Do Overwatch Owners Get Overwatch 2 for Free? Understanding the Transition

Yes and No. Overwatch 2’s multiplayer component is free-to-play. If you are a new player, you can download and play the game without purchasing it. However, if you owned the original Overwatch game, you did not have to buy Overwatch 2 to continue playing a version of the game. The original Overwatch was effectively replaced by Overwatch 2. Owners of Overwatch 1 received certain benefits as compensation for this transition. Let’s break it all down and address common questions about the transition.

The Overwatch to Overwatch 2 Shift: A New Era

The launch of Overwatch 2 marked a significant shift in the Overwatch universe, moving from a paid-for game to a free-to-play model. This transition, while intended to broaden accessibility, has raised many questions for veteran players of Overwatch 1.

One of the biggest changes was the replacement of the original game with Overwatch 2. Essentially, the game you knew was updated to a newer version. However, those who owned Overwatch prior to the release of Overwatch 2 were granted certain benefits, primarily through what’s called the Founder’s Pack.

The Founder’s Pack: A Token of Appreciation

The Founder’s Pack was designed as a gesture of appreciation for loyal Overwatch 1 players. This pack provided several in-game goodies, including:

• Access to all the original Overwatch heroes.
• Immediate access to Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko, the new heroes released with Overwatch 2’s initial launch.
• Two Epic Skins.
• An Exclusive Founder’s Icon.
• A “Surprise Gift” (which was later revealed to be another skin).

To be eligible, players needed to own Overwatch before June 23, 2022, and log into Overwatch 2 before the end of Season 2 (February 2023). If you missed this deadline, you missed the chance to redeem the Founder’s Pack.

What Happens to My Old Skins and Cosmetics?

A huge relief for many Overwatch 1 players was the confirmation that all of their earned skins, emotes, sprays, and other cosmetic items would carry over to Overwatch 2. You needed to merge your accounts to achieve this, which was the most common stumbling block for players trying to access their previously owned content.

If you’re not seeing your old items, the most likely cause is that you’re not logged into the correct Battle.net account or you haven’t properly merged your console accounts with your Battle.net account. Double-check your login information and the account merging process on the Blizzard website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions about owning Overwatch 1 and its impact on your Overwatch 2 experience:

1. Did Overwatch 1 owners get a free Battle Pass?

   No, owning Overwatch 1 did not grant players a free Premium Battle Pass in Overwatch 2. The Founder’s Pack provided immediate access to new heroes and some cosmetic items, but it did not include the Premium Battle Pass.

2. What did Overwatch 1 owners get in Overwatch 2?

   Overwatch 1 owners received the Founder’s Pack, which included access to all the original heroes, the new heroes Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko (if claimed before the Season 2 deadline), two Epic Skins, an Exclusive Founder’s Icon, and a “Surprise Gift” (a skin). They also had all their previously earned cosmetics transferred to Overwatch 2 after merging accounts.

3. Was Kiriko free for all Overwatch 1 owners?

   Yes, Kiriko was automatically unlocked for Overwatch 1 players who claimed the Founder’s Pack before the end of Season 2. New players, or those who missed the Founder’s Pack deadline, needed to reach level 55 of the free battle pass or purchase the Premium Battle Pass to unlock her.

4. Did Overwatch 1 owners get Ramattra for free?

   No, unlike Kiriko, Ramattra was not automatically unlocked for Overwatch 1 owners. All players, including veterans, needed to either purchase the Premium Battle Pass or reach level 55 on the free battle pass to unlock him.

5. If I owned Overwatch 1 on disc, what happened to my game?

   If you owned Overwatch 1 on disc, the game was essentially updated to Overwatch 2. You may have needed to download the Overwatch 2 files. The disc was no longer required to play.

6. How much does it cost to buy everything in Overwatch 2?

   The cost to acquire every legacy cosmetic in Overwatch 2 is staggering. Estimates have placed it at over $12,000 if purchased directly. Earning them through in-game currency would take an extraordinary amount of time and dedication.

7. Why don’t I have my skins in Overwatch 2?

   The most common reason for missing skins is an issue with account merging. Make sure you are logged into the correct Battle.net account that is linked to your console accounts (if applicable). If you’re still having trouble, contact Blizzard Support.

8. Can you get legendary skins for free in Overwatch 2?

   Yes, Overwatch 2 offers opportunities to earn Legendary Skins for free through events, challenges, and the Battle Pass.

9. How do I claim my Founder’s Pack in Overwatch 2?

   The deadline to claim the Founder’s Pack has passed. Players needed to own Overwatch before June 23, 2022, and log into Overwatch 2 before the end of Season 2 in February 2023.

10. What are the most popular heroes in Overwatch 2?

    Hero popularity fluctuates, but historically, Ana, Mercy, and Kiriko have been among the most frequently picked heroes in Overwatch 2.

11. Do Overwatch 1 unlocks carry over to Overwatch 2?

    Yes, all cosmetic unlocks – skins, player icons, sprays, highlight intros, emotes – transferred to Overwatch 2 upon merging your accounts.

12. Will Overwatch 2 be free?

    Yes, Overwatch 2’s multiplayer component is free-to-play. However, some content, like the PvE Story Missions, may require purchase.

13. I missed the Founder’s Pack deadline. Can I still get the benefits?

    Unfortunately, no. The Founder’s Pack benefits were only available for a limited time, expiring at the end of Season 2.

14. Does owning Overwatch 1 give me an advantage in Overwatch 2?

    While owning Overwatch 1 provided the Founder’s Pack, it doesn’t inherently give a gameplay advantage in Overwatch 2. Skill and game knowledge are the primary determinants of success.

15. What is the Games Learning Society?

    The Games Learning Society, also known as GamesLearningSociety.org, is an organization dedicated to the study of games and learning, exploring how games can be used in educational settings and to promote cognitive development. More information can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

The Verdict: A Complex Transition

While Overwatch 2’s transition to a free-to-play model made the game accessible to a wider audience, the experience for Overwatch 1 owners has been a mix of excitement and frustration. The Founder’s Pack was a welcome gesture, but the limited-time availability and the changes to the progression system left some players feeling shortchanged. Overall, the shift reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, where live-service models and free-to-play games are becoming increasingly prevalent.