The announcement of Overwatch 2 was initially met with criticism, as many fans felt it was trying to add free-to-play elements to a game they’d already paid full price for, on top of the existing loot box system. The promised PvE co-op campaign that never materialized also left many early players disappointed. However, four years after its release, I believe Overwatch 2 has improved enough to stand on its own as a proper sequel and has surpassed the original game.
I’ve been playing Overwatch since the original game came out in 2016 and enjoyed it for all six years. When Overwatch 2 was announced, I was worried, like many other fans, especially since I’d bought the first game and felt switching to a free-to-play model was a step down. I initially stopped playing Overwatch 2 after just a few seasons, as it didn’t feel as good as the original. However, returning with Season 20, I’ve noticed a huge improvement – the game is vastly different and much better now.
Overwatch 2 Has Made Some Fantastic Changes from Overwatch 1
5v5 Matches Are Smoother Than Overwatch 1’s 6v6
Beyond becoming free-to-play, the biggest difference between Overwatch 2 and the original Overwatch is the change to 5v5 gameplay. Overwatch used to have 6 players per team – two Tanks, two Damage dealers, and two Supports. Overwatch 2 removed one Tank, which has made matches less focused on shield battles and much more fast-paced. As someone who usually plays Support, I was worried about losing a Tank at first, but the way the heroes have been adjusted over time actually feels better than when the game first came out.
Overwatch 2 now includes the classic 6v6 gameplay that players enjoyed in the original game, available through the Arcade modes.
The Battle Pass, Free Loot Boxes, and Maximilien’s Vault
I stopped playing Overwatch 2 soon after it came out, largely because I missed the old loot box system. In the original Overwatch, getting free loot boxes each week was a big reason I kept returning. The return of weekly free loot boxes in Season 15 is a welcome addition, and it works well with the Battle Pass to give players who don’t spend money plenty of chances to unlock cosmetic items. I also appreciate the addition of Maximilien’s Vault, which lets me get premium skins at a much lower cost.
Overwatch 2 Boasts More Content Than Overwatch 1 Ever Did
Overwatch 2 Has Released More New Heroes Than Overwatch 1 in a Shorter Time Frame
- Sojourn
- Junker Queen
- Kiriko
- Ramattra
- Lifeweaver
- Illari
- Mauga
- Venture
- Juno
- Hazard
- Freja
- Wuyang
- Vendetta
When Overwatch 1 first launched, it featured 21 heroes. Overwatch 2 started with all 32 heroes from the original game, plus three new ones. Over the past four years, Overwatch 2 has added 10 more heroes, while Overwatch 1 only received 11 new heroes during its six-year lifespan. Although some of Overwatch 2‘s heroes might have been in development for the first game, it’s clear that new characters have been released much more regularly for Overwatch 2 than for Overwatch 1.
Perks Are a Game-Changing Mechanic
The new Perks system has fundamentally changed how Overwatch 2 plays compared to its original release. The switch to 5v5 already made me adjust my strategy, but mastering the best Perk combinations adds another level of depth, making Overwatch 2 feel more complex than the first game. Perks have even brought back elements of the original Overwatch, like Hanzo’s Storm Arrows now incorporating aspects of his old Scatter Arrows. Bastion can also heal himself again, just like in the first Overwatch, which is a welcome change as a long-time player.
Overwatch Stadium Adds a New Challenge to the Game
Stadium is a key part of Overwatch 2, offering a fresh way to play for all skill levels. While not every hero is available in Stadium, the variety of team compositions shows how much deeper the gameplay has become since the original Overwatch. Players can earn in-game currency, called Stadium Cash, by completing challenges and defeating opponents, then use it to unlock items and abilities. This system gives Stadium a feel similar to popular games like Valorant or Counter-Strike, but with a distinctly Overwatch twist.
Overwatch 2’s Casual Modes Have a Lot to Offer Players Too
Even players who just enjoy a relaxed gaming experience will find plenty to like in Overwatch 2, thanks to the variety of new game modes. Sometimes I just want to jump into a match for fun, and modes like the returning Quickplay: Hacked event and the addition of Assault to the Arcade are perfect for that. While it’s great to see classic seasonal modes like Lucioball, Mei’s Snowball Offensive, and Uprising come back, I find the newer limited-time modes more appealing when I’m looking for a casual experience during their events.
Despite initially lacking the promised PvE campaign, Overwatch 2 is a significant improvement over the original game, especially now. I thought the game wouldn’t recover after a rocky launch and stopped playing around Season 10. However, Blizzard has made substantial improvements, and Overwatch 2 has become the best version of Overwatch ever, surpassing anything the first game achieved.
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2026-01-12 07:35