How to Snag That Coveted Overwatch Founder’s Icon
So, you’re looking to deck out your profile with the prestigious Founder’s Icon in Overwatch? It’s a mark of honor, signifying your dedication to the game since its early days. Here’s the straightforward answer:
To get the Founder’s Icon in Overwatch, you needed to own the original Overwatch before June 23, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. PDT and log into the game (either the original Overwatch or Overwatch 2) between June 23, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. PDT and December 5, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.
In essence, it was a reward for being an early supporter of the Overwatch universe! Now, let’s dive into the details and address some frequently asked questions surrounding the Founder’s Pack and all its associated goodies.
Understanding the Overwatch Founder’s Pack
The Overwatch Founder’s Pack was Blizzard’s way of thanking loyal players who purchased and played the original Overwatch before the launch of Overwatch 2. It included various in-game items designed to show off your veteran status. While you can no longer obtain it if you didn’t meet the deadline, understanding what it was can still be helpful and interesting.
What Was Included in the Founder’s Pack?
The Founder’s Pack typically included:
- Exclusive Founder’s Icon: This is the main focus – a special player icon to display your early adopter status.
- Two Epic Skins: These were special skins for existing heroes, giving them unique looks.
- Access to New Heroes: Immediate access to Junker Queen, Sojourn, and Kiriko upon Overwatch 2’s launch.
- A “Surprise Gift”: This was promised by Blizzard, but the exact nature of it remained somewhat vague.
Why Was There a Founder’s Pack?
The move to Overwatch 2 being a free-to-play model was a significant change. Blizzard created the Founder’s Pack to acknowledge and reward the players who had invested in the original Overwatch. This helped bridge the transition and showed appreciation for their earlier support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Founder’s Icon and Pack
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clear up any confusion surrounding the Founder’s Icon and the Founder’s Pack:
1. I Owned Overwatch 1, But I Don’t See My Founder’s Icon! What’s Wrong?
First, double-check that you owned Overwatch before the June 23, 2022, deadline. Next, ensure you logged into the game (either Overwatch 1 or Overwatch 2) before the final December 5, 2022, deadline. If you met both criteria and still don’t see it, contact Blizzard Support. There might be an issue with your account.
2. Can I Still Get the Founder’s Pack if I Buy Overwatch 1 Now?
Unfortunately, no. The eligibility window closed on June 23, 2022. Purchasing Overwatch 1 after this date will not grant you the Founder’s Pack.
3. How Can I Verify if I Received the Founder’s Pack?
A simple way is to check your hero gallery. Look at the skins for Sombra and Doomfist. If you have two skins you didn’t previously own for them, you likely received the pack. Also, when Overwatch 2 launched, Kiriko would have been locked for new players, but you would have had access immediately (except in competitive for a brief initial period).
4. What’s the Difference Between the Founder’s Icon and Other Icons?
The Founder’s Icon is a unique, specific icon that was only available through the Founder’s Pack. Other icons are typically unlocked through Loot Boxes (in Overwatch 1) or through completing challenges or purchasing them with Overwatch Coins in Overwatch 2.
5. Are Founder’s Items Tradeable or Sellable?
No, Founder’s Pack items, including the icon, are bound to your account and cannot be traded, sold, or transferred to another account.
6. I Merged My Accounts; Will I Get the Founder’s Pack on My New Account?
Account merging should transfer all your progress and unlocks, including the Founder’s Pack, to your new merged account, provided the account you owned Overwatch 1 on was one of the accounts merged.
7. Does the Founder’s Pack Give Me Any Gameplay Advantages?
No, the Founder’s Pack is purely cosmetic and grants access to the new heroes from the get-go. It doesn’t provide any in-game advantages over other players.
8. What Was the “Surprise Gift” in the Founder’s Pack?
The “surprise gift” turned out to be a set of cosmetic items. While Blizzard never officially clarified its exact contents, players generally received additional sprays, voicelines and other minor customization options.
9. Are there any other ways to show I’m an Overwatch Veteran?
While the Founder’s Icon is the most direct way to show your early support, many players also retain their original Overwatch profile levels, golden weapons earned in the original game, and legacy skins as a sign of their veteran status.
10. Can I Still Get Other Exclusive Icons in Overwatch 2?
Yes! Overwatch 2 offers various icons that can be unlocked through challenges, special events, or by purchasing them from the in-game store. The silhouette icons, for example, can be obtained by winning 15 matches as the hero whose icon you want.
11. Will Blizzard Ever Release Similar Founder’s Packs in the Future?
It’s impossible to say for certain. However, given the positive response to the Founder’s Pack, it’s possible that Blizzard might offer similar rewards for early adopters of future games or expansions.
12. If I Create a New Account, Can I “Gift” Myself the Founder’s Pack From My Old Account?
No. As previously mentioned, Founder’s Pack items are account-bound and cannot be transferred or gifted.
13. I Owned Overwatch on Console, But Now I Play on PC. Will I Have the Founder’s Pack on PC?
This depends on whether you linked your console account to a Battle.net account before the deadline. If you did, your progress, including the Founder’s Pack, should transfer to your PC account. Otherwise, you’ll only have the Founder’s Pack on your console account.
14. If I Missed the Login Deadline, Is There Any Way to Appeal?
Unfortunately, Blizzard has been firm on the deadlines for the Founder’s Pack. Unless you experienced a technical issue that prevented you from logging in during the eligible period (and can provide evidence), it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to claim the pack if you missed the deadline.
15. Where can I find more information about Overwatch and gaming culture in general?
Consider checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society brings together researchers, educators, and game developers to explore the potential of games for learning and engagement.
In Conclusion
While you can no longer obtain the Founder’s Pack or the Founder’s Icon if you missed the deadlines, hopefully, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of what it was and how it was earned. Wear your existing badges with pride, hone your skills, and continue to enjoy the ever-evolving world of Overwatch. The journey is just beginning!