Overwatch 2 was first mentioned back at Blizzcon in 2019, but since then details have been relatively sparse. Fans are expecting Overwatch 2 and today we’ve gathered everything you need to know in an article covering PvE mode, new heroes, maps, trailers and gameplay.
The next installment in the Overwatch franchise, Overwatch 2, has been discussed since BlizzCon 2019. Since then, however, details have been scarce. Let’s take a look at everything there is to know about Overwatch 2 and its 5v5 and tank changes, as well as maps, heroes, and more.
Overwatch has become one of the world’s most popular first-person shooters.
When Overwatch 2 was announced at Blizzcon 2019 fans went wild and since they have been expecting news. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 release date
The release date of Overwatch 2 has been one of the most heated subjects throughout the game’s development. Since the announcement, Blizzard has remained tight-lipped about when the game would be released. A slew of recent events, including a new recruitment campaign from Blizzard and a statement from former director Jeff Kaplan, indicated that the launch date could be as late as 2021.
The game has been delayed numerous times, with no official release date yet, and the most recent update taking place on November 2, 2022:
“While we are still planning to deliver a substantial amount of content from Blizzard next year, we are now planning for a later launch for Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV than originally envisioned.”
Overwatch 2 available platforms
Overwatch 2 will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch, not to mention PC. Although the question of whether or not crossplay will be implemented is still disputed.
Despite this, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has always offered the possibility that Overwatch 2 may be released on platforms other than Sony’s.
Phil Spencer said in an Xbox blog post:
“Activision Blizzard games are enjoyed on a variety of platforms and we plan to continue to support those communities moving forward.”
This post implies that most likely, Overwatch 2 will be available on PlayStation too.
Overwatch 2 trailers
From the ashes of a worldwide catastrophe, Overwatch 2 resurrects a crew of familiar faces to battle the Omnics once again. But Winston, Mei, Echo, Tracer, Brigitte, Mercy, Genji, and Reinhardt stand in their path.
The terrors of the invasion reach farther than Paris, and our band of heroes is seen fighting more killer androids in Rio De Janeiro. This trailer also provides us with a few insights into the actual gameplay.
Overwatch 2 gameplay
We’ve seen a slew of images promoting the newest installment in the Overwatch series, and they all suggest different things.
Players will be able to improve each hero’s skills and power as they adventure through co-op activities thanks to the talents progression system. This is a pretty similar approach to that seen in Heroes of the Storm.
Snippets of the gameplay previewed in the above trailer offer a clue as to how these co-op missions will work, with players apparently coming together in groups to battle waves of Omnics. The fundamental concept remains the same, however, and while we do see some hints at new maps and heroes, it appears that Overwatch’s fundamentals will be largely unaltered.
5v5 teams and tank changes
The most contentious aspect of the game has been confirmed: matches will now be 5v5. On May 20, the modification was announced, and it is a significant departure from the current 2-2-2 split that has been the core of the game for years. What this implies is that gameplay will only feature two DPS, two supports, and one tank. This means that what we know as “tank” will have to change.
New game modes
Overwatch 2 will bring a new PvE experiences to the game. This aspect will fill a gap that many fans feel the franchise has never truly addressed since it debuted in the mid-2010s.
Based on the trailer, it appears that players will band together to battle their way through Omnic-infested cities, all while coordinating their assaults and adapting to their foes. For Overwatch fans, the story is a new idea, but perhaps we’ll see different combos and funny highlights.
The new “Push” game mode in Overwatch 2 is adding a new multiplayer game type. The symmetrical map-type pits players against their opponent to push a central robot toward the enemy’s base.
New heroes
One of the primary selling features of the sequel is that we will see some new warriors enter the battle. Echo, who was added to the team in April 2020, is the most recent character to join.
Sojourn, a silver-maned hero with distinctive dreadlocks, is one of the main characters in the video and appears to be a possible new DPS character.
New maps
Overwatch 2 has already seen several of its map ideas leak to an eager audience, promising “more complex” maps than the first game.
We’ve seen stunning recreations of Rio de Janeiro, the home of Lucio’s music, as well as a Toronto-based map that allows you to explore Canada’s metropolitan culture at your leisure. Rome, Monte Carlo, and New York have also been added to the list.
Rio de Janeiro
Rome
Monte Carlo
New York
Toronto
There are also rumors suggesting that a Kraków, Poland map is in works, we’ll keep our eyes open for the upcoming news.
Overwatch anniversary remix
As part of the Overwatch Anniversary celebration the developer team has released a patch:
“It’s time to grab your gilded weapons and put on your party skins–the sixth anniversary of Overwatch has arrived! Here’s to six years of steadfast payload-pushing, jaw-dropping trickshots, tenacious teamwork, and a community filled with unmatched passion. To celebrate the occasion, we’re unlocking the skin vault and bringing back six limited looks that you might have missed out on–with an exclusive twist. Your second chance to secure these skins has arrived; unlock elegant new variants of past Legendaries like Oni Genji, Nevermore Reaper, Witch Mercy, and more. The festivities are just getting started, so keep an eye out for more content to come!”
