Is Overwatch 2 Free if You Own Overwatch 1? The Definitive Answer
Yes, Overwatch 2 is essentially free for owners of Overwatch 1. However, the situation is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While you didn’t have to pay extra to play the core Overwatch 2 experience if you owned Overwatch 1, it wasn’t a straightforward upgrade. Instead, Overwatch 2 replaced Overwatch 1 entirely. This means that the original game is no longer accessible, and you’re playing the new free-to-play version with any benefits you might have received for being a legacy player.
What Did Overwatch 1 Owners Actually Get?
The transition to Overwatch 2 was designed to reward loyal players. Here’s a breakdown of what owning Overwatch 1 got you:
- All Cosmetics Transferred: All the skins, voice lines, sprays, and other cosmetic items you unlocked in Overwatch 1 were transferred to Overwatch 2. This was a huge relief for players who had invested considerable time and effort into collecting these items.
- Immediate Access to New Heroes (Initially): Overwatch 1 owners were granted immediate access to the three new heroes released at the launch of Overwatch 2: Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko. This bypassed the need to grind or pay to unlock them, at least initially.
- The “Founder’s Pack”: Players who owned Overwatch 1 and logged in before a certain date received the “Founder’s Pack”. This pack included two epic skins (for Doomfist and Sombra), an exclusive founder’s icon, and instant access to the three new heroes mentioned above.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these benefits did not include free access to the premium battle pass or other paid content. To get those, you would have had to purchase the Watchpoint Pack separately or purchase them individually through the in-game shop.
Understanding the Free-to-Play Model
Overwatch 2’s shift to a free-to-play model fundamentally changed the game’s economy and progression system. Here’s a breakdown:
- Free Core Gameplay: The core Overwatch 2 experience, including access to most heroes (though newer heroes require unlocking), game modes, and maps, is available for free.
- Battle Pass: Overwatch 2 utilizes a battle pass system. A free battle pass is available to all players, offering a range of rewards. A premium battle pass, which requires purchase, offers even more exclusive rewards, including skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items.
- Hero Unlocks: New heroes are typically unlocked through the battle pass. However, Overwatch 1 owners were initially granted access to new heroes automatically upon release (at least for the first three), providing an initial advantage. Newer players need to play regularly to unlock these heroes, which is part of the game’s progression.
- In-Game Shop: The in-game shop offers a variety of cosmetic items for purchase, either individually or in bundles. This is a primary source of revenue for Overwatch 2.
The “Feeling Scammed” Phenomenon
Despite receiving some benefits, some Overwatch 1 players reported feeling “scammed” after the transition to Overwatch 2. Here are the most common reasons:
- Loss of the Original Game: The biggest point of contention was the complete replacement of Overwatch 1. Players who enjoyed the original’s gameplay, loot box system, or general aesthetic felt that something valuable was taken away.
- Grind to Unlock New Heroes: While initial new heroes were free for Overwatch 1 owners, subsequent heroes had to be unlocked through the battle pass system, leading to a feeling of forced engagement or pressure to spend money.
- Value of Cosmetics: Some players felt that the value of their existing cosmetics diminished due to the influx of new, often flashier, items available for purchase. The feeling that the game became more focused on monetization than gameplay contributed to this sentiment.
- Server Issues and Bugs: The launch of Overwatch 2 was plagued with server issues and bugs, further frustrating players who had been loyal to the franchise. This poor initial experience overshadowed the benefits they received.
Ultimately, the transition to Overwatch 2 was a complex and controversial one. While Overwatch 1 owners received certain benefits, the fundamental changes to the game’s structure and monetization strategy left some feeling dissatisfied. Understanding the nuances of the transition is key to appreciating the current state of Overwatch 2. This information can also be found on the Games Learning Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Overwatch 2 and its relationship to Overwatch 1:
1. Do I Have to Rebuy Overwatch for Overwatch 2?
No, you do not have to rebuy Overwatch for Overwatch 2. Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play game. However, the original Overwatch is no longer available for purchase. If you didn’t own Overwatch 1 before the release of Overwatch 2, you simply download and play Overwatch 2 for free.
2. Is Overwatch 2 Just Overwatch 1 With a New Coat of Paint?
No, Overwatch 2 is not simply Overwatch 1 with a fresh coat of paint, although it does build upon the foundation of its predecessor. It features significant changes, including a shift to a 5v5 team composition, new heroes, new maps, a battle pass system, and a focus on a PvE (Player vs Environment) experience (although this was scaled back from initial plans).
3. Is Overwatch 1 Shutting Down?
Yes, Overwatch 1’s servers have been taken offline and the game is officially dead. It was completely replaced by Overwatch 2.
4. Are They Deleting Overwatch 1?
Yes, Overwatch 1 was permanently replaced by Overwatch 2. The original game is no longer accessible. The game files are removed and replaced with the sequel’s files.
5. Will I Lose My Skins in Overwatch 2?
No, all of your skins and cosmetic items from Overwatch 1 were transferred to Overwatch 2. This was a key feature of the transition.
6. Can You Buy Overwatch 1 Skins in Overwatch 2?
Yes, the classic base skins from Overwatch 1 are available in Overwatch 2, even though many heroes have received updated designs. You can also acquire many of the event skins from Overwatch 1 through the in-game shop or other means.
7. What Happens If I Never Played Overwatch 1?
If you never played Overwatch 1, you can simply download and play Overwatch 2 for free. You’ll start with a limited pool of heroes and unlock more as you play. You can also purchase premium content, such as the battle pass, to accelerate your progression.
8. How Do You Unlock New Overwatch 2 Heroes?
New heroes in Overwatch 2 are typically unlocked through the battle pass system. You can either progress through the free track of the battle pass or purchase the premium track for faster unlocks. Older heroes are often unlocked by completing specific challenges.
9. Is Overwatch 2 Worth Playing?
Whether Overwatch 2 is worth playing is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Many players enjoy the game’s updated gameplay, new heroes, and evolving content. However, some players find the monetization system and grind to unlock new heroes to be frustrating. It is worth playing if you are new to the Overwatch Universe.
10. Is OW2 Worse Than OW1?
Whether Overwatch 2 is better or worse than Overwatch 1 is a matter of opinion. Overwatch 2 introduces some excellent quality-of-life improvements and new content, but some players miss the original game’s loot box system and overall feel.
11. Does Overwatch 2 Delete Overwatch 1?
Yes, Overwatch 2 removes the files of Overwatch 1 during the update process, effectively replacing the original game.
12. Why Is Overwatch 2 Free?
Overwatch 2 is free-to-play to lower the barrier of entry for new players and ensure a larger player base. This also allows Blizzard to continually update the game with new content and monetize it through cosmetic items and battle passes.
13. Is Overwatch 2 a Separate Install?
Overwatch 2 replaced Overwatch 1. If you owned the original game, it was available as an update. If you didn’t own the original game, you simply download Overwatch 2.
14. How to Download Overwatch 2 Free?
To download Overwatch 2 for free:
- Log into the Battle.net desktop app.
- Click the Overwatch 2 icon. If it’s missing, click on All Games and select the game from the list.
- Click Install.
15. Do I Get Anything Else for Owning Overwatch 1 Beyond What’s Already Been Mentioned?
Beyond the cosmetics transfer, the Founder’s Pack, and initial access to new heroes, Overwatch 1 owners did not receive any further permanent benefits in Overwatch 2. Any additional rewards or content would need to be earned through gameplay or purchased separately.