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How Levels Work in Overwatch: A Comprehensive Guide

Overwatch’s leveling system, while evolving between the original game and Overwatch 2, serves as a cornerstone for player progression and a visual representation of time invested. In the original Overwatch, leveling was primarily about gaining experience points (XP) to unlock loot boxes and showcase dedication. Overwatch 2 has transitioned to a slightly different approach, integrating hero-specific badges and a battle pass system, although hero levels are making a comeback. The essence remains: levels reflect a player’s engagement with the game, though their meaning and purpose have diversified.

The Original Overwatch Leveling System

In the original Overwatch, players earned XP by completing matches, winning games, and performing well. Upon reaching level 100, players will get a promotion, and their portrait border will advance to the subsequent tier. After promotion, the level number resets to 1, but the experience required to level up each level remains at 20,000XP. Each level earned granted a loot box containing cosmetic items. The level itself was represented by a number within a portrait border that evolved in appearance as the player progressed. These borders acted as a quick visual indicator of a player’s overall experience.

Gaining Experience Points

Earning experience points (XP) was the key to leveling up. The primary ways to gain XP were:

Playing Matches: Simply participating in matches awarded a base amount of XP.
Winning Matches: Wins granted a significant XP bonus, encouraging players to strive for victory. Every win gets you 500 extra EXP points.
Grouping Up: Playing with friends provided an XP bonus, promoting teamwork. Teaming up on Overwatch always proves more beneficial and increases your chances of winning significantly as you get 100 extra EXP points.
Medals: Earning medals for performance during a match also granted bonus XP.
Consecutive Matches: Playing several matches in a row without leaving provided an XP bonus.
Backfilling: Filling an empty slot in a game in progress rewarded extra XP.
Endorsements: While endorsements primarily affected endorsement level (a separate system), receiving endorsements could subtly contribute to overall XP.

Progression & Rewards

Leveling up in the original Overwatch was a straightforward process. Accumulate enough XP, and your level increased. With each level came a loot box containing cosmetic items like skins, voice lines, sprays, and emotes. The portrait border would change every 100 levels, providing a visual testament to progress. This simple yet rewarding system kept players engaged and incentivized playing regularly.

Overwatch 2’s Leveling and Progression

Overwatch 2 has brought changes to the leveling system. Your old level will still be displayed on your profile as a kind of “legacy level,” but will remain at the number you were at the end of Overwatch’s life. The original player level has been exchanged for a Battle Pass rank. Hero levels are a part of the new progression system being introduced with the Season 6 Invasion update.

Hero-Specific Progression

One key addition is the hero-specific badge system. As you reach the threshold for each sub-badge level, you’ll level up that sub-badge, contributing XP to the badge level for that specific hero, role, or game mode. Badges reach new tiers as they level up and are a great way to show your favorite heroes, roles, or game modes.

Competitive Ranks

While not directly tied to player level, the Competitive Rank system provides another form of progression. Overwatch 2 ranks are broken up into seven medals that represent each skill tier. Each skill tier has five numerical divisions within it that ascend until you break into the next highest tier. So if you’re Gold 1, win seven games and go up in rank, you’ll be Platinum 5.

Tips for Leveling Up Quickly

Whether in the original Overwatch or Overwatch 2, some strategies help accelerate your progress:

Play Regularly: Consistent play, even for short periods, adds up over time.
Group Up: The XP bonus from grouping is significant.
Strive for Wins: Winning provides a substantial XP boost.
Complete Challenges: In Overwatch 2, daily and weekly challenges offer valuable XP.
Focus on Objectives: Playing the objective and contributing to team success often leads to better performance and more XP.
Be a Team Player: Supporting your team and earning endorsements contributes to your overall progress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Levels in Overwatch

Here are some frequently asked questions about leveling and related systems in the Overwatch universe:

1. Do levels matter in Overwatch 2?

In Overwatch 2, your legacy level from the original game is displayed on your profile as a “legacy level,” but it remains at the number you were at the end of Overwatch’s life. Hero levels are coming back as part of a new progression system. Competitive ranks provide a measure of skill and progression within the competitive mode.

2. How is Overwatch 2 rank calculated?

Overwatch 2 ranks are broken up into seven medals that represent each skill tier. Each skill tier has five numerical divisions within it that ascend until you break into the next highest tier. The game assesses your performance over multiple matches (currently five wins or fifteen losses) to determine your rank.

3. Is Silver 1 or 5 better?

In terms of what those numbers mean, the skill level gets higher as the number gets lower, so Bronze 1 is the upper echelon of the Bronze rank, Silver 1 is the highest Silver rank, and so forth.

4. Is gold 5 good in Overwatch 2?

Gold 5-1: Players in the Gold rank get 250 competitive points as a reward. This rank is for players who have a good understanding of the game and can perform well in different game modes.

5. How many ranks do you go up in Overwatch 2?

There are seven ranks in Overwatch 2, and each one has five separate tiers.

6. Is bronze 1 or 5 better in Overwatch 2?

In terms of what those numbers mean, the skill level gets higher as the number gets lower, so Bronze 1 is the upper echelon of the Bronze rank, Silver 1 is the highest Silver rank, and so forth.

7. What is the fastest way to rank up in Overwatch 2?

Improving your game sense, mastering a few heroes, communicating effectively, and consistently winning matches is crucial for climbing the ranks. Timing is key. Ultimates charge up quicker while dealing damage, or healing if playing as a Support.

8. What gives the most XP in Overwatch?

Participating in and winning matches, grouping with friends, earning medals, and playing consecutively are all effective ways to gain experience. In fact, you get more EXP points the longer you play. Group up with your playing buddies. Grouping up with your friends of Overwatch is one of the best ways to rapidly grow your ranks.

9. Why can’t I rank up in Overwatch 2?

The placement system in Overwatch 2 Competitive seasons has changed and is no longer displayed after each match. The competitive division and skill tier will be reviewed every 5 wins, or 15 losses, instead of every single game.

10. Why is everyone getting bronze 5 in Overwatch 2?

In a blog post focused on Competitive modes, including more details about the upcoming Team Queue mini season, Team 4 says that there are more players in Bronze 5 than it would like. That’s primarily due to there being a decay in matchmaking rating for inactive players. So, Blizzard is doing something about that.

11. Is Diamond in Overwatch 2 good?

In all seriousness, Diamond is an accomplishment for a true casual player simply because OW is such a hard game to just understand.

12. What is the best hero in Overwatch 2?

1 – Ana. Ana is a versatile support hero known for her precise sniper rifle and potent healing abilities. She can deliver both healing shots to her teammates and damaging shots to her enemies from a distance, offering a unique blend of offense and defense.

13. What is the average Overwatch 2 rank?

These numbers suggest that the average Overwatch player is around Gold 3. From this, we can infer that if you are in Platinum, you are above average. While if you are in Diamond or above, you are in the top fifth of the whole player base. That should be all your need to know about Overwatch 2’s rank distribution.

14. How many games does it take to get a gold gun in Overwatch 2?

To do this, players must win 50 games in Quick Play, a requirement that may take quite a while to fulfill.

15. Why do I keep staying in gold 5 in Overwatch 2?

Supposedly you get your rank adjusted after 7 wins or 20 losses. So, if the game thinks you belong in gold5 and you get 7 more wins it will put you in gold5 again.

Conclusion

Understanding how levels work in Overwatch, both the original and Overwatch 2, is essential for appreciating the game’s progression systems. While the methods and meanings have evolved, the core principle of rewarding engagement and progress remains. Whether you’re chasing cosmetic items, climbing the competitive ladder, or simply enjoying the game with friends, understanding these systems can enhance your overall experience. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

How levels work in Overwatch?