Overwatch 2 launches on October 4 for PC and console with Blizzard’s team-based hero shooter switching to a new free-to-play model that combines all of the content from the first game with new stuff like heroes, maps, and modes. Overwatch 2 is also bringing major changes to how the game is played with the setup changing from 6v6 to 5v5. This alone means it’s just as much a 2.0 overhaul as it is a straight-up sequel.

Going free-to-play changes things significantly, namely in how monetisation and things like unlocking new content will work. Gone is the Loot Box mechanic from the first game, in its place is the sort of seasonal and Battle Pass model we’ve seen in other popular free-to-play shooters. New Heroes will be unlockable via the free track on the Battle Pass, alongside skins and other cosmetics.

Ahead of the game’s launch, we had the chance to go through what’s in store with Blizzard and get a breakdown of what to expect on day one.

Seasonal Model

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Seasons will last roughly 9 weeks and will alternate in delivering new maps and heroes, with each new Season introducing a new themed Battle Pass with over 80 tiers of cosmetics to unlock. Each new Season will also be the point where Blizzard delivers most of the big balance changes to further ensure that they feel fresh and distinct.

The switch to a Battle Pass model for unlocking both new Heroes and cosmetics, so that means no more Loot Boxes. But, on that front, there will be an in-game store with its own virtual currency to allow players to purchase specific cosmetic items. Blizzard notes, “The shop will offer featured cosmetic items every week for all players, and in Season One, many of these cosmetics will follow a cyberpunk theme. Future seasons will have different themes for our cosmetics.” Events are also coming with Seasons, with Season One introducing the new “Wrath of the Bride” Junkenstein event.

Premium and Free Battle Pass

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Here’s the official word on how this will work.

Our goal is to make the game feel fair, enjoyable, and rewarding whether you choose to spend money on the Premium Battle Pass or not. Our team has worked hard to carefully craft not only the cosmetics you expect, but brand-new cosmetic types for the Overwatch universe like name cards, charms, and souvenirs, and some of these rewards will be available to everyone through the free track of the Battle Pass. If the season features a new hero, they will be earnable through the free Battle Pass track.

Season One, which introduces three new Heroes - Sojourn, Junker Queen, and the recently announced Kiriko, only Sojourn, and Junker Queen will be unlocked automatically. Kiriko will be available via the Battle Pass. That said Overwatch 1 players will get access to Kiriko via the Founder’s Pack.

Season One’s Battle Pass will feature 80+ tiers of unlockable items, and the free tier will feature 20 unlockable items spread out over the Battle Pass. Here’s a look at what’s on offer.

Overwatch 2 - Season One Free Battle Pass

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• Newest support hero, Kiriko (instant unlock for returning Overwatch players; available on the free and premium Battle Pass for new players))
  
• 2 Epic Skins
  
• 1 Weapon Charm
  
• 2 Souvenirs
  
• 1 Highlight Intro
  
• 14 additional items (emotes, victory poses, name cards, sprays, player icons, etc.)
  
• Prestige Tier Titles (8 earnable titles available only after completing the entire pass)

Overwatch 2 - Season One Premium Battle Pass Unlockables

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• All the free rewards, plus immediate access to Kiriko
  
• 20% XP Battle Pass Boost
  
• 1 Mythic Skin
  
• 5 Legendary Skins and 1 Epic Skin
  
• 3 Play of the Game Intros
  
• 4 Weapon Charms
  
• 3 Emotes
  
• 3 Souvenirs
  
• 6 Poses
  
• 6 Name Cards
  
• 30+ additional cosmetic rewards

The Mythic skin as part of the Premium track is a brand-new tier of cosmetics and Blizzard confirmed that development on one takes upwards of a year - so they’re basically Skins 2.0. For Season One the first Mythic Skin is a Genji Cyber Demon outfit that features multiple layers players can mix and match on top of featuring different colour schemes and patterns. Each Season will bring a new Mythic Skin to the game.

As for the cost, the Premium Battle Pass will cost 1000 Overwatch Coins (the equivalent of $10 USD or $14.95 AUD). The premium currency can be purchased directly in addition to being earned by completing weekly challenges - that will also give XP to progress the Battle Pass. XP is also earned by simply playing the game.

Beyond the Battle Pass players will also be able to unlock Prestige rewards in the form of unique hero titles.

Overwatch 2 releases on October 5 AEST for PC and Console.