Overwatch 1 Achievements in Overwatch 2: The Definitive Guide
The burning question on every Overwatch veteran’s mind: Will my hard-earned achievements from Overwatch 1 transfer to Overwatch 2? The short answer is: It’s complicated, but mostly yes, with a few caveats. While you won’t automatically unlock every single achievement the moment you log into Overwatch 2, the underlying progress does carry over, potentially unlocking achievements that have corresponding requirements in the new game. The system intelligently detects your previous accomplishments, giving you a head start. Think of it like this: your legacy will persist, but you might need to re-prove yourself in some areas.
Achievement Transfers: The Nuances Explained
The transfer of achievements isn’t a straightforward 1:1 process. Blizzard implemented a system that recognizes your past accomplishments and attempts to grant you achievements in Overwatch 2 accordingly. This means that if Overwatch 2 has achievements identical to Overwatch 1, and you’ve already fulfilled the requirements in the original game, there’s a high chance they will auto-unlock upon launching Overwatch 2.
However, not all achievements are created equal. Some achievements are tied to specific game mechanics or modes that have been altered or removed in Overwatch 2. These achievements may not have direct equivalents in the new game, meaning they won’t automatically unlock. You might have to re-earn them if Blizzard decides to bring back the original condition in new ways.
Moreover, platform achievements and trophies (like those on PlayStation or Xbox) work differently. While your progress is generally tied to your Battle.net account, the actual platform-specific achievements might need to be earned again based on how those platforms handle achievement syncing with updated games.
The Prestige System: A Fresh Start
Overwatch 2 introduced a new prestige system to add a new layer of progression beyond the initial leveling system. This allows players to show off their dedication to specific heroes. While not directly related to classic achievements, the prestige system does add a new long-term goal to pursue, effectively supplementing the existing achievement framework.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Overwatch 1 achievements and their relationship to Overwatch 2, providing even more clarity on this topic:
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Will all my Overwatch 1 skins and cosmetics transfer to Overwatch 2? Yes! All your skins, emotes, sprays, and other cosmetic items from Overwatch 1 transfer to Overwatch 2 as long as you merge your accounts correctly. This is one of the biggest incentives for veterans to jump into the new game.
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What if I didn’t merge my accounts before the cutoff date? Can I still do it? While there was an initial period where account merging was heavily emphasized, Blizzard has generally allowed players to merge accounts even after the initial launch window. Check the official Overwatch 2 support pages for the most up-to-date instructions on merging your accounts.
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I played Overwatch 1 on multiple platforms. How does account merging work? You can merge one account per platform (e.g., one Xbox account, one PlayStation account, one Nintendo Switch account) into a single Battle.net account. This consolidates all your progress and cosmetics into one unified profile.
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Why are some of my achievements not unlocking even though I know I completed them in Overwatch 1? As mentioned before, the transfer isn’t always perfect. Some achievements may be bugged, tied to removed game modes, or require slightly different conditions to unlock in Overwatch 2. Check community forums and official Blizzard support channels for known issues and potential fixes.
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Will I be able to earn new achievements in Overwatch 2? Absolutely! Overwatch 2 features a brand new set of achievements alongside the legacy achievements that might auto-unlock. This gives you plenty of fresh goals to pursue and new challenges to overcome.
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What happens to my Overwatch 1 competitive rank? Overwatch 2 implemented a revised competitive system. Your initial rank in Overwatch 2 is influenced by your previous Overwatch 1 rank, but placement matches are still required to determine your starting point in the new competitive landscape. Ranks are now also updated every 5 wins or 15 losses.
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Are Overwatch League tokens transferring between the games? Yes, your Overwatch League tokens should transfer seamlessly between Overwatch 1 and Overwatch 2, as they are tied to your Battle.net account. You can use these tokens to purchase exclusive Overwatch League skins.
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Will Overwatch 1 credits be usable in Overwatch 2? Yes, Overwatch 1 credits do transfer to Overwatch 2. However, they have limited use. The “new virtual currency” is the main currency, and there are items in Overwatch 2 that can’t be purchased with Overwatch 1 credits.
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Can I still buy Overwatch 1 skins in Overwatch 2? Yes, Blizzard has made many Overwatch 1 skins available for purchase in the Hero Gallery in Overwatch 2. Some skins are also periodically available through the in-game shop.
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What’s the deal with the Founder’s Pack for Overwatch 1 owners? Existing Overwatch 1 owners received the Founder’s Pack as a thank-you for their early support. This pack included some exclusive skins and other cosmetic items. The rewards were given prior to Overwatch 2’s launch.
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Is Overwatch 2 truly free-to-play? Yes, Overwatch 2’s PvP mode is free-to-play. This means anyone can download and play the core game without paying anything. However, cosmetic items and access to certain heroes may require purchase or grinding through the battle pass.
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Why did Blizzard shut down Overwatch 1? Blizzard shut down Overwatch 1 to fully transition to Overwatch 2. They believed that having two separate games would split the player base and create unnecessary development overhead.
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Is there going to be an Overwatch 3? While there’s no officially confirmed Overwatch 3 at this time, the industry never rules anything out! The “Overwatch 3” claims was a jab at some controversial decisions made over Overwatch 2. For now, Blizzard is focused on supporting and expanding Overwatch 2.
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Why am I missing skins after merging my accounts? Double-check that you’ve merged the correct accounts. Sometimes players accidentally merge the wrong Battle.net accounts, leading to missing items. Also, ensure that your console accounts are properly linked to your Battle.net account. Contact Blizzard support if the problem persists.
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Are there any skins that will never come back to Overwatch 2? The Pink Mercy skin is considered the single skin that Blizzard will never bring back. It was a charity skin.
The Enduring Legacy of Overwatch
The move from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2 was a significant shift for the franchise. While some aspects of the transition, such as achievement transfers, have been less than perfectly smooth, the core experience of Overwatch remains. The good news is that the legacy of Overwatch 1 lives on through your cosmetic items and, to a large extent, your achievements. The changes implemented in Overwatch 2, such as the switch to free-to-play and the introduction of a battle pass, are aimed at broadening the game’s appeal and ensuring its long-term viability.
The world could always use more heroes, and now even more people can jump into the action! And, of course, the lessons learned through gaming can have a real impact on education and learning. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games are revolutionizing education. Games Learning Society explores how to create meaningful, engaging and useful learning environments.
Ultimately, while not every single achievement might pop the moment you log in, the spirit of your Overwatch 1 accomplishments lives on in Overwatch 2, ready to be rekindled and celebrated.