Overwatch 2 progression systems detailed

Blizzard Entertainment has announced new details about player progression systems in Overwatch 2.

The shooter sequel will be switching to a free-to-play model, together with enabling cross-platform with cross-progression. The game is shifting to a seasonal model with new content every nine weeks. Each season promises new experiences and ways to play, and will typically bring either a new hero or a new map, alternating each season. Each season will have a new Battle Pass, every one with a unique theme and up to 80+ unlockable tiers of cosmetics.

With this new seasonal model, Loot Boxes are going away in Overwatch 2, and a new in-game shop will allow you to purchase exactly what you want with new virtual currency, Overwatch Coins. 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.

With the launch of Overwatch 2, the roster will expand to 35 heroes as Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko join the fight. As the developers balance the game for a new 5v5 PvP experience, the goal is reducing the presence of specific hard counters to heroes. New heroes will typically come out every alternate season, except for Season One and Two, which will each feature a new hero. After that, a new hero in Season Four and Season Six is planned.

Complete details and a FAQ can be found on the official website.

Overwatch 2 planned for launch on October 4 for Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, with its multiplayer components, as the campaign is coming next year.