The sequel update in the Overwatch series

Overwatch 2 is the free, action-packed sequel to Overwatch, the popular first-person shooter game from Blizzard Entertainment. Highly anticipated since the original game’s release in 2016, Overwatch 2 will play similarly to the original, expanding and improving the formula. Changes include a free-to-play package, new characters, an updated engine, and cross-progression between platforms.

Overwatch 2 on Windows is a robust, engaging experience, but the game can also be played on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. It is not available on Mac. It is the triumphant return of one of the best hero shooters on the market.

A bigger, better, and rebalanced Overwatch

Though Overwatch 2 aims to be an accessible experience for anybody, the demographic who enjoyed the preceding action game will feel especially at home with the look, feel, and overall momentum of Overwatch 2. The ebb and flow of this sequel are much the same, starring a colorful, diverse cast of powerful heroes contesting each other in team vs team combat.

Set just after the climactic story event of Overwatch, Overwatch 2 welcomes new heroes, maps, and modes. Veteran players will notice that core gameplay still revolves around PvP combat that blends three distinctive class types in different permutations. The game’s wide roster of characters are still different variations of the three major archetypes: tank, damage, and support.

For new players unfamiliar with these archetypes, tank heroes, like the new Junker Queen, are designed to soak up damage and shatter fortified positions. They excel in claustrophobic chokepoints and wreak havoc on enemies too closely bunched together. While they’re great at leading a charge, damage heroes like Sojourn are more easily killed. They can deal tremendous amounts of damage, however, using a wide range of tools and abilities.

Damage heroes need backup in order to reach their fullest potential, and that’s where support heroes like Brigitte come into play. These heroes buff allies in various ways, either boosting their damage, shielding or healing them, or debuffing and disabling opponents. Their role on the team is more subtle; rather than going on long killstreaks, support heroes are the backbone of any team’s survival.

Overwatch 2 vs Overwatch

One of the major changes from Overwatch to Overwatch 2 is team sizes. PvP modes now pit two teams of five against each other, rather than six. Roles are limited to one tank, two damage, and two support heroes per team, radically changing both the pace of a match and the overall positioning a team will need to take. The coveted tank role will become more important as a result, and team cohesion will play a bigger role.

Overwatch 2 also expands upon the game’s RPG element, adding a Talents system that can be accessed and tweaked between matches. This consists of special augmentation for heroes’ abilities that can be used during Hero Missions and Story Experience game modes. Each hero will have three different skill trees to progress through, further increasing the variation between players of the same hero.

Considered an update to replace the original Overwatch, the biggest new feature is a shared multiplayer environment between the two games. This means that both player bases can interact and play with one another. Existing users will be able to enjoy their hard-earned upgrades and stats, while still enjoying the new passives for each class.

These passives include a reduction to the knockback received by tank heroes, enhanced speed for damage heroes, and automatic health regeneration for support heroes when out of combat. As far as Mercy is concerned, her health regeneration capability is now doubled. Lastly, Elite units have been added to PvE scenarios. Enemy units here are altered to gain distinct properties to distinguish them from their base forms.

However, the real major change to the series is that Overwatch 2 has become free-to-play for all. If you already have Overwatch, it will just update to Overwatch 2 without any cost whatsoever. On the other hand, if you’re a completely new player without the first game, you can just simply download Overwatch 2 straight from its official website. 

Take note that the PC version requires you to download the Battle.net desktop application first. This is the game’s launcher, and you will also be required to use a Battle.net account—completely free, too—and the account will ask you to link a valid mobile phone number to be able to play the game. 

Featuring an iconic collaboration

In its latest Season Three, Overwatch 2 collabs with a well-loved anime series, One-Punch Man. Featuring brand new challenges and free One-Punch Man-themed skins to unlock, available only for a limited time from March 7 up to April 6.

There are four new skins to unlock by completing challenges: Mumen Rider – Soldier: 76, Saitama Doomfist, Terrible Tornado – Kiriko, and Genos Genji, along with a special store bundle where you can purchase all of them at a discounted price. These character skins come with other cosmetic items such as weapon charms, a name card, a victory pose, and a highlight intro for a more fun experience. To complete these challenges, you must be playing in Unranked, Competitive, or Arcade modes.

Alongside the One-Punch Man collab, this season’s update also comes with the following:

• A new map called Antarctic Peninsula: This new map includes a snowy sub-terrain and a stranded ship which can be accessed in the game’s Control map.
• Ultimate Valentine event: Play in PvP mode and complete challenges where you can win new cosmetics to use for Cupid Hanzo.
• PachiMarchi comeback: Now’s your chance to collect more Pachimari-themed rewards, as the event dedicated to the half-onion, half-octopus character returns. You can take part in a number of challenges in a special game mode to win these goodies.

Aside from these exciting events, this season’s Free Battle Pass also gives you new and exclusive skins and cosmetics, prestige tier titles, 1,500 free Overwatch Credits, and more. Meanwhile, Premium Battle Pass users can enjoy all benefits of the free version, along with the new Amaterasu Kiriko mythic skin, 20% extra XP throughout Season 3, and five more mythology-themed Legendary skins.

Upcoming crossover collaborations

Following the success of the One Punch Man event, Overwatch 2 director Aaron Keller confirmed in a recent interview that fans can expect more exciting crossover collaborations in the future. With other popular free-to-play games like Fortnite hosting partnerships with Marvel superheroes and Attack on Titan, Overwatch 2 is set to continue this trend and keep its player base engaged with fresh content.

Player progression system overhaul

Blizzard Entertainment is dedicated to enhancing the player experience in Overwatch 2. Responding to feedback about the game feeling too grindy, the developers are designing a new Hero and player progression system that will provide a more rewarding journey for players. Set to replace the old player level system, the updated progression structure will feature various categories for leveling up and showcasing achievements to other players. This revamped system is anticipated to roll out later this year, offering an improved and satisfying progression experience in Overwatch 2.

Lifeweaver, the new support hero

Lifeweaver is a new support hero in Overwatch 2, who hails from Thailand and is characterized by his love and respect for nature, as well as his advanced biolight technology. This technology is incorporated into his abilities, which focus on healing and utility. His kit introduces new mechanics to the game and offers a unique playstyle.

• Healing Blossom: Lifeweaver’s primary fire. He charges a luminescent flower and sends it to his allies, providing healing depending on the charge.
• Thorn Volley: Lifeweaver’s alternate primary fire. He fires biolight thorns at enemies in a scattered pattern for defense and damage.
• Petal Platform: Lifeweaver’s secondary-fire ability. He throws a pod that blooms into a flower-like platform, which can be used by both allies and enemies to elevate and launch themselves into the air.
• Rejuvenating Dash: Lifeweaver lunges in his traveling direction while lightly healing himself, similar to Hanzo’s dash.
• Life Grip: Lifeweaver envelops an ally in protective biolight and pulls them to his position, making them invulnerable to all damage while they are within Life Grip.
• Tree of Life: Lifeweaver’s ultimate ability. He places a large biolight tree that pulses with healing energy and provides cover for his team.

Lifeweaver is designed as an accessible support hero, viable in various scenarios and skill levels. He provides healing, protection, and utility to his team, making him a valuable addition to Overwatch 2.

What’s new in Season 5?

The well-loved FPS game’s fifth season rolls in with a ton of high quality changes and exciting new rewards for Battle Pass holders. Speaking of the latter — the new season introduces the rewards tier in a roleplaying game style, wherein you will play as the hero Tracer as she tries to save the kingdom of Overland from the Demon Lord Reindhardt. By the end of the story, you will get to unlock her Mythical Adventurer skin.

Furthermore, there are additional modes like the new workshop mode in the arcade, Summer Games, and Mischief and Magic, which is a prop hunt game mode. Besides that, the update also allows players to unlock the hero Lifeweaver by completing all of his challenges. This is made easier by the fact that each week’s progress is now carried over to the next instead of getting reset.

Besides that, the update also comes with quality-of-life changes such as the improved On Fire and Fire effects, better matchmaking mechanics, the Inactive status for players who weren’t able to play even once during the previous Ranked season, and the return of the Competitive Mystery Heroes’ random challenges and prizes. Adjustments to some heroes and maps are applied, as well.

A team-oriented shooter experience

Since its successful debut, Overwatch has reigned as a landmark in both competitive and social first-person shooter games. To further its platform for more casual players, Blizzard has made Overwatch 2 a free-to-play experience. This will drastically lower the entry barrier for new players and will make the game accessible to anyone who wants to try it. 

In terms of presentation and content, Overwatch 2 is a major engine upgrade. Blizzard has further announced that Overwatch 2 will not be using any form of loot boxes, instead offering a Battle Pass where players can acquire items directly from the in-game shop. Overwatch 2 feels like an expansion and a long-awaited update to the original popular game.