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Do Previous Overwatch Owners Get Anything? A Deep Dive into Overwatch 2’s Rewards for Veterans

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The short answer? Yes, previous Overwatch owners did get things when Overwatch 2 launched, but the window for claiming some of those rewards has closed. The transition from Overwatch to Overwatch 2 was a significant shift, and Blizzard offered several incentives to reward loyal players who invested in the original game. Understanding what those rewards were, and whether you can still claim them, is crucial for any returning or curious player. This article breaks down everything previous Overwatch owners received and answers frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering confusion.

What Did Overwatch 1 Owners Receive in Overwatch 2?

While Overwatch 2 is technically a free-to-play game, owning the original Overwatch granted several benefits, primarily centered around accessing heroes and cosmetic items. Here’s a breakdown:

Founder’s Pack: This was the cornerstone of the rewards for veteran players. To be eligible, players had to own Overwatch before June 23, 2022. The Founder’s Pack granted the following:
- Immediate access to Kiriko: This new support hero was unlocked instantly for owners of the original game.
- Two Epic Skins: Doomfist and Sombra received special epic skins.
- Exclusive Founder’s Icon: A unique player icon to signify veteran status.
Important Note: The deadline to claim the Founder’s Pack by logging into Overwatch 2 ended in February 2023, specifically at the end of Season 2. If you didn’t log in before then, you unfortunately missed out.
Immediate Access to Existing Heroes: This was a crucial benefit. Unlike new players who started with a limited roster and had to unlock heroes through gameplay or purchases, previous Overwatch owners retained access to all the heroes they had unlocked in the original game. This was a significant advantage, allowing veteran players to jump straight into the action with their favorite characters.
Sojourn and Junker Queen: While not exclusive to OW1 owners, everyone who logged into Overwatch 2 during Season One, including veterans, received these new heroes automatically.
Carried-Over Cosmetics: All your hard-earned skins, emotes, sprays, and other cosmetic items from Overwatch 1 transferred to Overwatch 2, ensuring your investment wasn’t lost.

In summary, owning the original Overwatch provided a head start in Overwatch 2, particularly in terms of hero access and cosmetic items. While some rewards had a limited-time claim window, the core benefit of retaining all previously unlocked heroes remained.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Overwatch 2 Rewards for Original Owners

1. Do original Overwatch owners get anything now?

Unfortunately, the primary benefit of the Founder’s Pack, including immediate Kiriko access, had a claim deadline that has passed. While veteran players still retain access to all their previously unlocked heroes, the limited-time rewards are no longer available.

2. Will Overwatch 1 owners get all heroes automatically in current and future seasons?

No. While original Overwatch owners started with all the heroes from the original game, new heroes released after Kiriko typically require unlocking through the battle pass system (either by purchasing the premium pass or grinding through the free tiers) or through hero challenges. Ramattra, for example, was not automatically granted to original owners. This has remained the general release model moving forward.

3. Why am I not owning all heroes in Overwatch 2 even though I owned Overwatch 1?

This is a common issue that sometimes arises due to account merging complications or glitches. Here are a few potential causes:

Account Merging Problems: Ensure your Battle.net account is correctly linked to your console accounts (if applicable). Incorrect linking can lead to missing hero unlocks. Double-check this in your Battle.net account settings.
New Player Experience Bug: Some players experienced a bug where the game mistakenly treated them as new players, restricting their access to heroes. Contacting Blizzard Support is usually the best course of action in this situation.
Logging in Before the Merge: If you logged into Overwatch 2 before properly merging your accounts, it might have created a temporary profile without your original heroes. Again, contact Blizzard support.

4. Can I still merge my Overwatch accounts to get my old skins back?

Yes, account merging is still possible to consolidate progress and cosmetics across different platforms (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC). Make sure to link all your accounts to your Battle.net account. Note that progress can only be merged between different types of accounts (console to PC, or console to console). You cannot merge two PC accounts, for instance.

5. What happens if I didn’t claim the Founder’s Pack before the deadline?

Unfortunately, if you didn’t log in to Overwatch 2 before the end of Season 2 (February 2023), you missed the opportunity to claim the Founder’s Pack. This included the immediate unlock of Kiriko, the two epic skins, and the Founder’s Icon.

6. Will people who bought Overwatch 1 get a refund now that it’s gone?

No, Blizzard is not offering refunds for Overwatch 1 purchases. The game was available and playable for several years, and the purchase was for that experience. Overwatch 2 is considered an evolution of the original game, not a replacement that invalidates the original purchase.

7. Do old Overwatch players get a free battle pass in Overwatch 2?

No, there is no free battle pass specifically for old Overwatch players. The battle pass system applies to all players, regardless of whether they owned the original game. However, everyone has access to a free tier of the battle pass. If one chooses to unlock and participate in the premium tier there is a fee involved.

8. How do I get Overwatch 2 free skins now?

There are a few ways to earn free skins in Overwatch 2, none of which are exclusive to OW1 owners:

Overwatch League Rewards: Linking your Battle.net account to YouTube and watching live Overwatch League matches can earn you in-game rewards, including skins.
In-Game Challenges: Completing specific in-game challenges often unlocks free skins and other cosmetic items. Keep an eye on the challenges available in the game.
Twitch Drops: Watching specific Overwatch 2 streams on Twitch with drops enabled can also earn you free skins and other rewards.
Free Battle Pass: Some of the free tier rewards include skins and cosmetic items.

9. What is the reward for Overwatch 2 after level 80 on the battle pass?

Once you reach level 80 on the battle pass (completing it), you unlock “Prestige Tiers.” These tiers offer additional rewards, often sprays or titles, but require significantly more experience to unlock. These prestige tiers are available for both free and premium pass holders, but the rewards are exclusive to the season in which they are earned.

10. How long did it take to reach Tier 55 in Overwatch 2?

Reaching Tier 55 in the battle pass (where some heroes are unlocked on the free track) typically takes around 50 hours of gameplay, depending on your XP gain and the challenges you complete.

11. I bought the Watchpoint Pack; what did that include?

The Watchpoint Pack was a paid bundle offered before and around the launch of Overwatch 2. It typically included:

Premium Battle Pass (for a specific season)
Overwatch Coins (in-game currency)
Legendary Skins
Instant access to heroes, depending on the bundle details.

12. If I owned Overwatch 1, do I still have to unlock Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko if I missed the Founder’s Pack deadline?

If you missed the Founder’s Pack deadline and haven’t already unlocked these heroes, you can unlock Kiriko, Sojourn, and Junker Queen for free by completing their respective hero challenges. This is the primary method for new players or those who missed the initial claim window to acquire these heroes.

13. How do I prove I owned Overwatch 1 to get my heroes back if they are locked?

The best course of action is to contact Blizzard Support directly. Provide them with your Battle.net account information and any proof of purchase for Overwatch 1 (e.g., a digital receipt or CD key). They can investigate your account and resolve the issue.

14. What is the Kiriko controversy?

The “Kiriko controversy” stemmed from Blizzard’s initial decision to lock new heroes behind the battle pass system. This meant that players who didn’t purchase the premium battle pass had to grind to a certain tier to unlock new heroes. This sparked criticism from the community who viewed it as a form of pay-to-win and reduced accessibility for players who didn’t want to spend additional money. This system also impacted Overwatch League, as teams and players had to navigate a metagame with heroes that may not be readily available to all team members.

15. Where can I learn more about the impact of gaming on society and learning?

For more insights into the broader context of games and their impact on society, education, and learning, check out the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization offers resources, research, and community engagement focused on the positive potential of games in various aspects of life. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for educators, researchers, and anyone interested in the transformative power of gaming.

Overwatch 2’s transition wasn’t without its bumps, but understanding the rewards offered to veteran players is crucial for navigating the game. While some benefits have expired, the core advantage of retaining your original hero roster remains a significant perk.

Overwatch 2 has opened up new avenues for gaming and game-based learning that are being explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society.