Overwatch 2 fans can expect everything from new hero designs to improved graphics, as the game will be making some major technological leaps when it finally releases. Players can also expect some interesting changes to the hero shooter’s map pool and some proper reworks for the kits of certain characters, making for a fresh dynamic in competitive play. Most importantly, Overwatch 2 will feature a full-blown story campaign, giving those that purchase the sequel plenty of PvE content to enjoy.
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Overwatch 2’s PvE Story Campaign
The most heavily discussed change that is being with Overwatch 2 is the addition of a PvE story mode. Previously, missions were limited to the Archives event, with only three PvE experiences existing inside the original Overwatch. In the sequel, though, there will be a full-length co-op campaign for players to enjoy, complete with a variety of heroes and proper cutscenes where fans see them interact. Players will get to fight some brand-new enemies, with a larger Omnic force attacking locations around the globe. In both new and old maps, areas that were closed off in the multiplayer versions will be opened up, making every area feel more special.
Alongside the main story, Blizzard has confirmed that there will be “hundreds” of Hero Missions, with these side quests allowing gamers to use any lineup of heroes. New features like dynamic weather will see sandstorms and snowstorms randomly occurring inside these side quests, adding some variety to the experience. Further, players will get deep skill trees for their Overwatch heroes, giving them the chance to customize their characters’ abilities in several meaningful ways. Thus far, the campaign seems to be a big focus, and hopefully it will satisfy fans that have been waiting for the feature for years.
Overwatch 2’s Removal of 2CP Maps
One of the biggest changes discussed for Overwatch 2 is the removal of Assault Maps. While some of the maps with this style of objective are memorable, the objective itself has been criticized by fans. Matches are predictable, with players often taking the first point and the only meaningful fighting happening on the second. While most Overwatch modes feel fresh in every game, 2CP does not. The defense is at a disadvantage on the first point, while the offense has the odds stacked against them on the second. As a result, Blizzard has teased that Assault maps may be left out of Overwatch 2’s competitive play. If this happens, the following maps will be removed from the competitive playlist.
Paris Temple of Anubis Volskaya Industries Hanamura Horizon Lunar Colony
Overwatch 2’s Hero Reworks
Blizzard has also teased several potential hero reworks for Overwatch 2, with the studio having the goal of making overly defensive heroes more fun to play. The only example shown thus far has been the Tank hero Reinhardt, with his kit getting two significant changes in the sequel. First, Reinhardt will be able to throw two fire streaks at the enemy team, letting him deal more damage and capitalize on injured opponents. More importantly, Reinhardt can now cancel his pin, rewarding risk taking as opposed to punishing it. If a Reinhardt player’s pin misses, they can now cancel the movement and rejoin their team — effectively making the German Knight far more dangerous.
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Overwatch 2’s Improved Visuals And Sound
Overwatch 2 will feature some exclusive visual and sound updates, with Blizzard detailing these changes in the Behind The Scenes trailer. Guns will now deliver unique camera shakes and movements, making each hero’s weaponry feel different. Each weapons’ sound design will be more advanced, with gunfire sounding different inside or buildings and out in the open. Maps will receive visual touch-ups with improved textures, while character models will feature more detailed faces, clothing, and hair. The sequel’s lighting will also be more visually appealing.
Overwatch 2’s Hero Redesigns
Speaking of the franchise’s heroes, each member of Overwatch’s cast will be getting a visual redesign in the sequel. These new looks will be exclusive to those purchasing the sequel, and they see each character getting some significant changes to their appearance. Some alterations show the effects of time, like Reinhardt’s bigger beard and Mercy’s greying hair. Other skins showcase brand-new looks, such as Mei wearing an outfit that is more suited for worldwide travel as opposed to fighting off the cold. Genji gets a proper jacket, with the implication being that he is trying to live a normal life despite his cyborg ninja body.
Lucio’s new skin sees his hair telling teammates if he is speed boosting or healing, with the redesign’s in-game functionality making it truly unique. Smart changes like Pharah’s visor being see-through and Widowmaker’s outfit being more protective show that the new Overwatch 2 designs are a step forward, and it should be interesting to see what the other characters look like. With every existing hero getting a new look, there are still plenty for Blizzard to reveal in the lead-up to release. However, these are the ones that have been revealed to fans thus far.
Genji Pharah Tracer Mercy Winston Reinhardt McCree Reaper Widowmaker Lucio Mei
Overwatch 2’s Change In Leadership
Finally, Overwatch 2’s most publicized difference is its change in leadership. Recently, it was confirmed that Jeff Kaplan would be stepping down as game director for the sequel, with veteran Blizzard developer Aaron Keller filling his shoes. While some fans have seen this as a sign of Overwatch 2 being doomed, and others are simply sad to not have Kaplan’s developer updates anymore, it will be interesting to see what comes from this change. However, with Keller’s passion for Overwatch clear, and a studio being far more than a game director, there is good reason to stay optimistic.
With Overwatch 2 still actively being worked on, this list of difference will likely only expand with time. In fact, it could be growing larger very soon, as Overwatch 2’s multiplayer livestream is set to take place on May 24. With an AMA coming after, fans could be getting a whole lot more insight into what exactly will be changing once the second Overwatch game releases.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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