thisOverwatch 2 The beta is in progress as we speak, and if you get involved, you’ll be happy to know more content is heading your way.
This content will include the addition of new heroes, new features, balance updates, new maps, and ongoing changes to support heroes.
According to Blizzard, the primary goals of the first beta were to test the transition to 5v5, new maps and Push game modes, overall balance, and build and server stability. However, the team is also working on balance and will be adjusting hero levels quickly, with the first beta balance patch coming out in a few days.
Blizzard added that the current beta is just the first test of a future PvP release. Between now and now, it plans to add more content, including heroes, maps, and features. It also says it will add a ton of polish and improvements in the form of an enhanced UI, bug fixes, and more.
While many testers have indicated to Blizzard that they would like to play ranked mode in the PvP beta, the studio decided to not include it for now, due to the limited number of players currently, and because it is planning a “significant overhaul” to its core ranked and competitive modes system. These are not yet ready for large-scale public testing.
In terms of game balance and support heroes, the current beta and future tests are important to identify balance issues and tweaks. Currently the studio feels that most heroes have a good overall range across skill levels; however, Blizzard says it has seen some outliers, which it will address in an upcoming patch.
For support heroes, the studio found that players felt that both tank and damage players had more new content to enjoy and explore in beta, so in the long run, Blizzard felt the best way to address this was to “add exciting New support heroes come to the game,” that’s part of the plan. Meanwhile, the team is experimenting with adding new and updated abilities to some existing support heroes. These types of ideas can be deployed later in the first beta test, but the second test is more likely.
Beta testers can also expect changes to the scoreboard screen. It will display key stats for all players in the game in real time. These stats include Eliminations, Assists, Deaths, Damage, Damage Mitigation, and Healing. This information will be presented in a new layout that reflects other competitive games and sports. With the change, testers will see the medal and fire system removed from the game.
That being said, the team may consider redesigning the Fire system to complement the scoreboard system at some point in the future, as Blizzard believes it can “provide excitement for high-performing players.”
The Overwatch 2 closed PvP beta went live in late April, offering many a chance to watch the game and all its changes. Dorrani, our in-house Overwatch player and video creator is participating in the beta, and you can hear his thoughts in the video above.
