Why Don’t I Have All the Characters in Overwatch 2?

The answer to why you don’t have all the characters in Overwatch 2 boils down to a fundamental shift in the game’s design and monetization strategy. Overwatch 2 transitioned to a free-to-play model, meaning the initial barrier to entry is gone. However, this also means that unlocking all heroes now requires either playing the game extensively or making purchases. Essentially, if you’re a new player who didn’t own the original Overwatch, you start with a limited roster and need to unlock the rest through gameplay or by purchasing them. If you owned Overwatch 1, you should have all the original heroes unlocked (minus new additions like Kiriko at launch), but bugs and account merging issues can sometimes prevent this. Let’s dive into the specifics and address some common concerns.

Understanding the Hero Unlock System

The way you access heroes in Overwatch 2 depends heavily on whether you owned the first game. Here’s a breakdown:

• Overwatch 1 Owners: You were intended to have immediate access to all heroes from the original game upon launching Overwatch 2. This includes all heroes released up to the end of Overwatch 1’s lifecycle. However, account merging issues and bugs can prevent this from happening, so if this is the case, check account connections, and report the issue if the problem persists.

• New Players (No Overwatch 1): This is where the big change comes in. New players begin with a smaller starting roster. To unlock the remaining heroes, you’ll need to play the game and progress through the battle pass or complete specific hero challenges. Blizzard implemented this system to introduce new players to the game gradually, preventing them from being overwhelmed by the large character pool.

• New Heroes: Heroes introduced with Overwatch 2, like Kiriko, Sojourn, and Junker Queen, and subsequent additions like Lifeweaver and Illari, are typically unlocked through the seasonal battle pass. You can often unlock them for free by reaching a specific tier in the battle pass, or you can purchase the premium battle pass to unlock them immediately.

Potential Issues and Solutions

Even if you should have all the heroes, there are a few reasons why they might not be showing up:

• Account Merging Problems: If you played Overwatch 1 on multiple platforms (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC), you need to merge those accounts into a single Battle.net account. Failure to do so can result in missing heroes, skins, and other cosmetic items. Double-check your account merge status in your Battle.net account settings.

• Bugs and Glitches: Unfortunately, Overwatch 2, like any online game, is susceptible to bugs. It’s possible that a glitch is preventing your heroes from unlocking properly. Keep an eye on the official Overwatch forums and social media channels for announcements about known issues and potential fixes.

• New Player Experience: The new player experience is gated, locking heroes behind matches played. This is intended and can be frustrating for experienced players trying the game on new hardware. There are no solutions for this other than playing the required amount of matches.

Tips for Unlocking Heroes Faster

If you’re a new player eager to unlock the full roster, here are a few strategies to speed up the process:

• Focus on Hero Challenges: Keep an eye out for specific hero challenges that offer progress towards unlocking heroes. These challenges can often be completed while playing the game naturally.

• Play Regularly: The more you play, the faster you’ll progress through the battle pass and earn the necessary currency or unlocks to acquire new heroes.

• Consider the Premium Battle Pass: If you’re willing to spend money, the premium battle pass is the fastest way to unlock new heroes and earn other rewards.

• Check for Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions or bundles that might include hero unlocks. For example, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perk sometimes includes a “New Hero Starter Pack.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to hero unlocks in Overwatch 2:

1. How many heroes do new players start with in Overwatch 2?

New players who did not own Overwatch 1 typically start with around 15 of the available heroes unlocked.

2. How many games do I need to play to unlock all the original Overwatch heroes?

It can take around 150 games to unlock all the heroes from the original Overwatch for new players who didn’t own the first game.

3. Are any characters disabled in Overwatch 2?

Yes, occasionally, heroes are temporarily disabled due to bugs or balance issues. Bastion and Torbjorn have been temporarily disabled in the past. Check the official Overwatch 2 forums for the current status of heroes.

4. How many heroes are currently available in Overwatch 2?

As of late 2023, there are 38 heroes available in Overwatch 2.

5. How do I claim the New Hero Starter Pack from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perk for Season 6, which includes the “New Hero Starter Pack”, can only be redeemed via the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Console Versions of Overwatch 2. Customer Support cannot help redeem or apply the bonus to the PC version.

6. What if I’m missing my heroes in Overwatch 2?

If you’re missing heroes, ensure you’re logging into the correct Battle.net account and that you’ve merged any console accounts with Overwatch progress to your Battle.net account.

7. How many new characters were introduced at the start of Overwatch 2?

At the start of Overwatch 2, three new heroes were introduced: Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko.

8. How do I get hero icons in Overwatch 2?

To unlock Silhouette icons in Overwatch 2, you need to win 15 matches playing as the hero whose icon you want.

9. How do I unlock new heroes added after the launch of Overwatch 2?

New heroes are typically unlocked through the seasonal battle pass. You can unlock them for free by reaching a specific tier, or you can purchase the premium battle pass for instant access.

10. What is the best way to unlock heroes quickly in Overwatch 2?

The fastest way to unlock heroes is to purchase the premium battle pass. Alternatively, focus on completing hero-specific challenges and playing the game regularly to progress through the free battle pass tiers.

11. I owned Overwatch 1, but I’m still missing heroes in Overwatch 2. What should I do?

If you owned Overwatch 1 and are missing heroes, ensure your Battle.net account is properly merged with your console account. If the issue persists, contact Blizzard support for assistance.

12. What is the “new player experience” in Overwatch 2 and how does it affect hero unlocks?

The “new player experience” is a system implemented by Blizzard to gradually introduce new players to the game. It restricts the initial roster and requires players to complete challenges and play matches to unlock additional heroes. This is designed to prevent new players from being overwhelmed.

13. Can temporary hero availability affect my roster?

Yes, if a hero is temporarily disabled due to bugs, they will be unavailable for play until the issue is resolved. This does not permanently affect your unlocked roster, though.

14. If I don’t play Overwatch 2 for a season, will I lose access to unlocked heroes?

No, you will not lose access to any heroes you have already unlocked. Your unlocked heroes are permanently tied to your Battle.net account.

15. What resources are available for learning more about Overwatch 2 hero strategies?

You can explore various online resources, including the official Overwatch website, YouTube channels dedicated to Overwatch 2, and community forums. Also consider exploring websites like GamesLearningSociety.org, which delve into the learning aspects within gaming and provide valuable insights into game strategies and mechanics.

Conclusion

While the transition to a free-to-play model in Overwatch 2 has its benefits, it also means that unlocking heroes now requires more time or money. Understanding the unlock system, addressing potential account issues, and utilizing effective strategies can help you build your dream roster and enjoy everything Overwatch 2 has to offer.