Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is an online shooter and a sequel to the critically acclaimed first installment from 2016. Both games were developed by Blizzard Entertainment, also responsible for Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo. Unlike its predecessor, the second Overwatch is free-to-play.

Plot

The game continues the story of the previous installment, revolving around the titular Overwatch task force and their battle against the villainous Talon organization. As before, the story is mainly told through side materials released by Blizzard - comics, short stories and animated shorts available on the game's official website.

Mechanics

Like its predecessor, Overwatch 2 is a dynamic online first-person shooter. The game features a wide roster of characters - nearly 40 at launch - each of whom with unique weaponry and special abilities, letting them function in specific roles in the team. This time the teams consist of five players each, the heroes' abilities reworked to counteract hard countering, that is, dealing with a specific hero requiring the presence of another hero.

Compared to the first installment, the developers have introduced some new characters and rebalanced the returning ones. By progressing through the game we unlock skins and cosmetics for different heroes.

Battle Pass

The leveling up system from the first Overwatch was replaced with two battle passes - free and premium (purchasable for in-game premium currency, Overwatch Coins). Both passes offer new emotes, skins, cards, poses and other cosmetics, as well as new playable characters (premium pass holders receive them immediately, alongside with a possibility to unlock unique "mythical" skins). The often criticized lootboxes were replaced with an in-game store offering items, experience boosters and more.

PvP and PvE modes

PvP battles haven't changed much since the first game. A few new characters and maps were added, as well as the Push mode resembling Escort: one team must defend a robot pushing cargo through the map, while the other one must destroy it.

Although one of Overwatch 2's main attractions was supposed to be a PvE story mode, the game debuted in 2022 without it. Following year, the developers revealed that it was cut from the game entirely. PvE is now only present in form of special events, during which up to four players join forces against AI-controlled enemy hordes.

Last updated on 17 May 2023