. It will therefore be possible to play with players from all platforms and keep your skins and level from one console to another.

Content at launch of Overwatch 2 and the end of lootboxes

Small reminder, the game will replace the traditional 6v6 to 5v5. In fact, all the heroes have been remodeled to stick to this new model. For example, Doomfist has gone tank, while the adorable Orisa will be more aggressive than ever. The cards have evolved to adapt while offering more day/night variants. As we suspected, Overwatch 2 will offer a Battle Pass system, which also involves the end of lootboxes. At launch, Overwatch 2 will feature:

• 3 new heroes : Sojourn, Queen Junker and a hero to be announced in the coming weeks;
• 6 new cards ;
• The new PvP Push game mode : Players battle to gain control of an adorable robot. The goal is to make him move towards the enemy base by eliminating the opposing team;
• More than 30 outfits : they can be unlocked in the online store, via the battle pass and weekly challenges. Yes, there will be no more lootboxes!
• Competitive Mode 2.0 : Added tools and metrics to help players improve. The skill rating will no longer be as granular as before. At launch, this will be a fixed number;
• New types of cosmetics : lucky charms, banners and mythical skins. These are outfits of a new rank, above the legendary ones. One of the first will be, for example, Genji with a demonic cyberpunk air.

What post-launch content?

Season 2 of Overwatch will arrive on December 6. It will include a new tank hero, a new map, more than 30 outfits, a mythical skin and a new battle pass. For the rest, we will have to wait until 2023 with heroes who will swell the roster, additional cards, new game modes, skins and especially the long-awaited PvE (story) mode.

When will Overwatch 2’s Story Mode be available? What to expect ?

Overwatch 2’s PvE mode will land for free in 2023. We will be able to tell more stories about the universe and create new opportunities to enjoy the heroes “Enthuse the developers. This game mode will offer its own maps, some of which will allow you to face Sector Zero. The team will then be able to tell stories about the characters in a new way, where they come from and most importantly further develop how Overwatch comes together again. Players can, for example, discover the Torbjörn factory in Gothenburg.

From now on, those who would like to test Overwatch 2 can register for the closed beta at this address. It will be available from June 28 and no jealousy, PlayStation and Xbox players will also have access to it. It will allow access to the PvP mode and to discover the 5v5, the changes of the heroes and the maps and especially the new playable character: Junker Queen.

Introducing Junker Queen and her abilities

Blizzard also took the opportunity to present the queen of the Junkers in song and with a cinematic trailer revealing her advent. So it will be a very aggressive new tank. Its secondary, Jagged Blade, allows for a melee attack where they do a blade swipe rather than a normal punch. Its secondary fire meanwhile allows it to throw its ax and call it back while pulling a hit enemy towards it. Her ultimate ability, Carnage, creates a whirlwind of magnetized metal that spins around her before she swoops down on enemies, tagging and damaging them with her large area of ​​effect. As a small bonus, his ultimate reduces the healing given to opponents.