Overwatch 2's free-to-play nature and commitment to adding post-launch content has seen the sequel become very popular among the franchise's sizable fan base. As well as seasonal battle passes that introduce brand-new heroes and maps to the game, there are specific in-game events that can provide entirely new gameplay experiences for players.
While Overwatch 2 has already received limited time events such as the recent Winter Event, the new Battle for Olympus event appears to be an entirely different prospect. By imbuing pre-existing heroes with new devastating abilities, it appears that the Battle for Olympus mode for the relatively new title will set a serious precedent in terms of the variety in gameplay that future events will have to foster.
The Criticism of Overwatch 2's Other Events
One of the main criticisms that Overwatch 2 has faced relates to the title being overtly similar to the original Overwatch, with the new sequel possessing much of the same core gameplay formula, maps, and heroes of its predecessor. Because of this, huge importance has been placed on the post-launch content of Overwatch 2, with players wanting things like limited time in-game events to bring huge sweeping changes to the long-established gameplay beats of the wider Overwatch franchise.
With this in mind, it is no wonder that recent events such as Overwatch 2's Winter Event have been met with criticism. For example, the Winter Event consisted of several limited game modes that have already appeared in Overwatch historically, with the only truly new content for the event coming in the form of an earnable skin for the support hero Brigitte. The Battle for Olympus event has arrived within extremely close proximity to the outbound Winter Event, meaning Battle for Olympus needs to pick up a lot of perceived slack within the title's post-launch content.
Overwatch 2's Battle For Olympus Event
The Battle for Olympus event for Overwatch 2 is set to run from January 5 to 19, being a limited time free-for-all PvP mode complete with attractive rewards for players to earn. As the name suggests, the Battle for Olympus mode ties into the Greek mythology theme of Overwatch 2's second seasonal battle pass, and sees seven of the title's playable heroes undergo significant changes and be given powers reflective of different Greek Gods.
Players then battle it out as a variety of powered-up tank, damage, and support heroes with one player coming out on top. Each relevant hero to the event has their own unique challenges that unlock voice lines and titles upon completion, with players unlocking the Winged Victory skin for the support hero Mercy upon completing six different challenges. An event-wide challenge is even in place to see which chosen hero will rack up the most overall combined global kills, with the victor receiving their very own statue on the pre-existing Greek map of Illios.
It is clear that the new Battle for Olympus event is a comprehensive one, with significant detail being exerted in giving the chosen heroes brand-new abilities to match the aesthetic and lore behind their new looks. With this event being played entirely within a wholly new game mode, Battle for Olympus additionally sets a new precedent for the game that goes far beyond the likes of the aforementioned Winter Event. With a clear focus on community involvement, it seems apparent that Blizzard is finally implementing some truly unique post-launch content to Overwatch 2, as well as a new approach that will hopefully be maintained for the rest of the title's life cycle.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
