Plenty of information on Overwatch 2 has finally started to release, with Blizzard detailing several aspects of the game in recent weeks. Fans now know that it will be making the switch to free-to-play, replacing the original Overwatch client, and introducing a seasonal approach to content. It will also be swapping out Loot Boxes for a Battle Pass system, and it will be interesting to see how Blizzard approaches this style.

Fans already have some idea of what Blizzard will be including within these battle passes, as never-before-seen cosmetics like weapon charms have appeared in recent Overwatch 2 trailers. However, each Battle Pass should be more than a collection of random items for players to use, as Blizzard should instead aim to provide Battle Passes that feature a collection of thematically similar items.

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The Benefits of Focused Battle Passes

Overwatch 2 poster featuring sojourn, doomfist, junker queen

To make each Overwatch 2 Battle Pass feel different from the last, Blizzard should give them a consistent theme. One way to do this is to keep an eye on real world events and holidays. Valentine’s Day, for example, has never received its own Overwatch event despite heroes like Genji and Mercy being romantically involved. For whichever Season that takes place during February, a bunch of Valentine's cosmetics would be ideal, giving players something they have never seen before.

Each Battle Pass could also be themed around a specific role. While Blizzard has said that it is aiming to fill the Battle Passes with items that can be used on any hero, it would not be exciting if said Battle Passes were lacking skins. To add more exciting cosmetics while ensuring that every role is treated equally, Blizzard could focus on a different role each Season. Season 1 could have a Tank theme, given the importance of Tanks in Overwatch 2, while Season 2 could be focused on content for Support heroes. Season 3 could provide cosmetics for the Damage role, while Season 4’s Battle Pass can restart the loop with a Tank-focused theme.

Another option available to Blizzard is to theme the rest of the Battle Pass around the Season’s Mythic Skin. For those unfamiliar with these cosmetics, they will essentially be similar to the special skins from Fortnite’s Battle Pass that allow players to customize the outfit in a number of ways. The first Mythic skin is for Genji and looks demon-like, so some demonic items being spread throughout the Battle Pass could be a good way to build up to the special outfit.

There are many fun themes Blizzard could pull from when designing a Season. A cowboy-themed Battle Pass could bring Cassidy and Ashe-like makeovers for a large portion of the cast, while an academy theme could show what the heroes looked like in school, similar to the D.Va skin of the same name. A “What If?” season could show how Overwatch icons like Winston would look if they were in Talon, or how Doomfist would look in Overwatch. The possibilities are endless, and could keep the game going for years, so it simply makes sense to go with some distinct themes.

Not only would this approach make Battle Passes more appealing to players that are interested in specific groups like the Junkers, Talon, and so on, but it would allow Blizzard to come up with a clear name and theme for the Season. If a new map releases that is set in Japan, a Japanese-themed Battle Pass could be released. Likewise, if a new Greek hero is added to Overwatch, a Battle Pass based on Ancient Greece could be delivered. Instead of being a disorganized collection of content, every Battle Pass should intertwine with the rest of the Season’s content.

Overwatch 2 launches on October 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

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