The early access debut of Overwatch 2 has proven to be a bit of a mixed bag. After the initial controversy about the game’s phone number requirement and the shutdown of the original Overwatch, players started to point out issues with the actual game. These ranged from some major bugs that have since been fixed to pricey cosmetics and a lack of progression, which remain a problem. Despite this, the hero shooter going free-to-play does seem to be the right decision based on Overwatch 2’s impressive player count milestone.
With the multiplayer portion of the game now available to players, Blizzard can focus on finishing the PvE component and improving the overall experience of Overwatch 2 to keep all the newcomers and longtime fans coming back. Fans can likely expect some noteworthy changes to come in the next few Overwatch 2 seasons, with heroes, maps, Mythic skins, and other content coming in 2023 as well.
New Overwatch 2 Seasons and Big Changes
Intriguingly, Overwatch 2 fans already know a big thing about the next two heroes: their role. The next two characters that come to the game will be in the Support category, which is great news since the role is in desperate need of more variety and characters that are exciting to play. Though Season 3 and Season 5 will lack new characters, instead featuring some brand-new maps, Season 4 and Season 6 should both prove satisfying for Support mains.
Players can expect Overwatch 2’s usual events to return in 2023, as well as more battle passes with seasonal themes. Perhaps some original brawls like Battle for Olympus will also be introduced, shaking things up by giving players some never-before-seen gameplay styles to enjoy. Additionally, a new core game mode for PvP will apparently be arriving at some point in 2023, giving Push some company and helping Overwatch 2 feel more like a proper sequel. Though no details have been provided thus far, it will supposedly be very different from the other multiplayer modes on offer.
Overwatch 2 fans can also expect 2023 to bring some community-requested improvements to several areas. While Blizzard has gotten the ball rolling on more frequent balancing passes, other areas still need to be addressed. Fans have taken issue with Overwatch 2’s ranked system, which Blizzard has said it will continue to tweak. Additionally, Blizzard will apparently be providing a major update about progression and earnable cosmetics once Season 3 arrives. Hopefully, the changes will satisfy the community, as a lack of goals to achieve and items to unlock has been a nonstop complaint.
Overwatch 2’s PvE Launch
Based on what was revealed about Overwatch 2’s PvE mode several months ago, fans have good reason to be excited. The mode will expand upon the co-op gameplay from Overwatch’s Archives missions, adding numerous enemy types, boss battles, skill trees, and side quests to enjoy. It will also move the story forward in a significant way, with the heroes of Overwatch coming together to stop a new Omnic Crisis that is seemingly being led by the Tank hero Ramattra.
Though the promises made about Overwatch 2’s story mode were exciting, it is worth noting that fans have not seen it for some time now. This could mean that it will arrive later in the year as opposed to early on. Additionally, Blizzard has said that the PvE content will now be added through the game’s live service Seasons, which has fans concerned that they will not be getting a proper campaign and will instead get occasional Archives-like missions. Hopefully, the PvE content does not disappoint, as many are still hoping that the mode will debut with many hours of unique content and promised features like skill trees. If PvE is strong, and Blizzard listens to feedback about the game’s multiplayer, then 2023 can be much better for Overwatch 2 than 2022 was.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
