Overwatch 2 is formally ditching the “2” from its identify. It is all simply Overwatch now as the sport enters a “new, story-driven period” with a year-long narrative, 10 new heroes, and a serious overhaul.
Introduced right now on the Overwatch Highlight, Blizzard revealed its first year-long storyline, entitled “The Reign of Talon”. Because it sounds, the plot goes to deal with the antagonistic faction Talon because it takes over around the globe, whereas Overwatch continues to battle again. In-game occasions, hero trailers, animated comics, brief tales, and map updates will inform a narrative throughout six seasons rolled out all through your entire 12 months, starting with the launch of 5 new heroes on February 10 as Season 1 begins. On the Talon aspect, new heroes will embrace Domina (tank), Emre (harm), and Mizuki (assist), and on Overwatch we’ll get Anran (harm) and Jetpack Cat (assist). Extra heroes will be part of sooner or later, with a brand new hero added in every of Season 2-6 to return. A brand new story arc is deliberate to start with one other Season 1 in 2027.
Different updates embrace a brand new Meta Occasion known as Conquest, the place gamers select to align with both Overwatch or Talon over 5 weeks to compete for rewards together with lootboxes, skins, and titles. We’ll even be seeing a serious UI and UX overhaul with a brand new hero foyer and a promise of quicker navigation. And we’re additionally getting a Hi there Kitty-themed in-game occasion from February 10-23.
Amid all of this, Blizzard is formally dropping the “2” from Overwatch 2, and referring to it going ahead simply as Overwatch. As a press launch explains: “Overwatch is greater than only a digit: it is a residing universe that retains rising, retains stunning, and retains bringing gamers collectively from around the globe. This 12 months marks an enormous turning level in how the event workforce envisions the way forward for Overwatch, so we’re formally dropping ‘2’ and transferring ahead as ‘Overwatch’.”
The newly-dubbed “Overwatch” may also be getting an upgraded Nintendo Change 2 version within the spring (each the unique Overwatch and Overwatch 2 are presently accessible on Nintendo Change, and thus Change 2, however shouldn’t have devoted Change 2 upgraded variations).
It is no shock that Blizzard may wish to wipe the slate clear from the wrestle that has been Overwatch 2. The sequel/revamp of 2016’s common hero shooter Overwatch stumbled out of the gate, and whereas it noticed a large surge of gamers at first, these numbers dropped within the following 12 months. As time went on, consumer opinions complained a few variety of points resembling monetization and controversies across the cancellation of the sport’s long-awaited PvE Hero mode. The sport has seen modes, options, and plans come and go over time, and this is not even the primary main overhaul Blizzard has introduced. The very fact stays that Overwatch 2 has by no means fairly lived as much as the hype ranges of its predecessor, Overwatch, and this could possibly be an try on Blizzard’s half to regain a few of that glory – particularly by focusing a lot on story.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Obtained a narrative tip? Ship it to rvalentine@ign.com.
