Overwatch 2 won’t be locking new heroes behind a paid battle pass, it’s emerged. Blizzard VP Jon Spector confirmed that heroes will be available through a free track for the battle pass. Spector’s comments were an attempt to put an end to speculation over what he described as “incomplete info” circulating online about Overwatch 2’s battle pass.
Blizzard revealed that Overwatch 2 was going free-to-play at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase in June. They described the game as an “always-evolving live service”, but didn’t explain at the time what players would have to fork out for. There’s been speculation since that access to new characters would be locked behind a paywall, similar to Fortnite. In response to a question about players potentially missing out on heroes if they weren’t unlocked during a given season, Spector clarified that more opportunities to obtain heroes will come up. “We will have free paths to get new heroes in future seasons too,” Spector said.
A new hero coming to Overwatch 2 has been leaked too. Support hero Kiriko sports a fetching fox-ear hat and seems to enjoy frosted doughnuts. The character was revealed when an unfinished cinematic for the game was shared on YouTube, and spotted by cheery RPS fansite PCGamer. It was subsequently taken down, but is still floating about on other sites. You can get a look at Kiriko in the images below, shared by OverwatchNaeri on Twitter:
Overwatch 2 New Hero Kiriko 🦊⛩️ ※Source: https://t.co/6kJ4d0HTaB pic.twitter.com/WOjZHh2TWk
OverwatchNaeri has also posted details of rewards coming in Overwatch 2’s season one battle pass. These include Kiriko, a Cyber Demon Genji mythic skin, and a Legendary skin for Kiriko based on the mystical phoenix. There’ll allegedly by more than 80 new cosmetics, and a new hero for the free track.
Ed struggled to find the sequel bit in Overwatch 2 when he played the second open beta back in July, but felt it was a faster game. “Holding the frontline as Junker Queen is a joy, so I've got no qualms with her being a part of the roster,” he said. “But there's a sense that the old guard can't keep up with her and the rest of Overwatch 2's new wave of hostile heroes. Reinhardt and Winston and Cassidy are still fun to play but they're forever tied to the game's original, slower paced design philosophy.”
Overwatch’s overseers Activision Blizzard are still mired in legal issues and reports alleging workplace discrimination, harassment and poor working conditions. They’re also being bought by Microsoft for $68.7 billion (£59 billion), a deal announced by surprise in January this year. That same month, Blizzard Entertainment head Mike Ybarra said he was committed to fostering change within the company.
Overwatch 2 launches on October 4th, and will be free-to-play. It’ll be available on Blizzard’s Battle.net launcher.
CJ used to write about steam locomotives but now covers Steam instead. Likes visual novels, most things with dungeons and/or crawling, and any shooter with a suitably chunky shotgun. He’s from Yorkshire, which means he’s legally obliged to enjoy a cup of tea and a nice sit down.
Subscribe and get access to supporter-only articles, an ad-free reading experience, free gifts, and game discounts. Your support helps us create more great writing about PC games.
Please enable JavaScript to see comments.
Marvel Snap will play its multiverse of superhero cards this October
Matches take 3 minutes - pretty snappy
Amy Hennig's untitled Marvel game has its first teaser trailer
It's set in Paris and Wakanda during World War 2
Tron: Identity is a new visual novel from Bithell Games
Marvel's Midnight Suns' new release date is this December
After two delays so far
Marvel Snap will play its multiverse of superhero cards this October
Matches take 3 minutes - pretty snappy
Amy Hennig's untitled Marvel game has its first teaser trailer
It's set in Paris and Wakanda during World War 2
Tron: Identity is a new visual novel from Bithell Games
Marvel's Midnight Suns' new release date is this December
After two delays so far
Tyrant's Blessing's low pressure tactical puzzles let it punch above its weight
The only good surprise parties
The power of a Steam Next Fest demo
Where it all started for a lot of this week's reviews
5 weird games out in September that I might not have time to review but really want to
(But will hopefully play and write about at some point because they seem cool)
RPS@PAX West 2022: Our top highlights from the showfloor
RPS say goodbye to Seattle
We've been talking, and we think that you should wear clothes
Total coincidence, but we sell some clothes
Copyright © 2022 Gamer Network Limited, a ReedPop company.
All rights reserved. No part of this site or its content may be reproduced without the permission of the copyright holder.