Overwatch 2 Review
While there has been some discussion about whether Overwatch 2 should have been an expansion or update to the original game it means that we are still getting lots of new Overwatch content, which is always a good thing. In this review, we will cover what we have learned from the beta version and what we can expect in the days to come from Overwatch 2.
- New characters and maps
- More skill-based and strategic
- More story-based content
- Free-to-play
- Doesn't feel too different from the first game
- It crashes from time to time
Everything You Need to Know About Overwatch 2 So Far
- Story
- Gameplay
- Is Overwatch 2 Going to Replace Overwatch?
- Is Overwatch 2 Free?
- Heroes
- Maps
- Overwatch 2 Account Merge
- Is Overwatch 2 Worth It?
- Is Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack Worth it?
Story of Overwatch 2
Although PvE details are not available at this time, we do know that PvE will introduce a story-based mission to the series. These story missions will allow Winston, Tracer, as well as other Overwatch heroes, to join forces with a whole new generation of heroes. Overwatch will be a journey about a new global crisis that unfolds through intense, high-stakes missions for players. As the story unfolds, players will take on different roles as heroes, fighting to defend the world from Null Sector's omnic forces, uncover the motivations behind the attacks by robotic armies, and confront rising threats around the globe. If you want to learn more about the story, we got you! Read our Overwatch 2 Story now.
Gameplay
Looking at the differences between Overwatch and Overwatch 2, the headline change is the move from 6v6 into 5v5. This might be seen as a simple switch that could just as easily be made in the original game. However, it completely changes every mode, team composition, and strategy. In part, Overwatch was a 6v6 format that Blizzard chose because it placed less responsibility on players. One skilled Winston or Zenyatta could lead a team consisting of Soldier 76s or Tracers in the initial years of gameplay. Even though the level of play has improved over time, now that we have 5v5, nothing will be the same. We can say that Overwatch 2 is going to be far more challenging and skill-based.
Is Overwatch 2 Going to Replace Overwatch? / Is Overwatch 1 Shutting Down?
Confirmed by the developers themselves, the answer is most likely yes. Overwatch 1 is shutting down officially. However, Overwatch 2 is still Overwatch but bigger and better. That’s why there had been the ongoing debate about whether the game should have just been an expansion pack. With the elevated gameplay, mechanics, visuals and interface, we can expect a major migration from the original game to the new one.
Is Overwatch 2 Free?
We know that Overwatch2's PvP will be free to play and will be available for early access in October. PvE will follow in later this year. Blizzard confirmed that every PvP season, which will last nine week-long, will bring free seasonal updates and every other PVP season will introduce new heroes. Each season will also have its own battle pass. Loot boxes have been discarded which makes me a bit sad after countless loots in the original game for seven years.
Heroes
As it's all different now, it's now more vital than ever to select the right Overwatch 2 heroes. If you get it wrong within the first minute of play it is difficult to adapt, choose different heroes and try to recover something from the round.
The beta also provides a lot of hero changes. Some characters have been completely reworked into new roles. Doomfist's overhaul to a tanks hero is perhaps the most dramatic. He now boasts more health, faster ammo recoveries, and a Reinhart-like Power Block ability. Mei's freeze no longer works. Instead of causing damage to enemies, it slows them down. And don’t even get me started on our good old Bastion…
For more information about Overwatch 2 heroes and to answer your questions like who are the new heroes and what similar faces we can expect to see again, check out our Overwatch 2 Characters Guide.
We also broke down these heroes by their type as follows: Damage Heroes, Support Heroes, Tank Heroes.
Maps
Overwatch 2 will feature the return of the PvP maps from the first game, as well as new maps including those for its Push mode. Overwatch 2 got rid of some of the existing maps: Volskaya Industries, Hanamura, Horizon Lunar Colony, Paris, and Temple of Anubis. Here is the complete list of all new and returning maps from Overwatch 2 that we have so far,
New Overwatch 2 Maps
- Circuit Royal – Escort
- Midtown – Hybrid
- Toronto – Push
- Rome – Push
- Portugal - Push
- Rio - Hybrid
Returning Overwatch Maps
- King’s Row
- Lijiang Tower
- Oasis
- Route 66
- Dorado
- Eichenwalde
- Ilios
- Watchpoint: Gibraltar
Overwatch 2 Account Merge
Once again confirmed by the developers, you will be able to merge your accounts on different platforms with cross progression. For example you can merge your Playstation account to your Battle.net account on PC and merge all your progress into one account.
How to Merge Overwatch 2 Accounts for Cross-Progression?
Just log into your account on the platform of your choice. You'll be prompted to ask to merge your account. Click "Confirm" and restart the game.
What Gets Merged with Overwatch 2 Cross Progression?
With account merge, you will be able to keep your credits, tokens, competitive point, all your cosmetic items, stats and presets for both your accounts.
Is Overwatch 2 Worth Playing?
Overwatch 2 feels remarkably like its predecessor. Other than the decreased player counts in both teams, the gameplay feels almost the same. Overwatch fans who are already familiar with the game will enjoy the sequel. Overwatch 2 is currently a lot of fun and the PvP part of the game, which is free, is certainly worth it.
Is Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack Worth it?
Overwatch Watchpoint Pack only adds PvE content to the game. This PvE mode has no effect on PvP aspect of Overwatch 2. So if you think you would enjoy purely PvE content, then you can give it a try. However, the price tag might be a little much to ask. If you are only playing for PvP content, then you are not missing anything out. Just skip it.