Here are the general changes to the main version of Overwatch 2. The balance update affects Quick Play, Competitive Play, Arcade and Custom Play. After…
About Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 free-to-play launches on October 4th, and now we're sharing details about the planned changes. Overwatch 2 will receive regular seasonal updates, as well as a Battle Pass with new content, including new heroes, game modes, battlegrounds, decorative items and more! In addition, we will talk about the general plans for the 1st and 2nd seasons, as well as for 2023.
Free game
Overwatch 2's move to a free-to-play model is a natural step forward for our game and its community. Overwatch is originally a social game that has always been most fun to play together. Thanks to the free model, all players anywhere in the world will be able to start the game with friends or find friends online. Along with the transition to the free model, we will also be adding a shared progress feature that allows you to easily play on any platform with progress and access to public content.
There will be no containers in Overwatch 2. Instead, an improved support system will be used, which will allow players to independently determine the conditions of the gameplay. Players will be able to directly obtain the desired items through the Battle Pass and the new, constantly updated in-game store. We'll be developing and releasing seasonal content every nine weeks to keep you excited about what's new.
Plans and seasons
The chart below shows our short-term plans for Seasons 1 and 2, as well as long-term plans for the game in 2023 and beyond. New heroes will be released every two seasons, and the rest of the time we will add new battlegrounds and game modes.
Season 1 introduces Sojorn, the Vulture Queen, and a support hero we haven't yet revealed, as well as new 5v5 PvP combat, updated heroes, new battlegrounds, modes, and more. We will also be releasing a redesigned Competitive Mode that will give players more ways to improve their gameplay and give them a sense of progression. With the move to 5v5 battles, players will be able to have more influence over the course of matches, and additional systems will also appear in the game to help you evaluate your contribution to the results of each match. We'll be posting details about the reworked Competitive Mode soon!
In Season 2, a new tank hero, battlefield, and a set of unique skins will be added to the game. In addition, the storyline of the game will continue in 2023 with the release of a new PvE mode, as well as the addition of new heroes, battlefields and modes. We can't wait to share more news with you as we get closer to launch!
Live, constantly evolving game
We've always been of the opinion that Overwatch needs to be a live game first and foremost. Overwatch places a huge value on diversity, open-mindedness, and community. Based on these principles, we have decided to change our strategy and release new heroes, battlegrounds, and modes more frequently, because we believe that this will be better for our game and players.
We're committed to bringing the game to as many people as possible and expanding the Overwatch universe to generate as much interest as possible!
There are many incredible new products ahead of us, and we can't wait to share the results of our work with you.
