After what might seem like an excruciatingly long wait, Overwatch 2's release is just around the corner. The game intends to shake up a number of things from the original, including how it handles monetization and loot boxes.
Loot boxes are implemented in a lot of games as a way of randomizing what premium gear and cosmetics players receive. Buying or earning a loot box gives a player a chance at incredibly epic loot, but it can also reveal something less exciting. The days of purchased loot boxes in Overwatch are coming to an end, and it's going to happen before Overwatch 2's release.
Over on the official Blizzard forums, an Overwatch fan posed a question regarding when loot boxes would no longer be available. Community Manager Craig responded, explaining that the current plan is for loot boxes to no longer be sold in the game's shop following the current Anniversary Remix Vol 3 event. After August 30, loot boxes will no longer be available for purchase with real-world currency. The information was also confirmed in recent Overwatch patch notes.
However, loot boxes will still exist in the game and can be earned without spending money up until Overwatch 2's launch day. Free, earnable loot boxes will continue being handed out until October 4, at which point players will be transferred from Overwatch to Overwatch 2. However, if players want the satisfaction of actually opening their loot boxes to discover their prize, they should plan on doing so before making the move. Blizzard previously revealed that at the time of transfer, any unopened loot boxes will be automatically opened and their contents added to the player's account for use in Overwatch 2.
There's likely to be an adaptation period for most players moving to the sequel, as in-game currency will also be undergoing a change. Existing currencies like credits and OWL tokens will carry over to the new game, but not all items in the new shop will be available for purchase with these currencies. In their place, a new in-game currency will be added that players can purchase in exchange for real-world money.
Although the Overwatch loot box is iconic, loot boxes in general have stirred up a ton of controversy in their years. Players often come away from buying loot boxes disappointed by what they got out of the deal, and governments have even suggested banning loot boxes entirely, declaring them to be a form of gambling. Whether players love them or hate them, Overwatch's loot boxes will soon just be a memory.
Overwatch 2 releases on October 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Blizzard