Refer to this guide on Overwatch 2 to get a better understanding of the new hero shooter sequel. You can learn about the latest changes, the altered heroes, and the upcoming additions. Overwatch 2 is a significant expansion of Overwatch 1 that includes more heroes, maps, and various modifications and enhancements to reinvigorate the game. The update’s most prominent features include shifting from 6v6 to 5v5 matches, a new Push mode with three unique maps, and the introduction of Battle Passes that offer new cosmetic items and another hero. This guide has everything you need to know about Overwatch 2.
What is Overwatch 2?
Overwatch 2 is a sequel to the popular team-based hero shooter game Overwatch, released in 2016 by Blizzard Entertainment. However, it’s not an entirely new game but rather a substantial update that adds a lot of new content and makes some significant changes to the game, such as a new user interface and rebalanced heroes. Furthermore, Overwatch 2 replaces the original Overwatch entirely, so players who already own Overwatch 1 will need to update to Overwatch 2, while new players will only be able to play this latest version of the game.
Overwatch 2 follows the same objective-focused gameplay modes, but it introduces some changes by implementing 5v5 matches instead of 6v6. This change also means that teams will have a single Tank, along with the usual two Damage Heroes and Supports, with locked roles. Furthermore, new maps for existing modes are being added, and a new mode called Push, where teams compete to control a robot that needs to advance into enemy territory to score points. Additionally, cooperative Player versus Environment (PvE) missions will be added sometime in 2023, serving to expand the story and offer players a new way to experience Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 has not seen any new heroes since 2019, but this drought is coming to an end with the addition of three new heroes – Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko. Furthermore, with each season, more heroes will be introduced, but players must earn them through the new Battle Passes. Additionally, players can expect to see plenty of new cosmetics for all heroes, including skins and charms, as time goes on.
SMS Protection
To play Overwatch 2, players need minimal requirements apart from having the necessary hardware to run the game. The game is free-to-play and does not require players to have played or owned Overwatch 1. However, new players who have not played Overwatch 1 must set up Overwatch 2 SMS protection on a linked Battle.net account. Failure to do so will prevent them from accessing the game.
Cross-Progression and Account Merging
Players who have played Overwatch 1 and have accumulated a significant number of Hero Gallery unlock to customize their favorite heroes should consider setting up Overwatch 2 cross-progression and account merging. By doing so, they can keep all the cosmetic items, game stats, ranks, and more that they have unlocked and earned while playing Overwatch 1.
Error Codes and Messages
Overwatch 2 experienced a challenging launch due to various server issues, two DDoS attacks, and bugs. As a result, players might encounter various error codes and messages while playing the game. We have compiled a list of the most significant ongoing issues and some of the Overwatch 2 error codes that players might encounter, along with potential solutions for some problems.
All Heroes and How They’ve Changed
In Overwatch 2, the existing roster of 32 Heroes from Overwatch 1 is being expanded with the addition of three new Heroes. Additionally, most of the Heroes from the first game have undergone significant changes to rebalance them, adapt them to the new fast-paced 5v5 matches, and refresh their gameplay. More details about the Overwatch 2 Hero changes and the new Heroes are available for those who want to learn more.
Season 1 Battle Pass
The launch of Overwatch 2 coincides with the introduction of the first Battle Pass for the game’s first season. While Battle Passes are available for free to all Overwatch 2 players, a premium version can be purchased with real money to access some of the coolest and most interesting rewards early or exclusively. The introduction of Battle Passes also means that loot boxes are no longer present in the game, and a new premium currency has been introduced. Moreover, the traditional levelling system has been replaced by leveling up the current Battle Pass.
New Push Mode in Overwatch 2
The latest addition to Overwatch 2’s game modes is the symmetrical Push mode, which complements the existing Control, Assault, Escort, and Hybrid modes. In Push, both teams must compete for control over a central robot, which moves into enemy territory once one team has gained control. The team that pushes the robot all the way to the other end of the map and scores the most points wins. However, the opposing team must also fight to gain control of the robot and defend it as it moves back towards the center of the map and then into its opponent’s half. Initially, Push mode will launch with three maps – Rome, Toronto, and Lisbon – and Blizzard has stated that more maps and modes will be added in the future.
Assault Mode Is Being Removed for Overwatch 2
The Assault game mode and the five maps associated with it will be removed from the standard Overwatch 2 playlists. However, they will still be available for players to use in custom matches through the game’s workshop feature. This decision was made based on feedback from players who found the Assault game mode to be less enjoyable and exciting compared to the other modes in Overwatch. The development team hopes that this change will lead to a better overall gameplay experience for everyone.
New Overwatch 2 Maps
Overwatch 2 is introducing six new maps that feature the new Push mode, Escort, and Hybrid. They are:
- New Queen Street (Toronto) – Push
- Circuit Royal (Monaco) – Escort
- Colosseo (Rome) – Push
- Midtown (New York) – Hybrid
- Paraiso (Rio de Janeiro) – Hybrid
- Esperanca (Lisbon) – Push
Following the removal of the five Assault maps, the playlists for Quick Play and competitive mode in Overwatch 2 will have 20 maps across four modes. Although a map based in Gothenburg, Sweden was announced in 2019, little information has been released since then. Additionally, there have been glimpses of new maps set in India and a temple similar to Nepal in trailers, but no official announcements have been made about them. It is hoped that these maps will be added to Overwatch 2 in the upcoming seasons.
Overwatch 2 PvE Missions
Cooperative player-versus-environment gameplay is slated to arrive in Overwatch 2 sometime in 2023. Despite being the initial focal point for Overwatch 2, it seems that the priority has shifted towards rebalancing and refreshing the main competitive PvP multiplayer experience. Those who have played Overwatch 1 and participated in the co-op Archives events missions will recognize the PvE format that these new missions will follow: four players will take control of a predetermined team of heroes and work together to complete objectives and defeat enemies. While it may not be a full-fledged single-player campaign, it is expected to be the closest that Overwatch 2 gets to a PvE story mode.
In 2019, there was a demonstration mission of Overwatch 2 featuring Reinhardt, Tracer, Lucio, and Mei battling Null Sector in Rio de Janeiro. The mission had its own animated cutscene and revealed Hero ability customization options that let players level up and enhance their Heroes through gameplay. However, since there has been no news on this feature for almost three years, it is uncertain if these features will still exist in the final game. Fans are hoping for more information to be released soon.
What Happened to Overwatch 1?
The shutdown of Overwatch 1 has happened with the release of Overwatch 2, and it’s crucial to note that Overwatch 2 is essentially a substantial update to Overwatch 1 and not a separate game altogether, despite its name. The game remains a hero-based team shooter, but with significant modifications and plenty of new material.