Overwatch 2 Will Seemingly Lock New Heroes Behind Battle Passes

Overwatch 2 is making some big changes, but probably the biggest of the lot is the fact that, unlike its predecessor, it’s going to be a free-to-play game. That, of course, means that Blizzard Entertainment is going to monetize the game in different ways, from cosmetic skins to Battle Passes. Where the latter are concerned though, it seems that Blizzard might be making some questionable decisions.

As spotted recently by a ResetEra user, an update made to Overwatch 2’s Battle.net page has suggested that newly introduced heroes won’t be accessible to players from the get go, and will instead have to be unlocked Battle Passes. The updated description for the game’s Watchpoint Pack – which includes the Season 1 Premium Battle Pass – says that as owners of the Battle Pass, players will “automatically receive access to Overwatch’s latest hero Kirkiko.

The change to the page has since been reverted, and it currently displays the older description once again, though you can check out a screenshot of the changes in question below.

Interestingly, since then, Overwatch Commercial Lead Jon Spector has taken to Twitter to provide some clarifications. While more details on the Overwatch 2 Battle Pass will arrive later, Spector confirms that new heroes will be available on the Pass’ “free track”- so at least players won’t have to spend money to unlock them.

Meanwhile, he also explains that heroes will be included in free tracks for future seasons as well, so if you miss out on unlocking someone before a season is over, you will still get the chance to do so at some point down the line.

Overwatch 2 is launching in early access on October 4 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Addressing some incomplete info posted early about our Overwatch 2 Battle Pass – we'll be sharing all details ahead of launch, but want to confirm that new Overwatch 2 heroes will be available on the free track of the Battle Pass.

— Jon Spector (@Spex_J) September 8, 2022

We will have free paths to get new heroes in future seasons too.

— Jon Spector (@Spex_J) September 8, 2022