How Many Loot Boxes Do You Need for Everything in Overwatch?

The quest to unlock every cosmetic item in Overwatch is a daunting one, often leaving players wondering just how many loot boxes they’d need to finally complete their collection. The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward and depends heavily on luck, time played, and whether you’re starting from scratch or have already accumulated a significant number of items. However, we can provide a reasonably accurate estimation: To acquire absolutely everything in Overwatch’s original loot box system (before Overwatch 2), including all skins, emotes, voice lines, sprays, highlight intros, and player icons, starting from a completely empty account, you would need to open approximately 4,000 to 6,000 loot boxes.

This range accounts for duplicate drops, the increasing probability of finding items you don’t already own as you accumulate more items, and the consistent accumulation of credits, Overwatch’s in-game currency, from duplicate items and occasional drops. Keep in mind that this is an estimate. Actual results can vary wildly due to the random nature of loot box contents.

Understanding Overwatch’s Loot Box System

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify how Overwatch’s loot boxes functioned (as of the original game, pre-Overwatch 2):

• Standard Loot Boxes: These contained four random items, with at least one being a rare (blue) item or better.
• Event Loot Boxes: These were only available during seasonal events and contained items exclusive to that event, along with regular items. Event loot boxes had the same rarity distribution as standard loot boxes.
• Duplicate Items: Receiving an item you already owned resulted in credits, the amount depending on the item’s rarity.
• Credit Accumulation: Credits could be used to purchase specific items directly, bypassing the need for loot box luck.
• Rarity Tiers: Items were categorized into Common (white), Rare (blue), Epic (purple), and Legendary (gold) tiers, each with varying drop rates.

Factors Influencing the Number of Loot Boxes Required

Several factors contribute to the variance in the estimated number of loot boxes:

• Starting Point: Players with existing collections need far fewer loot boxes than those starting with a completely empty account.
• Event Participation: Actively participating in seasonal events and earning event loot boxes significantly increases the chance of acquiring event-specific items.
• Playtime and Leveling: Overwatch awards loot boxes upon leveling up, providing a steady stream of opportunities to obtain items.
• Luck: Ultimately, luck plays a significant role. Some players might get lucky streaks of legendary drops, while others might encounter more duplicates.

The Impact of Duplicate Items and Credits

Duplicate items are not entirely undesirable; they provide credits, which can be used to purchase specific items. This becomes increasingly crucial as you acquire more items, as the probability of receiving duplicates increases. Smart credit management allows players to target specific items they desire, reducing their reliance on pure loot box luck.

Maximizing Your Loot Box Efficiency

While the random nature of loot boxes can be frustrating, there are strategies to improve your chances of completing your collection efficiently:

• Play Regularly: Consistent playtime leads to more leveling and, consequently, more loot boxes.
• Participate in Events: Prioritize earning event loot boxes during seasonal events to acquire exclusive items.
• Strategically Use Credits: Save credits to purchase items you really want or those that are proving elusive through loot boxes.
• Avoid Buying Items You’ll Likely Get: If an item is relatively common, consider waiting to see if you get it from a loot box before spending credits.
• Focus on Events First: Event items are only available for a limited time, making them a priority. Regular items can be acquired at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Overwatch Loot Boxes

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information for readers:

1. What is the average drop rate for a Legendary skin in Overwatch loot boxes? The generally accepted drop rate for a Legendary item in a loot box is around 7.5%.
2. Do event loot boxes have better drop rates for event items? No, event loot boxes have the same drop rates as standard loot boxes. However, they guarantee at least one item from the ongoing event.
3. How do I earn loot boxes in Overwatch? You earn loot boxes by leveling up, through Arcade mode wins, and sometimes as promotional rewards.
4. Can I trade loot boxes with other players? No, loot boxes cannot be traded between players.
5. Do I need to unlock every item to get a completionist achievement? No, there is no achievement that requires unlocking every single cosmetic item. Achievements are typically tied to gameplay actions.
6. Is it possible to get duplicate event items in event loot boxes? Yes, you can get duplicate event items in event loot boxes.
7. How many credits do I get for a duplicate Legendary skin? You receive 200 credits for a duplicate Legendary skin.
8. What happens to my loot boxes if I don’t open them? Loot boxes remain in your inventory indefinitely until you open them.
9. Are there any guaranteed ways to get specific skins in Overwatch? The only guaranteed way is to purchase them with credits or, in some cases, through special promotions or challenges.
10. Do the drop rates for loot boxes change over time? Blizzard has not officially stated any changes to drop rates since the game’s release (before Overwatch 2), though some players suspect minor adjustments might have occurred.
11. What’s the best way to farm loot boxes? Playing regularly and winning Arcade matches are effective ways to accumulate loot boxes.
12. Are there any websites or tools that can track my Overwatch item collection? Yes, several third-party websites and apps allow you to track your collection progress, though their accuracy depends on manual input or account linking.
13. Is it possible to get all items in Overwatch without spending any real money? Yes, it is possible, but it requires significant playtime and dedication to earning loot boxes through gameplay.
14. What is the difference between a regular loot box and an Anniversary loot box? Anniversary loot boxes only contain items from all previous events, giving you a wider range of potential event-specific drops.
15. Does playing a specific character increase my chances of getting items for that character? No, the contents of loot boxes are entirely random and not influenced by the character you are playing.

Conclusion

While determining the exact number of loot boxes needed to unlock everything in Overwatch remains an inexact science, understanding the game’s loot box mechanics, prioritizing event participation, and managing credits strategically can significantly improve your chances of completing your collection. Remember that the journey is part of the fun, and enjoy the thrill of the chase!