Overwatch vs. Overwatch 2: All the differences we know

"Cut from the same cloth."
overwatch2-beta
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

The wait for Overwatch 2 has been a long one for franchise fans, but it’s finally over. As of Oct. 4, 2022, Overwatch 2 has officially launched for PC and consoles. Over its first couple days, despite long queues and a couple of separate DDoS attacks, it’s attracting a strong player base and some impressive numbers on Twitch.

Recommended Videos

Overwatch 2 feels more like a massive upgrade/update combination than a fully-fledged sequel, but it was released with a massive amount of important changes. Whether you’re stuck in queue for the first time, looking to jump back into the franchise, or looking to jump in for the time, here are all of the differences between Overwatch and Overwatch 2.

Overwatch 2 is free-to-play, with season passes replacing loot boxes

Image via Blizzard Entertainment

The biggest change has been the game’s shift to a free-to-play model, with premium seasonal passes completely replacing the game’s hot-topic loot box mechanic. New players can earn the new heroes from the free path of the season pass, or unlock them instantly by purchasing the premium passes. Players can also earn a wealth of cosmetics by leveling up their pass via daily, weekly, and seasonal quests.

Six-vs-six gameplay has been replaced by five-vs-five

Overwatch heroes go head-to-head in a downtown busy street outside a casino.
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

The core gameplay of Overwatch 2 has received a huge and definitely welcome change with the shift to five-vs-five. Teams now consist of just one tank, reducing the amount of shield shooting and lack of action that plagued Overwatch when it had two tanks. Tanking is considerably harder now, but the changes also make DPS players and heroes feel more impactful.

Three new heroes, with more on the way

The Junker Queen stands in front of the Junker Town sign.
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Three new heroes have already been added to the game, with more set to be released in future seasons. During season one, players will be able to play with cybersoldier DPS Sojourn, damage-dealing gladiator tank Junker Queen, and ninja healer Kiriko.

Single player coming later

While not available at launch, players should expect both a single-player campaign as well as seasonal hero missions starting in 2023. Players will be able to make use of some of the new single-player talent tree systems that have been promised and explore plenty of Overwatch‘s extensive lore.

Many more changes

Let’s quickly run through some of the other changes from Overwatch to Overwatch 2:

  • Significant changes to many of the abilities and playstyles of some of the game’s iconic heroes, such as Orisa, Doomfist, and Bastion.
  • New maps such as Esperança, Colosseo, and New Queen Street.
  • Assault mode has been removed. A new competitive/quick play mode called Push has been added.
  • New cosmetics and Arcade modes.

Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article The best counters for every Overwatch 2 support hero
Mercy Overwatch art
Read Article How to fix Memory Leak in Overwatch 2
Tracer grabbing Sombra to dance with her at a party while Brigitte, Kiriko, and D.Va cheer them on.
Read Article All Venture abilities in Overwatch 2
Venture Overwatch 2
Related Content
Read Article The best counters for every Overwatch 2 support hero
Mercy Overwatch art
Read Article How to fix Memory Leak in Overwatch 2
Tracer grabbing Sombra to dance with her at a party while Brigitte, Kiriko, and D.Va cheer them on.
Read Article All Venture abilities in Overwatch 2
Venture Overwatch 2
Author
Scott Robertson
VALORANT lead staff writer, also covering CS:GO, FPS games, other titles, and the wider esports industry. Watching and writing esports since 2014. Previously wrote for Dexerto, Upcomer, Splyce, and somehow MySpace. Jack of all games, master of none.