Overwatch 2’s New Currency: What Are Hard Light Crystals?

Summary

  • Overwatch 2 introduces the mysterious Hard Light Crystals currency, with its purpose unknown.
  • Some reports say the new currency is specific to China for buying loot boxes.
  • The developer has yet to comment on Hard Light Crystals in Overwatch 2.

In the latest update of Overwatch 2, a new form of currency called Hard Light Crystals has appeared, and it’s shrouded in mystery as its origin and purpose remain undisclosed. It appears that this currency is primarily intended for use within China, as it can now be spotted among the filter options in the Overwatch 2 Hero Gallery.

More recently, the massive Season 15 update for Overwatch 2 was rolled out, introducing Loot Boxes and significant Perks to the first-person shooter. This content update has been met with such positive reception that the rating of Overwatch 2 on Steam is gradually climbing its way up from being one of the worst-rated games on the platform.

In the heat of Season 15, I stumbled upon an intriguing mystery within Overwatch 2. Hidden among the Hero Gallery’s nooks, there’s a fresh currency called Hard Light Crystals, which seems to have slipped past the patch notes. As of now, these crystals don’t appear to be linked with any in-game cosmetics. The vibrant light blue hue sets them apart, but their real purpose and origin remain shrouded in mystery.

Hard Light Crystal Currency in Overwatch 2

Multiple sources, such as Overwatch Cavalry and d3watch, suggest that a new currency called Hard Light Crystals may be used to purchase Loot Boxes specifically for China now that Overwatch 2 has officially resumed operations in the region. However, neither Blizzard nor NetEase have confirmed these claims at this time. Some theories propose that this currency might serve as a protection against duplicate loot boxes, given to players who have already acquired most or all cosmetics in the game. Alternatively, it could be tied to the Hard Light weapon skins from Overwatch 2 Season 8.

Despite this, incorporating Hard Light Crystals into the currency system of Overwatch 2 could further complicate the existing issue. Given the current abundance of various currencies from the game’s past, many enthusiasts are displeased with the prospect of Overwatch 2 introducing yet another type of currency – the Overwatch Coins, Mythic Prisms, Competitive Points, and other currencies players are already managing.

Currencies in Overwatch 2

Currency Source Used for
Overwatch Coins Battle Pass, microtransactions Battle Pass, shop bundles, hero cosmetics
Credits Battle Pass, weekly challenges Legacy cosmetics
Mythic Prisms Premium Battle Pass, microtransactions Mythic hero and weapon skins
Competitive Points Competitive Play Weapon Variants
Legacy Competitive Points Competitive Point conversion at end of year Old Weapon Variants
League Tokens Twitch streams, microtransactions (discontinued) Overwatch League cosmetics
Event Tickets Limited-time event activities Event cosmetics
Hard Light Crystals Unknown Unknown

It’s good news for most Overwatch 2 enthusiasts that they probably don’t have to fret much about Hard Light Crystals. If these crystals are exclusive to Chinese players, it might have been unintentionally included in the international client. In case they were part of the Loot Box system or planned for all regions, Blizzard would likely have announced them during the Spotlight event or blog posts leading up to Season 15’s release. However, details about Hard Light Crystals and their locations will be disclosed by Blizzard or NetEase soon – whether they are specific to Chinese Overwatch 2 players or if this new currency is intended for global use in the game.

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2025-02-21 03:04