Another hero has been announced Overwatch 2 Blizzard provided more information on the game’s first season of the Battle Pass.
A new hero, Kiriko, will accompany the game at launch. As the newest support hero, the character can teleport through walls to protect teammates with the healing ofuda. Kiriko can also charge at enemies and kill them with Kunai.
When it comes to the first season of the Battle Pass, Blizzard said it will “deliver more in one go” than it has since released the original game in 2016. This includes three new heroes, all of which will be immediately available to returning Overwatch players who logged in during season one or two.
Overwatch 2 will feature a new seasonal mode, meaning new content will appear every nine weeks. Each season brings a new experience and gameplay, often with a new hero or new map – alternating each season.
Each season will feature a new Battle Pass, each with its own unique theme, up to 80+ unlockable cosmetic tiers, and any changes to hero balance at the start of each season.
As you know, loot boxes are going away with Overwatch 2. But you can get anything you like through the in-game store using a virtual currency called Overwatch Coins. The store will offer cosmetic items to all players every week, and in season one, many will follow the cyberpunk theme. Different themed in-store items will be introduced in the coming seasons.
The store will also feature a “Just for You” section, offering personalized offers based on what you like to play in the game, what you equip, and rotating bundles. This section will feature spin packs from the original Overwatch during our first few seasons.
The Battle Pass is free for everyone, and you can choose to upgrade to the Premium Battle Pass in the store to unlock premium rewards. There will also be a free track.
If new heroes appear in a season, they’ll be earned through the free Level 55 Battle Pass track. They will be unlocked immediately on the Advanced Battle Pass track. New heroes can also be purchased through the in-game store.
During Season 1, all players who log into the game will automatically receive Junker Queen and Sojourn. Players who own the original Overwatch will also get Kiriko through the Founders Pack, which will need to be redeemed by logging in before the end of Season 2.
The free rewards that can be unlocked in the Battle Pass are offered in 20 tiers, spread across more than 80 total tiers. This includes Epic Skims, weapon trinkets, memorabilia, highlight introductions, emotes, victory poses, business cards, spray paint, player icons, and more.
The Premium Battle Pass track will have 60 additional (80 total) tiers to unlock, including Mythic skins and other premium cosmetics. If there is a new hero this season, purchasing the Premium Battle Pass will give you instant access to that hero in addition to the season-long Battle Pass XP boost and additional cosmetic bonuses.
Season 1’s Premium Track gives new players instant access to Kiriko and includes over 60 unlockable cosmetic items, including five new Legendary skins, an Epic skin, and the new Cyber Demon Genji Mythical skin. Mythical skins are a whole new skin layer for Genji, especially feature layers that you can mix and match.
The Premium Battle Pass will cost 1000 Overwatch Coins, the equivalent of $10, which can be purchased directly or earned by completing weekly challenges.
As far as progress on the Battle Pass is concerned, all you have to do is play the game and complete daily and weekly challenges. Players who complete this season’s Battle Pass can continue to advance to the Supreme tier.
In addition to the five new maps already announced, the first season will also introduce a new push map Esperanca set in Portugal. All maps are available to all, and, going forward, a new map will usually be introduced every other season. Past limited-time game modes and new modes will be available, and in season one, you can expect the wrath of the Bride Junkenstein event.
For more information on the Battle Pass, click on the FAQ.
As far as the future of the game is concerned, Blizzard already has new core game modes and a new set of maps in development, with a new mode coming later in 2023. PvE is also coming to ib 2023.
Overwatch 2 will be free-to-play when it launches on October 4, and will feature cross-platform play and cross-play.