Overwatch 2, released in 2022, is a first-person shooter game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. Serving as a sequel and successor to the 2016 hero shooter Overwatch, the game initially aimed to provide a shared environment for player-versus-player (PvP) modes, with plans to introduce persistent cooperative modes. However, these plans were abandoned in 2023, refocusing the game solely on its PvP elements. One significant change in PvP modes was the reduction of team sizes from six to five, alongside major character reworks. Available as a free-to-play title on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, Overwatch 2 offers full cross-platform play. The game entered early access on 4 October 2022, with Blizzard removing the early access label on August 10, 2023, coinciding with the release of the game’s sixth season.
Overwatch 2, a hero shooter released in 2022 by Blizzard Entertainment, features players divided into two teams, selecting from a roster of 40 characters categorized into “damage,” “support,” and “tank” classes. Each character possesses a unique set of active, passive, and ultimate abilities. The game emphasizes player versus player (PvP) combat across various modes and maps, catering to both casual and ranked competitive matches. In Overwatch 2, team sizes were reduced from six to five, with adjustments made to improve gameplay pacing and reduce complexity. New maps offer enhanced cover options to compensate for reduced tank-based protection. Additionally, damage class heroes boast increased movement speed, support heroes regenerate health slowly, and tank heroes have been reimagined for more offensive roles. Visual updates reflect the passage of time since the original game’s events. The introduction of a ping system aids in team communication, directing attention to specific map points.
A new PvP mode called “Push” involves teams competing to control a robot that pushes a payload to the opponent’s side of the map, replacing the Assault mode in the standard map rotation. Unbalanced Assault maps are excluded from core game modes but remain accessible in custom games and select arcade modes. Overwatch 2 adopts a free-to-play model, replacing loot boxes with a battle pass system offering seasonal cosmetics and rewards. Collaborations with other franchises and special events provide additional content and cosmetic options. Cross-progression is supported across platforms, with shared cosmetic items and progress. Post-release updates include story-based PvE missions advancing Overwatch lore, special Hero Mastery missions, and major combat and competitive system overhauls. In Season 9, Blizzard introduced a health and healing boost for all heroes, alongside changes to the competitive ranking system. Season 10 will see new heroes available to all players, independent of battle passes, with retroactive access to previous heroes released since Overwatch 2’s launch.
