Overwatch 2 is currently in development at Blizzard, and one of the key features that this sequel brings to the table is an expansive story-driven campaign alongside PvE co-op missions that will join the game’s robust team-based PvP core. Naturally, that side of the experience is getting a lot of love too – and in typical shooter sequel fashion will see the arrival of new modes, heroes, maps, and some impressive visual and audio upgrades to the engine.
Where it gets interesting, and potentially confusing, yet exciting (Confusing, right?!) comes from the fact that the 2016 original is still something that the Overwatch team at Blizzard actively supports. In addition to becoming a competitive mainstay boasting over 50 million players and a thriving esports league, Overwatch is also a title that has continued to evolve since its debut over three years ago.
This momentum has led to a unique launch-strategy for Overwatch 2, one that will see all PvP additions and updates arriving for players who own and play the original game – for free. Including those who recently joined the fight on Nintendo Switch. With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive and handy list of everything you need to know about Overwatch 2.
The story serves as a backdrop for Overwatch’s first full-blown foray into cooperative multiplayer. There have been teases of it in various events from the first game, but this looks to be a full campaign for up to four players. Players will band together and face various CPU-controlled enemies and pick up different items to help them along their way. Heroes will also level up as the story progresses, allowing them to unlock different talents, abilities, and upgrades. If you want an idea of what a PvE mission will look like, read up on our hands-on preview from over the weekend.
Each story mission is locked to four specific characters. Meanwhile, Hero Missions are co-op missions that are open to all of Overwatch’s characters. Hero Missions will serve as a way to level up characters.
The PvP side of the equation will introduce an all-new game mode called Push. Rather than escort a payload, each team will have a giant robot that they’ll be guiding to an objective point. All Push maps will be symmetrical, with the winning team being determined by who can push their robot to their objective in the fastest time. A time limit will be in place, so if that expires, the team that has gone the farthest will be declared the victors.
New maps are being promised for Push and beyond. One example map for Push is Toronto, which Blizzard says will be an adaptation of the real-world Canadian metropolis.
At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard said that Overwatch 2 is still early in development and isn’t sure when it will release. “I don’t know. I have no idea,” game director Jeff Kaplan said at the reveal panel. “Like, just let us make it great, that’s what we care about more than anything. We don’t have a date in mind.”
Following the reveal, Blizzard is “going dark” on Overwatch 2 until they have more to share.
You can view the announcement video below!
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