Overwatch 2 was released on October 4th, 2022 – and since then has developed back in many respects towards Overwatch 1. The start of the third season on February 7th, 2023 will again be accompanied by numerous corresponding changes , with which Blizzard takes into account the ongoing criticism.
Already at the start of the sequel, many players stated: Basically, Overwatch 2 is not an extended game, but a slimmed down game for the worse. A stumbling block from the start was the significantly reduced free cosmetic progression, meaning: In Overwatch 2, players could hardly unlock new content by playing, but were confronted with horrendous in-game costs for skins and other cosmetic content. But the criticism seems to be coming through – Blizzard is rowing back further and further. At the beginning of the third season there are some changes again.
- The Battle Pass will be revised in such a way that the free version will now contain 50 percent more cosmetic bonuses are.
- In addition, from Season 3, 1,500 Overwatch Credits can be earned in the Battle Pass; the premium version adds another 500 Overwatch credits. It is the old currency that was removed with the start of Overwatch 2 and is now returning.
- Around 300 legendary and epic skins known from Overwatch 1 should be unlocked again using this very currency – and not just that can buy for real money.
- A total of four additional skins will be available to earn in four separate events over the course of Season 3.
- Players who log into Overwatch 2 by February 14th will receive the first five tiers of the Battle Pass' activated immediately.
Ultimately, Blizzard wants to make just playing feel more rewarding again by rewarding players regularly. The thematic framework for the cosmetic content in the third season is Asian mythology. Aside from these adjustments, there are many other new features, including the following:
- Antarctic Peninsula adds a snowy map to Overwatch 2 Control mode added.
- As part of numerous balancing changes, support heroes in particular are getting stronger; only Mercy gets weaker. The goal is to make Overwatch 2 more enjoyable for support players as the game's role has grown from co-op MMO shooter to tactical scoreboard shooter.
- Tank heroes are said to be in Game modes without a fixed choice of roles have fewer life points.
- Competitive mode is intended to be less punishing and more indirect overall. Matchmaking has also been overhauled to be fairer and more transparent. Blizzard recognized that changes in this regard at the start of Overwatch 2 would have alienated many players.
- The workshop, which was surprisingly deactivated at the start of Overwatch 2, will be activated again.
And finally a curiosity: Blizzard is providing a text-based dating simulator for Valentine's Day ready to allow players to flirt with either Mercy or Genji in the web browser. LoverWatch will be available February 13th.
LoverWatch is a non-canonical text-based dating sim where players choose between two potential Dating options can choose: Mercy or Genji. Players are given dialogue options through which to interact with this hero, aided by Cupid (who looks suspiciously like Hanzo). Unlock the secret ending and you will be rewarded with a suitable highlight!
Blizzard
Blizzard gives an overview of all adjustments to the start of the third season in a blog entry.