Blizzard explains how the ‘Overwatch 2’ battle passes work | gadget

Blizzard just clarified how surveillance 2The switch to a battle pass system will work in practice. When the team shooter launches on October 4, there will be free and premium $10 Battle Passes as seen in other free-to-play titles. Similarly, you’ll be dealing with a virtual currency, Overwatch Coins, which you use to purchase the pass and other items. However, unlike some games, you can earn those free coins just by playing often. If you play often enough (grouping and weekly challenges will speed you up), you can upgrade to the premium track without paying a dime.

The developer also explained how you will unlock heroes. If you want the new support Kiriko (shown above) or other heroes for free, you’ll need to hit level 55 – a lot of work, but it can be done. The problem, of course, is that Premium Battle Pass owners will have immediate access to these characters and will be able to practice with them sooner. New heroes are expected every two seasons after the second, and Blizzard will let you acquire champions from past seasons by completing challenges or purchasing them with Overwatch Coins.

As explained above, Blizzard primarily intends to benefit from cosmetic item purchases that now include “mythic” skins with customizable layers. You’ll get a Mythic skin with each Season’s Battle Pass. Everyone will have access to new maps at no charge, with new playing fields arriving every other season. PvE (ie the most story-oriented mode) is still scheduled for 2023.

The approach might be welcome if you’re worried that Blizzard might make it hard to get hold of heroes or some desirable cosmetics without spending real money. That said, there’s still a strong incentive to pay up, especially if you don’t have the time or inclination to grind levels.