Highlights
- The controversial decision to put Overwatch 2's PvE story missions behind a $15 paywall has upset some fans who expected them to be included for free.
- The story missions themselves are fun and have exciting cutscenes, but they lack replay value and can be completed in less than two hours.
- Despite the paywall for the story missions, Overwatch 2 Season 6 offers other exciting content such as the Flashpoint game mode and the upcoming Hero Mastery missions. So overall it's a great time to come back to the game.
The Overwatch 2 PvE story missions are finally here, but they are blocked behind a $15 paywall. With Overwatch 2 being a free-to-play game, it's understandable that some fans may not be so sure if they want to spend any money on the story content.
The decision to block Overwatch 2's PvE content behind a paywall has been hugely controversial since it was announced. When Overwatch 2 was released as a free-to-play game, it was suggested that the story missions would be part of its free seasonal updates. Some fans have already sworn off buying the story missions as a result, but those on the fence may be wondering if the content justifies the $15 asking price.
First and foremost, it's worth pointing out that the $15 price point gets Overwatch 2 players more than just the story missions. $15 is the price of the Overwatch 2 Invasion bundle, which includes the story missions, 1,000 Overwatch coins, a legendary Sojourn skin, and instant access to Sojourn for those that haven't unlocked her in the game yet. Regardless of the extra content that comes in the bundle, though, it is true that anyone that wants to play the PvE missions in Overwatch 2 will have to spend at least $15.
Overwatch 2 Story Missions Are Fun, But Lack Replay Value
Game ZXC had the chance to go hands-on with the Overwatch 2 PvE story missions prior to the big August 10 update. The first batch of missions are set in Rio, Toronto, and Gothenburg as the titular Overwatch answer Winston's recall and try to protect the world from the Null Sector threat. Up to four players can play each mission and can select from a curated pool of heroes. The missions themselves are fairly standard fare, but with some objectives that harken back to the Overwatch PvP experience like escorting a payload and protecting a point.
It seems unlikely that players will be revisiting the Overwatch 2 story missions too many times after they've beaten them unless they want to see the different hero interactions or feel the need to complete all the challenges to unlock new intel. The missions are polished and fun while they last, but their objectives can get repetitive and a single time through is plenty. The missions themselves last roughly 30 minutes, counting cutscenes, and so all three can be wrapped up in less than two hours.
The real draw of the PvE missions is how they move the Overwatch 2 story forward. Overwatch 2's story mission cutscenes are exciting, epic, and on the level of the beautiful animated shorts Blizzard has produced over the years. For hardcore Overwatch fans, it's worth picking up the $15 bundle just to see what happens in the story. Those that are more interested in the PvP and don't care so much about the lore can safely skip it.
Of course, anyone that was planning on picking up the Overwatch 2 Season 6 battle pass may as well buy the Invasion bundle instead. The 1,000 Overwatch Coins that comes with the bundle is enough to pick up the battle pass, which in turn provides instant access to the new Support hero Illari.
Overwatch 2 Season 6 is Much Bigger Than PvE
While the PvE story missions seem to be the main focus of Overwatch 2's big Season 6 update, there's plenty more for fans of the hero shooter to get excited about. Game ZXC also had the chance to go hands-on with the Flashpoint game mode. It's not revolutionary, but it will provide some additional variety to Quick Play and eventually the Competitive Play game modes. It's basically like if the sections that make up a Control map were fused together, with players moving from one point to the next without worrying about loading screens or resetting.
Overwatch 2 is launching Flashpoint with two maps for players to explore: Suravasa and New Junk City. The Overwatch 2 Flashpoint maps are absolutely gorgeous, in typical Overwatch fashion, and longtime fans should have plenty of fun with the new mode.
The Invasion update on August 10 is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Overwatch 2 Season 6. Later in the season fans can check out the Hero Mastery missions. Our time with the Hero Mastery missions in Overwatch 2 proved that they could be a great way for players to learn how to play new heroes. The missions task players with completing objectives as fast possible, laying out the arenas in a way that challenges players to utilize the specific abilities of each hero. Hero Mastery missions are coming to Overwatch 2 on September 5, according to the official roadmap.
Regardless if one is planning on buying the PvE story missions, Overwatch 2 Season 6 is the time to come back to the game. The PvE missions themselves are fun while they last with some incredible cutscenes, even if they don't feel like they will have serious replay value. The new hero Illari is great fun to play as, and Flashpoint is a nice new addition to the lineup of game modes. Season 6 is the best and most fully-featured Overwatch 2 has been since its early access launch last year. Lapsed players and newcomers should both should check it out.
Overwatch 2 is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
