Will Overwatch 2 be free to play?

Overwatch is slowly approaching its next big step. With graphical updates and fundamental changes on the horizon, fans are looking forward to re-exploring their favorite game in Overwatch 2.

In addition to abilities getting tweaked, the core gameplay of Overwatch will change since the game is transitioning to a five-vs-five setup. Though the gameplay experience looks like it’ll be a lot different in Overwatch 2, another factor to consider will be the new title’s price tag.

Related: Why Overwatch 2’s shift to 5-player teams is good for the game

As of now, Blizzard hasn’t disclosed any details regarding how it’s planning to distribute the new content. Odds are that players who want to play Overwatch 2’s PvE elements will need to purchase Overwatch 2. Those who are looking to simply play PvP will have an entirely free experience.

“Current Overwatch players will battle side-by-side with Overwatch 2 players in PvP multiplayer; they’ll also be able to play Overwatch 2 heroes and maps,” Blizzard’s website says. “Your accomplishments and loot collections will be carried forward to Overwatch 2. That means you’ll keep your skins, player icons, sprays, emotes, and more!”

Players who do not own Overwatch or Overwatch 2, though, will be able to play the PvP side of the game for free when it is released on Oct. 4, 2022. Blizzard hasn’t mentioned a cost for the PvE side of the game, which launches in 2023, but there will likely be an additional cost for PvE content.

In Overwatch 2, loot boxes are a thing of the past according to developers. Instead, a new battle pass will take its place, where players will be able to earn rewards such as skins, emotes, and more as more battle passes are made available. The switch to the battle pass model is what allows developers to make the game free-to-play.

There are no details yet about what the battle pass will be called, but there will be a new one every nine weeks. These battle passes are contained within seasons. The first will start on Oct. 4, and the second will begin on Dec. 6, and every nine weeks after that. Each season will bring new maps, new heroes, and more.

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