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Will Overwatch 1 Players Get Anything in Overwatch 2? A Veteran’s Perspective

Absolutely. Overwatch 1 players received a significant head start and lasting benefits when transitioning to Overwatch 2. Not only did they retain their hard-earned cosmetic collections, but they also received initial advantages and recognition for their past dedication. The shift to a free-to-play model in Overwatch 2 didn’t leave veteran players behind; instead, it offered them a platform to showcase their experience and collections.

The Legacy of Overwatch: What Carries Over?

The move from Overwatch to Overwatch 2 was one of the most anticipated, and sometimes controversial, events in recent gaming history. Many long-time players were concerned about what would happen to their accounts and progress. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits Overwatch 1 players received:

Cosmetics Carryover: This was the biggest relief for most. All skins, emotes, voice lines, player icons, and other cosmetic items unlocked in Overwatch 1 were transferred to Overwatch 2. This meant years of loot box grinding and event participation weren’t for naught.
Founder’s Pack: Blizzard provided a “Founder’s Pack” to players who owned Overwatch 1 before a specified date. This pack typically included:
- Two Epic skins
- An exclusive Founder’s Player Icon
- Early access to new heroes: Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko.
Immediate Hero Access: While new players face a hero unlocking system, Overwatch 1 veterans had immediate access to the original roster of heroes – including any they had previously unlocked. This provided a considerable advantage in competitive play, as they were already familiar with the mechanics and strategies of a wider range of characters.
Recognition: The Founder’s Player Icon served as a badge of honor, signifying a player’s long-standing commitment to the Overwatch franchise.

Understanding the Free-to-Play Model’s Impact

Overwatch 2’s shift to a free-to-play model brought about significant changes to hero acquisition. New players must unlock heroes through gameplay, typically by completing specific challenges or progressing through the Battle Pass. Overwatch 1 players avoided this grind, retaining access to their favorite characters from the start.

Overwatch 1 Shutdown: A Necessary Sacrifice?

While Overwatch 1 players retained their items and received some initial advantages, it’s vital to acknowledge that Overwatch 1 was shut down completely to make way for Overwatch 2. This meant that those hoping to stick with the original version of the game were out of luck. Blizzard cited technical reasons and the need for a unified player base as justification for this decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Overwatch 1 Veterans

These FAQs answer some key questions regarding the transition from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2.

Do I still get all my Overwatch 1 skins in Overwatch 2?

Yes, absolutely! As long as you merged your Battle.net account correctly, all your skins, voice lines, emotes, and other cosmetics from Overwatch 1 should be available in Overwatch 2. It’s essentially like transferring your wardrobe to a new home.

I missed the Founder’s Pack deadline. Am I completely out of luck?

Unfortunately, the official deadline for claiming the Founder’s Pack has passed. However, keep an eye on official Overwatch channels. Blizzard has occasionally offered similar rewards in subsequent seasons, though there’s no guarantee.

How do I merge my Overwatch accounts to ensure everything carries over?

Account merging is typically done through the Battle.net website or the Overwatch 2 game client. Ensure that all your console accounts are linked to the same Battle.net account. Note that you can only merge console and PC accounts – you can’t merge two PC accounts.

Do I have to pay for heroes in Overwatch 2 if I owned Overwatch 1?

If you owned Overwatch 1 and logged in before the end of Season 2, you should have received the Founder’s Pack, which granted you instant access to the new heroes at the time: Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko. Newer heroes released after Season 2 must be earned through the Battle Pass or purchased directly.

What happens if I didn’t merge my accounts before the Overwatch 2 launch?

It’s crucial to merge your accounts to retain your progress. If you missed the initial window, there might still be ways to merge your accounts. Contact Blizzard support as soon as possible for assistance with the account merging process.

Why is Kiriko locked in Competitive Play?

New heroes like Kiriko are often locked in Competitive Play for a period after their initial release. This allows players to familiarize themselves with the hero’s abilities and strategies before being introduced into the competitive environment.

Is there a difference between the free and paid Battle Passes in Overwatch 2?

Yes, there is a significant difference. The free Battle Pass offers a limited number of rewards, while the paid Battle Pass unlocks a wider range of cosmetics, including Mythic skins, and grants immediate access to the new hero for that season.

How much does the premium Battle Pass cost?

The premium Battle Pass typically costs 1,000 Overwatch Coins, which equates to roughly $10 USD.

Can I unlock heroes in Overwatch 2 without paying for the Battle Pass?

Yes, you can. Heroes can be unlocked through progression in the free Battle Pass track or by completing specific hero challenges. This means it takes time and effort to unlock them without spending money.

I seem to be missing some of my Overwatch 1 items in Overwatch 2. What should I do?

The first step is to ensure that you are logging into the correct Battle.net account. If you are, and the items are still missing, contact Blizzard support immediately. They can investigate your account and help restore any missing content.

What are Overwatch Coins used for?

Overwatch Coins are the in-game currency used to purchase premium Battle Passes, cosmetic items, and other content in the Overwatch 2 store.

Will Overwatch 1 ever come back?

Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that Overwatch 1 will ever return. Blizzard has committed to the Overwatch 2 model and focuses on developing content for the sequel.

Do professional Overwatch players get paid well?

Professional Overwatch players in the Overwatch League (OWL) can earn substantial salaries. The minimum player salary in the OWL is $50,700 per season, but top players can earn significantly more through salaries, sponsorships, and prize money. Operating a competitive team in the OWL is expensive, costing millions of dollars per season.

How long does it take for new players to unlock all the original Overwatch heroes?

New players may need to complete around 150 games to unlock all the original Overwatch heroes. This system is designed to gradually introduce new players to the roster without overwhelming them.

Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, particularly with a focus on games like Overwatch?

You can find excellent resources and insights into the educational benefits of gaming at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org promotes the innovative use of games in education.

Final Thoughts

While the transition from Overwatch to Overwatch 2 wasn’t without its controversies, veteran players received significant benefits for their loyalty and past contributions. The retention of cosmetic items and the Founder’s Pack provided a valuable head start, and their experience with the original heroes offered a competitive edge. The game continues to evolve, providing existing and new players with great experiences.

Will Overwatch 1 players get anything?