Overwatch 2 releases next month, and there’s some unfortunate news for those who don’t want to spend money. In a now-edited store post for the Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack, it was revealed that Season One Premium Battle Pass owners will automatically unlock access to the latest support hero, Kiriko. This suggested that new heroes in the game will be locked behind the Battle Pass, which has since been confirmed. This was first noticed by user Solidsnakejej on ResetEra, so big thanks to them.
In a later post from Jon Spector, Commercial Leader of Overwatch, he confirmed those who don’t pay for the Premium Battle Pass will have to earn the hero from the “free track” of the Battle Pass. Those who don’t unlock heroes during the season will have to wait until the free path of the following season and catch up, in a significant change to the original game. Kiriko is the first new support hero since 2019.
The pay-to-win implications of such a system are concerning. If premium players get access to new heroes first, they will have an advantage over free players at the start of each season, as well as over any new players. Overwatch pro Stylosa has expressed the same concern on Twitter, saying “fundamentally if you want to remain a competitive player you need the immediate hero unlock. Selling an advantageous gameplay component = p2w (pay-to-win)”
Overwatch 2 releases on Oct. 4, so time is running out for Blizzard to make any changes. What do you think of Overwatch 2 and its Battle Pass system? Let us know in the comments below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more news.
Pieces of shit. spit to the face.
Taking OW1 from us and demanding more money?