Overwatch 2 is the long-awaited sequel to a game that made history

Overwatch 2 is the long-awaited release of one of Blizzard's most beloved games. Six years later the "forefather" Blizzard returns to get its hands on what is probably the most loved and played shooter of recent years.

Overwatch Vs Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is a sequel to the first one released, a new version that completely replaces it, a sort of upgrade that adds new features and maps. Not just additions but also a real replacement, given that it will no longer be possible to play Overwatch 1 which will be upgraded to version 2 for everyone.

But, what is Overwatch 2?

New creation by Blizzard, which follows the first act published in 2016, Overwatch 2 was released worldwide in October 2022. The launch of this new edition appeared very particular immediately, as, unlike the first edition , himself was somewhat low-key.

Probably banking on the fact that being a sequel, the game would sell itself, Blizzard Entertainment didn't ride the wave of anticipation as it did with previous games. The result was therefore a "lukewarm" launch for those who never played the first episode, but it did not go unnoticed by those who already knew it and expected great things from the new version.

An expectation that did not go to waste, given that the new version of the shooter follows the modality of the first, adding new characters and important corrections.

What happened to Overwatch 1?

The release of Overwatch 2 marked the complete closure of the first version of the game and it disappeared forever. However, this new version that replaced it cannot be considered as a sequel, but more as an update, which adds new features and important corrections.

Overwatch 2

Considerable in some ways as an expansion of Overwatch 1, this new version adds some aspects in particular:

Differences from a gameplay perspective

The big news of the game is the transition to 5vs5 battle compared to the previous 6vs6. A change that might seem small but makes a difference and resolves one of Overwatch 1's biggest impasses.

With only five players per team and the roles locked it is now possible to add only one Tank to the two pairs of Damage Heroes and Supports. A not small change that resolves the major impasses that often occurred in Overwatch 1 and which rewards those with great fire skills even more.

Although many of the new features in the game will arrive over time, particularly in 2023, some interesting new maps have already been released in Overwatch 2. In addition to these, the game has also added a Push mode which sees teams fighting for control of a robot the whose aim is to advance into enemy territory and score points.

Playing Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 only requires compatible hardware to play. By owning that and considering that it is free-to-play, you will immediately be able to play, even without having owned or played the previous version.

The only precaution, in case you are a new player, is the protection for the game to be configured on Battle.net.

If you have already played Overwatch 1, you will be able to set up Overwatch 2 cross-progression and account merging. This way you will not lose any of the customizations earned on the heroes nor the game statistics, ranks and rewards earned in the first chapter.

The heroes of Overwatch 2

In addition to the maps and the game mode, important innovations have been made to the heroes, which have now become 35. Three new characters but also a complete revision of the previous 32 who have gained new features also due to the new 5vs5 game mode.

The characters are divided into three different roles.

Tank characters

these are the defense characters par excellence. This character, equipped with shields and various protections, can act as a "wall" between the characters of our team and those of the enemy team. Tanks have 30% resistance to crowd control abilities (mind controls and the like) and 50% less ultimate charge when damaged.

This category of characters is the one that has undergone the most changes compared to the first episode. In order to make the battles more interesting and not just "wall to wall" battles, the number of tank characters has been reduced from two to just one.

Damage characters

Ideal characters for those who want to play the role of assaulter and hunter. All heroes in this category enjoy 25% movement speed; after a kill, DPS characters also have a loading speed bonus for 2.5 seconds;

Support Characters

These characters support the other two categories. Useful to the team thanks to their healing and regenerating abilities, they are indispensable in the team's economy. Support Heroes now heal 15 hit points per second when out of action for more than 1.5 seconds

Which Overwatch 2 heroes are ready for action?

The moment you start playing Overwatch 2 you will immediately be able to find some characters for each of the three categories listed above. Here they are:

These are just some of the characters that make up the Overwatch 2 rooster. Many others will be unlocked through battle passes and as the gaming experience progresses.

As already indicated, Overwatch 2 adds three new characters to the Overwatch1 roster: new heroes Junker Queen , Sojourn , and Kiriko.

This last character is the gift that will be given at the first start for those who have already played Overwatch 1. For those who have never played it, Kiriko will become available following the purchase of the first Battle Pass.

To date, it is still early to understand whether Overwatch 2 will be able to repeat the success of the first title in this series, but given the initial premises and the number of posts on the topic in specialized forums we are inclined to think that Overwatch 2 will also be a success.