Overwatch 2 is Blizzard’s multiplayer FPS that focuses on fun and competitiveness. In this file, we will take stock of everything there is to know before starting. New compared to the first part, platforms, prices, we tell you everything!
Blizzard wants to give a boost to the Overwatch license with a second part, soberly named Overwatch 2. Announced in 2019, the game has had a long and chaotic development, but it’s finally here!
With this opus, the Irvine studio wants to reconnect with players by offering interesting novelties, but also by supplanting Overwatch first name, neglected by the public for some time now. If you are interested in the adventure, this file will give you the keys to get off to a good start.
New compared to the first game, economic system, limitations for neophytes, we tell you everything!
What is Overwatch?
Overwatch is what is called a “hero-shooter”. This is a multiplayer FPS where each participant embodies a character with their own abilities. The particularity of the game is to have an extremely flexible and dynamic gameplay which encourages competitors to change characters during the game to adapt to the opponent’s strategy.
Overwatch was released in 2016 on PC and PS4/Xbox One, then later on Switch. The game quickly became popular. It had the advantage of being very easy to access for neophytes who could take immediate pleasure, but also deep enough for those looking for performance. Besides, Blizzard has pushed the eSports scene a lot with its baby.
However, the first Overwatch of the name has gradually been abandoned in favor of other more modern games, such as Fortnite or Warzone. Blizzard wants to find success with this new opus. It was announced in 2019 and had a long and chaotic development. A little anecdote, it was unveiled at the same time as Diablo 4, scheduled for 2023.
Read also – Diablo 4: release date, platforms, characters, gameplay, all the info
Finally, note that Overwatch takes place in the near future. Players embody either heroes from the Overwatch organization or “villains” from the La Griffe organization. This lore is not developed in-game, but in separate projects such as comics or 3D short films. Blizzard had the genius to give a very optimistic and heroic tone to his universewhich sets it apart from other FPS that want to be more “warrior”.
When is Overwatch 2 coming out?
Overwatch 2 is available on October 4, 2022. The game is not final, since Blizzard plans to add content regularly and support it for several years.
What platforms is Overwatch 2 available on?
Overwatch 2 is available on PC, obviously, via the BattleNet launcher, like all Activision/Blizzard games. It also exists on consoles PS4 and Xbox One. Mechanically, it is therefore playable on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Finally, it was also released on Switch.
Important clarification: your progress is saved from one platform to another, which was not the case of the first episode. You can play on Switch then resume your progress on PC or PS5. Practice.
At what price is Overwatch 2 available?
Overwatch 2 is completely free, since it adopts the economic system of free-to-play. An in-game store is present to obtain cosmetic items. A Combat Pass system is also available, which allows you to unlock costumes as well as characters. Blizzard says all content can be unlocked for free, but paying still gives a big boost to progression. An economic system already applied to other flagship service games like Fortnite. Blizzard has already tested the thing, successfully, on Diablo Immortal.
As a reminder, the first Overwatch benefited from a classic economic model: you bought the game and could enjoy it, even if an online store (dedicated to cosmetics) was present. A radical change of course, then.
What’s new in Overwatch 2?
At first glance, Overwatch 2 looks very similar to the first installment. Blizzard has chosen not to upset its formula and to remain in the continuity of Overwatch 1. However, profound changes have been made. We mentioned the economic model, but it’s not just that.
First of all, matches change from a 6V6 to 5V5 format. This may sound like a detail for those unfamiliar with the game, but it changes everything. Each player thus has more impact on the game in progress. It also helps to smoothen the gameplay and incentivizes tanks to be more aggressive. To sum up: everything is more nervous, more fun, but also more strategic!
Overwatch 2 takes over the maps and heroes of the first episode, but brings new features, such as three new characters (Sojourn, Junker Queen and Kiriko) and six new maps (Toronto, New York, Rome, Monte Carlo, Portugal and Rio de Janeiro) . Moreover, the Advanced game mode makes its appearance. This consists of capturing a robot in the center of the map and escorting it to the enemy base so that it destroys it. In addition to all this, new appearances are available, story that players spend their money.
One of the other major novelties introduced by Blizzard is more subtle. To make games more enjoyable, the studio has taken drastic measures to combat toxic players. You must give your phone number to start the game. If you are banned, you will not be able to recreate another one with this same number. Moreover, the audio discussions are now transcribed to better judge the reports.
Finally, new players need to play a few games in order to unlock all the content, be it social or gameplay. For example, not all heroes are available right away. A way to better accommodate neophytes, according to Blizzard, but which goes against the very dynamics of the title. Former players are not affected by this measure.
Can we get into Overwatch 2 if we haven’t played the first one?
Overwatch 2 is a primarily multiplayer game, it is therefore not necessary to have sanded the first to enjoy the universe or the gameplay. More so, player progress on Overwatch 1 has been wiped. Everyone is therefore on an equal footing. There is also no story to follow, newbies won’t feel lost.
Of course, old players are more familiar with the title and the heroes available, but a tier system is in place to ensure a better distribution according to levels.
Is the first Overwatch still available?
Overwatch 2 completely supplanted Overwatch 1, which is no longer available. This might seem trivial, given that this second part includes all the content of the previous game, but some players regret this choice, in particular because of the disappearance of the 6V6 games.
What improvements are planned for the future in Overwatch 2?
Blizzard account well follow Overwatch 2 for several years. Following the logic of the service game, the life of the title will be divided into seasons. Season 2 will arrive on December 6 and will introduce a new hero, a new map and new costumes.
In 2023, Blizzard promises the same kind of content, but also a scripted PVE campaign. We do not know what form it will take, but it will undoubtedly attract a new audience.
