Are Heroes Still Locked in Overwatch 2? A Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking Characters

Yes, heroes are still locked in Overwatch 2 for new players, and to a lesser extent, even for returning Overwatch 1 veterans. The extent to which they are locked and the methods to unlock them depend on your previous experience with the game. Blizzard implemented a system to ease new players into the game, which means accessing the full roster requires either time investment or, in some cases, financial investment. This system also affects even veteran players who may find their access to the heroes restricted because of glitches. Let’s dive into the details of how hero unlocks work in Overwatch 2.

Understanding the Hero Unlock System

The New Player Experience

For players completely new to Overwatch, the game introduces a First-Time User Experience (FTUE). This system gradually unlocks heroes and game modes as players complete matches. The goal is to prevent new players from being overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available in the full roster, as this can be a common problem to new players in character/hero-based games.

Initially, new players have access to a limited pool of heroes, around 13 out of the total 35, allowing them to learn the basic roles and strategies without feeling lost. To unlock all the original Overwatch 1 heroes, new players are expected to play approximately 150 games. This number can vary depending on in-game challenges and progress speed. This is, if they do not opt for the option of the premium Battle Pass.

Veteran Players and Hero Access

Players who owned and played Overwatch 1 were originally promised immediate access to all heroes upon launching Overwatch 2. However, the launch was marred by several technical issues, including a bug where the game incorrectly identified returning players as new players, triggering the FTUE. While Blizzard has addressed this issue for many players, some may still encounter it.

If you’re an Overwatch 1 veteran and find your heroes locked, it’s essential to ensure your Battle.net account is properly linked and that you’re logging in with the correct credentials. If the problem persists, contacting Blizzard’s customer support is the best course of action, as they can help restore your account’s status.

Unlocking New Heroes

With the transition to a free-to-play model, new heroes are primarily unlocked through the Battle Pass. Each season introduces a new hero, and players can unlock them in two ways:

• Premium Battle Pass: Purchasing the premium tier of the Battle Pass grants immediate access to the new hero. This option requires spending real money.
• Free Battle Pass: Players can unlock the new hero by reaching a specific tier on the free track of the Battle Pass. This requires playing the game and completing challenges to earn experience points.

Temporary Hero Disables

Occasionally, heroes are temporarily disabled due to bugs or exploits that affect gameplay balance. This happened with Bastion, Torbjorn, and Sigma in the past. Such disables are usually short-lived, and the heroes are reinstated once the issues are resolved through patches.

FAQs: Your Questions About Hero Unlocks Answered

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

1. Do I have to pay for heroes in Overwatch 2?

No, you don’t have to pay. You can unlock new heroes through the free Battle Pass, but doing so requires playing the game and completing challenges. Paying for the premium Battle Pass provides instant access.

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

New players start with roughly 13 heroes unlocked. The rest of the original Overwatch 1 roster unlocks through the FTUE as they play matches.

3. I owned Overwatch 1. Why are my heroes locked in Overwatch 2?

This is likely due to a bug where the game incorrectly identifies your account as a new one. Ensure your Battle.net account is properly linked, and contact Blizzard Support if the issue persists.

4. How do I unlock Kiriko in Overwatch 2?

Initially, Kiriko was available through the Battle Pass (either the premium or free track). Now, she can be unlocked through Hero Challenges. Complete her specific challenges to unlock her permanently.

5. How many games do I need to play to unlock all heroes in Overwatch 2?

New players are expected to play around 150 games to unlock all the original Overwatch 1 heroes.

6. What is the “New Hero Starter Pack” in Overwatch 2?

The “New Hero Starter Pack” is an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perk that provides immediate access to some heroes and other cosmetic items. This is exclusively for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One versions of the game.

7. Can I unlock Ramattra for free in Overwatch 2?

Yes, you can unlock Ramattra for free by reaching a certain tier (previously Tier 45) on the free track of the Battle Pass during his debut season. Now that his debut season has ended, you can unlock him through Hero Challenges.

8. Why is Sigma disabled in ranked Overwatch 2?

Sigma was temporarily disabled in ranked due to a game-breaking bug that allowed him to fly infinitely using his ultimate ability. This was fixed in a subsequent patch.

9. Are all new heroes locked behind the Battle Pass in Overwatch 2?

Yes, all new heroes are initially unlocked through the Battle Pass. Once their debut season ends, they will be unlocked through Hero Challenges.

10. Do old Overwatch players have to unlock all characters again?

Ideally, no. Overwatch 1 players should have immediate access to all the original heroes upon logging into Overwatch 2, as the transfer of data should carry over their hero unlocks. However, technical issues can sometimes prevent this.

11. How does the free Battle Pass work for unlocking heroes?

The free Battle Pass has a progression track, and players earn experience points by completing matches and challenges. As you level up the Battle Pass, you unlock various rewards, including the new hero at a specific tier.

12. Why can’t I play all the heroes in Overwatch 2 when I’m new?

Blizzard implemented the FTUE to help new players gradually learn the game. Starting with a limited pool of heroes prevents them from being overwhelmed and allows them to understand each role and hero ability before expanding their roster. This is a well thought out approach that can be linked to research on scaffolding learning, see for instance the work done at the GamesLearningSociety.org.

13. Are there any specific heroes that are always locked in Overwatch 2?

No specific heroes are always locked. All heroes are eventually unlockable either through the Battle Pass, Hero Challenges, or by completing the FTUE.

14. How do I unlock heroes if I didn’t play during their debut season in Overwatch 2?

If you missed a hero’s debut season, you can now unlock them by completing their Hero Challenges. These challenges require completing specific tasks or milestones with other heroes.

15. Is there a faster way to unlock heroes in Overwatch 2 without paying?

The fastest way to unlock heroes without paying is to focus on completing daily and weekly challenges to maximize your Battle Pass experience gains. This will allow you to progress through the free track more quickly. Hero Challenges are an even quicker way to unlock heroes.

Conclusion

While heroes are initially locked in Overwatch 2, there are multiple pathways to unlock them, catering to both new and returning players. Whether through dedicated gameplay, Battle Pass progression, or by purchasing the premium pass, the full roster is ultimately accessible to all players. Understanding these systems ensures a smoother and more enjoyable Overwatch 2 experience.