Blizzard has addressed recent Overwatch 2 leaks about the game's Battle Pass and concerns players have about unlocking heroes. It was recently leaked that new Overwatch 2 heroes will have to be unlocked by leveling up the 80-tier Battle Pass, and this revelation has proven controversial with fans of the hero-shooter. Blizzard has since addressed these concerns, offering some more clarification on the matter.
It's been confirmed that Overwatch 2 will indeed lock heroes behind the Battle Pass, but all heroes will be unlockable without actually buying it. While buying the premium Battle Pass gives Overwatch 2 players immediate access, new heroes can be unlocked in the free Battle Pass once players hit level 55. If someone is not playing Overwatch 2 at the time a new character is added, and they miss that season's Battle Pass, they will still be able to unlock the heroes at a later date. Blizzard explained that the time players have to put in to unlock Overwatch 2 Competitive Play should be enough to unlock all the new heroes.
Overwatch 2 players can earn all new heroes without spending a dime, but fans are still concerned that those who pay to unlock new heroes right away will be given a competitive edge. However, it's been clarified that new Overwatch 2 heroes will not be selectable in Competitive Play for a few weeks, so that should alleviate those issues.
Overwatch 2 will be giving players plenty of ways to level up their Battle Pass. The game will be introducing new Daily, Weekly, Seasonal, Lifetime, and Hero challenges that will give players Battle Pass progress. The current plan is for there to be six Daily challenges to complete per day, and the first three of those in particular will give Overwatch 2 players a significant Battle Pass boost.
Blizzard also touched on some Battle Pass rewards that Overwatch 2 players can look forward to with Season 1. The Overwatch 2 Season 1 theme is Cyberpunk, and to that end, the ultimate reward for the game's Season 1 Battle Pass is a Mythic skin for Damage hero Genji called Cyber Demon Genji. Battle Pass owners will also be treated to five legendary skins for completing the Overwatch 2 Battle Pass.
These details may help alleviate some concerns about Overwatch 2 hero unlocks and the Battle Pass, but some fans may remain unconvinced. Ultimately, Overwatch fans will need to test the Battle Pass and new hero unlock system for themselves, and luckily, the wait to do that is nearly over.
Overwatch 2 is launching October 4 in early access for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.