Overwatch Closed Beta Returns, Progression System and New Game Mode Detailed

Blizzard Entertainment’s closed beta for Overwatch has returned for North American and Europe players and it brings quite the wave of changes.

You can check out the full patch notes here but in short, the beta introduces the new progression system along with two new maps and a new game mode. The progression system is most interesting because it tracks levels you gain on your account. After gaining levels, you’ll receive Loot Boxes with cosmetic items including highlight intros, animations, emotes, poses, graffiti tags and even new skins. There won’t be a level cap for these and it’s possible to level up while playing matches against A.I. opponents.

The cosmetics will drop randomly so if you don’t find what you want, then Blizzard will introduce a means to purchase them later on for real money (price points haven’t been discussed yet). Check out the video below with director Jeff Kaplan to learn more about the beta including the new game mode introduced.

Overwatch is currently slated to release on Q1/Q2 2016 for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.