Patch notes are now live for Overwatch 2, which is available soon as a free-to-play, early access title. There are a lot of changes, from the shift to a 5v5 format to three new heroes and Push Mode. However, there are also thousands of new voice lines (with 44,000 lines of dialogue overall), revamped sound design, and updated skins.
Role passives have also been added to each class with numerous changes to different heroes. Competitive play has been revamped; cross-progression and cross-platform play are supported; and loot boxes are gone, replaced with a new Battle Pass system. There are also Challenges for earning XP and new Overwatch Coins, which can purchase cosmetics from the in-game store.
Unfortunately, some features like Overwatch Hub, and Workshop Creation and Editing have been delayed. Looking for Group is also gone along with Assault Maps (though they’re still found in Custom Games). For more details, check out the patch notes below. You can also learn more about Season 1 here.
WELCOME TO OVERWATCH 2
We’ve created Overwatch 2 as a new, free to play experience for our players. Pick from our cast of 35 incredible heroes and team up in epic 5v5 action on 22 global maps across 6 distinct modes. Whether you like to lead the charge, ambush enemies, or aid your allies, there’s a hero for you.
We’re excited to share a list of updated features and new experiences you can expect in-game!
HERO UPDATES
- Added Sojourn, Kiriko, and Junker Queen – Check out our heroes, new and old on the heroes page
- Added Role Passives for Tank, Damage, and Support heroes
- 1000s of new voice lines and improved narrative reactivity across all heroes
- With over 44,000 lines of dialog, you’ll always be hearing something new
- Revamped combat sound design for all heroes
- Updated skins and VFX for all heroes
FEATURE UPDATES
- Accessibility Features
- Battle Pass starting with Season One
- Updated Competitive mode
- Cross-Progression
- First Time User Experience
- New 5v5 core game mode format
- New Challenge System
- New Cosmetic Types: Charms, Name Cards, Souvenirs, Titles, New Skin Tier – Mythic – Cyber Genji
- New History tab in Profile including Game Reports
- New in-game currency – Overwatch Coins
- New Push core game mode
- Ping System
- Shop 2.0
- Six New Maps – New Queen Street, Circuit Royal, Midtown, Colosseo, Esperança, Paraíso, and many existing maps received new daytime and nighttime variants
- SMS Protect
- Updated Endorsement System
DELAYED FEATURES
- OWL Hub will not be ready at launch
- Workshop creation and editing will not be ready at launch
MOVED FEATURES
- Highlights can now be found in the History tab of your Career Profile
- Role Queue is removed for all game modes except for Quick Play – Role Queue
- Patch Notes moved from the Main Menu to the Pause Menu
RETIRED FEATURES
- Assault maps have been removed from rotation in all playlists (can be found in Custom Game)
- General Chat has been removed
- Looking For Group has been removed
- Loot Boxes have been removed
- Player Levels are retired (can view your prior level in your Profile)
ENGINEERING CHANGES AND UPDATES
- 3D audio systems across all platforms
- Dynamic render-scale support for PC
- HDR added for PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5
- Raised max frames to 600 fps
