Alongside new support hero Kiriko, the Overwatch 2 development team made a blog post answering questions involving the battle pass system, hero unlocks, and much more. From cosmetics, a significant change to a free-to-play live system, and even a new Push map, this update answers a lot of questions and concerns.
#Overwatch2 Season 1 is right around the corner!
Take a closer look at what you can expect from Season 1, including new Heroes, new maps, new game modes, and new rewards to earn! Season 1 kicks off October 4, free-to-play for everyone!
✨ Learn more: https://t.co/olSOWklXBv pic.twitter.com/mSk0r3Teqi
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) September 15, 2022
The new Overwatch 2 battle pass explained
The post begins with a dive into the new seasonal model for Overwatch 2, which is now free-to-play. A lot of this was information revealed around two months ago alongside hero Junker Queen, including each season bringing new cosmetics, heroes, and other content.
For Season 1, starting Oct. 4, new heroes Sojourn, Junker Queen and Kiriko will be in the game. Plus, new maps such as New Queen Street, Colosseo, Midtown, and more also come with the game at launch.
As for Season 2, starting on Dec. 6, 2022, the team has confirmed a new tank hero is underway. They will join the game alongside a new map and more new cosmetics. Much like other games with battle passes, Blizzard will have a theme for their cosmetics each season.
As for the battle pass itself, the Overwatch 2 Season 1 pass will have these unlocks on the free version:
- Newest support hero, Kiriko (for new players)
- 2 Epic rarity skins
- 1 weapon charm
- 2 souvenirs
- 1 highlight intro
- 14 emotes, victory poses, name cards, sprays, player icons, etc.
- 8 Prestige Tier titles (for post-pass completion)
The premium battle pass includes Kiriko from the get-go, a XP boost for the pass, as well as over 60 cosmetics. In those cosmetics are five new Legendary skins, one epic skin, and the first ever Mythic skin. That skin is the Cyber Demon Genji skin, showing off the customization that Mythic skins have. A new Mythic skin will be included in every season.
For fans who have (or will) buy the Watchpoint pack, the first battle pass will automatically be upgraded to the Premium version.
New heroes, map details, and PvE in Overwatch 2
Detailed later in the blog, the Overwatch 2 development team confirmed that heroes released in Overwatch 2 will not be immediately available in Competitive.
This allows developers to tune the character soon after release. In the original Overwatch, swapping to counter heroes was a key portion of the game in ranked play. With new heroes — especially if a portion of the community unlocks them before others do — that wouldn’t make ranked play balanced. Essentially, this change gives players time to unlock the character for free before it is available competitively.
As for new maps, alongside the previously revealed maps for Overwatch 2, we have a new Push map joining the fray for Season 1. This map is Esperança, set in Portugal. Like all maps, it will be free to all.
Last but not least, for fans looking forward to PvE in Overwatch 2, the team confirmed that it won’t be released until 2023. If you have any more questions about this new system, the FAQ on the site answers a lot.
