Overwatch 2 fans are continuing to wait for the release of the game’s PvE content, with Blizzard keeping quiet about the mode for a long time now. With a 2023 release promised, though, information could start to appear sooner rather than later, and many have high hopes for the content. Based on what has been shown by Blizzard thus far, PvE will be a deep mode that fans can play for hours, and because of that it deserves its own Trophy list.
The current Overwatch 2 Trophy list is essentially just a new version of the one from the original game, with a few Trophies altered to accommodate things like battle pass levels instead of account levels. However, with the list having two Trophies for every hero, it is already full, and new heroes that are added to the game bring extra Trophies through bonus sets that are not required for the Platinum. Though some PvE packs could also be added like this, it would be better to give the PvE mode a completely separate Trophy list.
What a PvE-Only Trophy List for Overwatch 2 Could Accomplish
One of the things that makes Overwatch 2’s Trophy list special is that each achievement is not just a Trophy, but doubles as a challenge for an in-game reward. Players will unlock a spray with all the Trophies they pick up, with the "cute" and "pixel" sprays for each hero becoming a big hit with fans. By introducing more co-op Trophies, more sprays (or other rewards) tied to achievements could be added. This would give fans a whole lot more to chase in PvE, and with Overwatch 2’s co-op mode needing good rewards, this could be an excellent starting point.
Beyond more Trophy-based rewards to hunt for, more fans of the Overwatch franchise can finally get their hands on the Platinum Trophy. With the current list being entirely multiplayer-focused, without boosting it can be extremely hard to unlock every Trophy. Players need at least some skill with every hero, and a lot of luck to get the right circumstances for achievements like “Floor is Lava.” For many, this makes the Platinum impossible to get, even if they are a huge fan of the series. A separate, co-op only list would change that, presenting a Platinum that is much less luck-based to chase after.
As for what kind of Trophies could feature in a co-op set, the sky is the limit. A Trophy for killing every enemy type in Overwatch 2’s PvE is possible, as is one for maxing out every skill tree. Completing every campaign mission on the highest difficulty could be the toughest Trophy on the list, while some time-consuming Trophies could see players gathering collectibles and listening to optional conversations, assuming they exist.
If Overwatch 2’s PvE mode has its own Trophy list with dozens of achievements to collect, then Blizzard could tie a bonus reward to collecting all of them. For players who obtain the Platinum Trophy, or reach 100% on Xbox’s achievement list, an exclusive skin could be provided. Overwatch 2’s cosmetics are highly sought after by players, and skins are undoubtedly the most popular type. Tying a special, rare skin unlock to 100% completion of the PvE mode would be a lot of fun, and it could motivate players to grind through all the content.
Unfortunately, Blizzard confirming that the PvE content will be distributed via the live service approach and through Overwatch 2’s seasons makes the idea of a separate Trophy list unlikely to be realized. Instead of everything being present on day one in a single large campaign, it will seemingly be split into chunks so that the mode can grow continuously as the years go on. While this will help PvE stay relevant, it makes it seem like DLC Trophies are the most logical path to take, as the day one PvE content may not be enough to support a full list. If it is enough, though, Blizzard should absolutely consider giving PvE fans a full-sized achievement list to work on.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
