Why Can’t I Unlock Skins in Overwatch 2? A Comprehensive Guide

Frustration mounts when you’re eager to personalize your hero in Overwatch 2 with a fresh new look, only to find yourself unable to unlock skins. The reasons behind this can be multifaceted, ranging from simple oversights to more complex account-related issues. Let’s break down the common culprits preventing you from acquiring those coveted cosmetics:

The primary reasons you might be unable to unlock skins in Overwatch 2 include:

• Account Merging Issues: If you’re in the process of merging accounts from different platforms, in-game purchases, including skins, might be temporarily disabled. This is to prevent conflicts and ensure a smooth transfer of your inventory.

• Parental Controls: The parental control feature might be active on your account, restricting in-game purchases. You’ll need to adjust these settings if you have the appropriate permissions.

• Regional Restrictions: Overwatch 2 in-game purchases are subject to regional restrictions. This means that your location might affect the availability of certain skins or purchasing options.

• Connected Accounts: Ensure your console and Battle.net accounts are properly connected. If not, head over to the connections page on the Battle.net website and link them. If already linked, try unlinking and relinking.

• Currency Confusion: Understand the different currencies within the game. Credits, earned in the original Overwatch, have limited use in Overwatch 2. Coins are now the primary currency for new and high-tier skins. Credits can’t be used to buy new or high-tier skins.

• Temporary Glitches: Sometimes, the game may experience temporary glitches. Restarting the game or logging out and back in might resolve the issue.

• Game Mode Restrictions: Changes meant to lock certain heroes out of specific game modes can unintentionally affect account access to items. Relaunching the game might fix this.

• Incomplete Game Downloads: Sometimes, game files can be corrupted or not completely installed. Reinstall the game completely.

• Battle Pass Requirements: Mythic skins are generally earned by progressing through the Premium Battle Pass, so you may need to unlock the battle pass and level through it to receive the mythic skins.

• Currency Balance: Always ensure you have enough coins to buy the skin you want.

• Shop Rotation: The Overwatch 2 item shop rotates its inventory regularly. The skin you want might not be currently available.

  By systematically checking these potential issues, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the skins you desire and customizing your Overwatch 2 experience. The Games Learning Society studies these gaming experiences, to better understand game design and player engagement. Find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unlocking Skins in Overwatch 2

  1. Why can’t I buy legendary skins with credits in Overwatch 2?

  In Overwatch 2, Credits (earned in the original Overwatch) have limited use. They cannot be used to purchase new or high-tier skins. The primary currency for these items is now Coins, which you can purchase or earn through gameplay.

  2. How do I fix Overwatch 2 characters being locked?

  If your characters are unexpectedly locked, it’s often due to a glitch. Try these steps:

• Close Overwatch 2 completely.

• Relaunch the game. This forces a relog-in.

• If the problem persists, keep restarting the game until it resolves.

  3. Will I be able to get old skins in OW2?

  Yes! Overwatch 2 allows you to obtain many old skins. Blizzard is working on making it easier to earn these skins through in-game activities and shop rotations. Players can also earn a legendary skin of their choice each season from the Hero Gallery.

  4. Is it too late to transfer Overwatch 1 skins to Overwatch 2?

  No, it’s not too late. All your existing skins and cosmetic items from the original Overwatch should carry over to Overwatch 2, provided your Battle.net account is properly linked.

  5. What are the rarest Overwatch skins, and can I still get them?

  Some of the rarest Overwatch skins include:

• Zarya’s Alien Skin

• Bastion’s BlizzCon Skin

• Winston’s BlizzCon Skin

• Widowmaker’s Noire Skin

• Mercy’s Pink Skin

  Most of these are no longer obtainable due to being exclusive event items or promotions.

  6. Do I have to pay for skins now in Overwatch 2?

  While you can purchase skins with Coins in Overwatch 2, you can also earn skins through gameplay. Each season, you can earn a legendary skin of your choice from the Hero Gallery just by playing normally.

  7. Can I unlock skins on Overwatch 2 without spending money?

  Yes, it is possible to unlock skins without spending money. Blizzard has stated that each season players can unlock a legendary skin of their choice by playing normally.

  8. Why are my Overwatch 2 skins not working, and how do I fix missing skins?

  This usually happens if your console and Battle.net accounts aren’t correctly linked. Go to your Battle.net connections page and ensure your accounts are linked. If they are, try unlinking and then linking them again.

  9. What skins can you not get anymore in Overwatch 2?

  Several skins are no longer obtainable, primarily due to being tied to limited-time events or promotions. Examples include the Pink Mercy skin, Zarya Alien, and BlizzCon skins.

  10. Is Pink Mercy returning to Overwatch 2?

  As of now, there are no confirmed plans to bring back the Pink Mercy skin.

  11. Can you still get Oni Genji in Overwatch 2?

  The Oni Genji skin, which was originally available through a promotional event, is no longer obtainable, particularly for Console play.

  12. What do old Overwatch players get in Overwatch 2?

  Previous Overwatch players retain all their skins and cosmetics and receive an exclusive Founder’s Pack containing epic skins and access to new heroes.

  13. Are heroes not free in Overwatch 2?

  No, new heroes in Overwatch 2 are available on the free track of the Battle Pass. You do not need to pay to unlock them, but grinding may be required.

  14. Why is everything locked in Overwatch 2 for new players?

  For new players that did not purchase the Watchpoint Pack, the only way to unlock the remaining heroes is to play the game! Players must complete around 150 games to eventually have every character from the original game unlocked.

  15. How much does it cost to unlock all Overwatch 2 characters?

  There is no monetary cost associated with unlocking the original Overwatch 1 characters. You will have to play 150 matches to unlock all Overwatch 1 heroes if you did not already have them.

  By addressing these common issues and consulting the FAQs, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot any problems preventing you from unlocking skins in Overwatch 2 and enhance your gaming experience. Explore gaming and learning at the Games Learning Society.