The release of Overwatch 2 is almost here, and with the new game, many changes will happen in the series’ latest edition. While the game will still feel familiar to anyone who has played the original, a few changes can make a big difference in how the flow of the game goes. If you’ve been sitting there and asking yourself, “what’s the difference between Overwatch and Overwatch 2?” we have your answer.
What’s the Difference Between Overwatch and Overwatch 2?
The biggest differences between Overwatch and Overwatch 2 is changes in team composition and size, an expanded battle pass, and the fact that OW2 will be free-to-play. While gamers should expect the same physics and shooting mechanics as the first game, many of these changes will fundamentally change how the game is played, especially at the high level.
Changes in Team Composition for Overwatch 2
Perhaps the biggest change that players may notice is the shift from the classic 6v6 gameplay in the original Overwatch to the newly updated 5v5 teams in Overwatch 2.
With this change, Blizzard has removed one tank from each team, leading to each player having a larger role in battle. With these expanded roles, each of the tank, support, and DPS classes received special passive abilities to further define their role in battle. This team composition change affects all the gameplay modes in Overwatch 2.
Adding a Battle Pass in Overwatch 2
To move more in line with other live gaming services, Overwatch 2 is ditching the loot boxes and bringing in the battle pass. Through new seasonal gameplay, players can unlock special items, such as skins, sprays, and even new heroes, such as the first battle pass hero, Kiriko.
Overwatch 2 Is Going Free-To-Play
With the release of Overwatch 2 on October 4, 2022, the game will become free-to-play. Players can pick up the game on PC and Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch systems. This is a great change to the game that, alongside the addition of cross-progression and cross-platform, can greatly expand the audience of the popular team-based shooter.
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