This Blizzcon 2019, Blizzard announced the coming of Overwatch 2. This sequel will be a continuation of the cinematics and story we have learned so far with the original game. As a part of The Game Fanatics’ ground team for the event, I was able to play both demos the team had to offer for the game. One for their PvE mode and one for the PvP update. There definitely was a lot of information released at once so I’ll try and summarize.
Overwatch 1 Will Automatically Update Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 has been clearly marketed as a separate title but I believe that just confuses those reading at home. This sequel does have an updated engine, maps, characters, and modes. However, lots of the original game will be included. A better way to look at it would be a large update or DLC. Once Overwatch 2 is launched, the Overwatch servers will update and include all new content besides the PvE modes. The owners of the original will be able to enjoy the updated graphics and other goodies for free. All cosmetics earned in the first game will be available in the second. Price points have not been announced yet.
The Core Gameplay is Player vs. Environment.
Overwatch 2 will be featuring two types of exclusive game PvE game modes: Story Missions and Hero Missions. Story Missions will feature ” [a] series of intense, high-stakes 4-player missions” for the player to battle the growing Null Sector threat. These stories will have cinematics with set heroes. As the player progresses the story, they will learn more about who is behind these attacks that brought Overwatch back together. Hero Missions, on the other hand, will be an open selection of 4 heroes in highly replayable missions. These missions will be similar to the story event missions we’ve seen in Overwatch. Maps and enemy factions will be extremely varied, giving players the chance to gain XP and level up their heroes.
Heroes Will Have A Leveling System with Abilities.
Yep, that’s right. You read correctly. Leveling. Blizzard describes it themselves as a way for players to ” earn powerful customization options that supercharge their abilities, granting the extra edge they need to overcome the odds.” It’s safe to assume that the AI for bot enemies will improve so it’ll be useful to have something more than the abilities balanced for PvP. It adds spice to an experience that could easily just become bot farming. These abilities are pretty cool actually. In the Blizzcon demo, Mei is a great example of these useful upgrades. Mei players had the option of either being able to freeze characters after exiting Cryo Freeze or causing extra damage when frozen characters shattered. Both did wonders for crowd control when there are only 4 people on the team. These modes will also have items like Healing Fields, Portable Turrets, and Grenades. The items have varying levels of rarity that coincide with their stats. For example, a common Healing Field gives out a max of 500 HP but a rare one gives out 1000 HP. Perfect tools to be prepared for any boss fight coming your team’s way.
There Will Still Be a Player vs. Player Mode.
With all this PvE talk, fans of the PvP scene in the original Overwatch may get worried. The devs still have your back. Not only will all the new skins, heroes, and maps from Overwatch 2 be available for owners of Overwatch 1 but the new map mode, Push will be available as well. Push will be a 6v6 match type in which two teams compete to guide a robot to their side’s objective. The gameplay so far feels similar to a payload match but with more offensive and defensive strategies available. Instead of just halting the bot after winning the team fight, you can just instantly change it to your direction. Overwatch team head, Jeff Kaplan also announced that this mode will hit the professional scene once the game is released.
