Decoding the Coinage of Combat: A Comprehensive Guide to Currency in Overwatch 2
So, you’re diving into the chaotic, vibrant world of Overwatch 2 (OW2) and wondering what all those symbols and numbers swirling around mean? In essence, the game uses a dual currency system, featuring Overwatch Coins and Credits. Overwatch Coins are the premium currency, used for most cosmetic items, and are primarily acquired through real-world purchases or by completing in-game challenges. Credits, on the other hand, are primarily used for purchasing legacy cosmetic items. Understanding the nuances of each currency is key to maximizing your enjoyment and personalization options within the game.
Understanding Overwatch Coins
Overwatch Coins are your primary ticket to unlocking the coolest cosmetics in OW2. They allow you to purchase a wide array of items, including skins, emotes, victory poses, sprays, and voice lines, along with unlocking Battle Pass tiers.
How to Obtain Overwatch Coins
- Purchasing: The most direct way to get Overwatch Coins is by buying them from the in-game store or the Battle.net shop using real money. Coin bundles come in varying sizes, allowing players to purchase the amount they need for specific items or the Battle Pass.
- Weekly Challenges: Diligent players can earn Overwatch Coins by completing weekly challenges. Each week, a set of 11 challenges is presented, offering a small but consistent stream of Coins upon completion.
- Microsoft Rewards: An alternative avenue for acquiring Coins is through Microsoft Rewards. By participating in the rewards program, players can accumulate points and redeem them for Overwatch Coins, providing a free-to-play friendly option.
Value of Overwatch Coins
As a general guide, 100 Overwatch Coins typically cost $1 USD. However, buying larger bundles of Coins often provides a slightly better value, offering more Coins per dollar spent. The Battle Pass, which unlocks a wealth of exclusive content, costs 1,000 Overwatch Coins, equivalent to $9.99 USD.
Deciphering Overwatch Credits
Credits, previously known as Legacy Credits, serve a more limited but still valuable purpose in Overwatch 2.
Purpose of Credits
Credits can only be used to purchase basic cosmetic items from the original Overwatch. This means you can snag classic skins, emotes, and other customization options for heroes that were available in the first game. However, newer items introduced specifically for Overwatch 2 are generally only purchasable with Overwatch Coins.
How to Obtain Credits
While they’re no longer a primary reward, Credits are sometimes awarded as rewards from the Battle Pass or from duplicate items. For players who’ve played the original Overwatch, accumulated Legacy Credits have carried over into Overwatch 2. Also, logging in during Season 7 granted players 3000 credits for free!
Other In-Game Currencies
While Overwatch Coins and Credits form the core of the game’s economy, it’s worth acknowledging the existence of other, more specialized currencies.
- Competitive Points: Awarded based on your performance in Competitive Play, these points can be redeemed for golden weapons, a prestigious cosmetic that showcases your skill. The higher your rank at the end of a season, the more Competitive Points you’ll receive.
- Overwatch League Tokens: These are specifically tied to the Overwatch League (OWL). You can acquire them by watching OWL matches live or by purchasing them directly. OWL Tokens are used to buy exclusive OWL skins for your favorite heroes, supporting your favorite teams in the process.
Navigating the Economy of Overwatch 2
Understanding the currencies and their uses is crucial for efficiently managing your resources and maximizing your cosmetic customization. Decide which items are most important to you and plan your spending accordingly. For some players, grinding weekly challenges to earn free Overwatch Coins might be the preferred approach. Others might opt to purchase Coins directly to immediately unlock desired skins or Battle Pass tiers.
Community and Learning
The community surrounding Overwatch is vast and full of resources for learning more and improving your gameplay. One such valuable resource is the Games Learning Society, an organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more about how games can be used for learning and development. Learning the ins and outs of OW2 currencies is just one aspect of mastering the game.
Overwatch 2 Currency FAQs
1. Can I earn Overwatch Coins without spending real money?
Yes, you can! The primary way to earn Overwatch Coins for free is by completing weekly challenges. Each week, a new set of challenges is available, rewarding you with Coins upon completion. Microsoft Rewards also presents an alternative.
2. What’s the difference between Overwatch Coins and Credits?
Overwatch Coins are the premium currency, used for purchasing most cosmetic items, including new skins, emotes, and Battle Pass tiers. Credits are primarily used for purchasing legacy cosmetic items from the original Overwatch.
3. How much does the Battle Pass cost in Overwatch Coins?
The premium Battle Pass typically costs 1,000 Overwatch Coins, which is equivalent to $9.99 USD.
4. How many Overwatch Coins can I earn per week from challenges?
By completing all weekly challenges, you can earn up to 60 Overwatch Coins per week.
5. What can I buy with Credits in Overwatch 2?
You can use Credits to purchase basic cosmetic items for heroes, such as skins, emotes, and voice lines that were available in the original Overwatch.
6. How do I check my Overwatch Coin and Credit balance?
Your current balance of Overwatch Coins and Credits is displayed in the in-game shop and in your profile under “currency”.
7. What are Competitive Points used for?
Competitive Points are earned by participating in Competitive Play. They can be redeemed for golden weapons, a cosmetic item that provides a unique visual flair to your heroes’ weapons.
8. How many Competitive Points do I get for reaching Gold rank?
At the end of a Competitive season, you’ll receive 600 Competitive Points if you finish at Gold rank. The amount varies based on your final rank.
9. What are Overwatch League Tokens, and how do I get them?
Overwatch League Tokens are a special currency used to purchase exclusive OWL skins. You can earn them by watching live Overwatch League matches (make sure your YouTube account is linked to your Battle.net account) or by purchasing them directly.
10. Why am I missing my Overwatch Coins or Credits?
If you’re experiencing issues with your currency balance, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Log out of the Overwatch 2 client and back in.
- On PC, log out of the Battle.net Desktop App and the Overwatch 2 client and then back in.
- Reset your account password.
- If the problem persists, contact Blizzard Support.
11. Can I transfer Overwatch Coins or Credits between accounts?
No, Overwatch Coins and Credits cannot be transferred between accounts.
12. Are Overwatch Coins region-locked?
Yes, Overwatch Coins are region-locked. This means that Coins purchased in one region cannot be used in another region.
13. What happens to my Overwatch Coins and Credits if I uninstall the game?
Your Overwatch Coins and Credits are tied to your Battle.net account, not your game installation. They will still be available when you reinstall the game and log back in.
14. Is the Noire Widowmaker skin still available?
The Noire Widowmaker skin is one of the rarest in the game because it was only available to those who pre-ordered the original Overwatch game back in 2016. The skin can no longer be obtained unless you buy an account online.
15. What happens to legacy credits?
They are automatically converted into the new currency (Overwatch coins), allowing you to still purchase items in the game.
Understanding the currency system in Overwatch 2 is crucial for navigating the game’s economy and maximizing your enjoyment. By earning Coins through weekly challenges, participating in Competitive Play, or even supporting the Overwatch League, you can unlock a wealth of cosmetic options and personalize your Overwatch 2 experience to your liking. Happy gaming!