Many successful multiplayer games have adopted free-to-play models. While you can play these titles without putting any money up, there is always some form of microtransaction that is trying to be pushed your way. Most free-to-play games on a console or PC include loot boxes filled with cosmetics. The first Overwatch never had this model but still sold loot boxes. With that in mind, will Overwatch 2 be going free-to-play?
Is Overwatch 2 free-to-play?
Overwatch 2 will launch as a free-to-play title when the PvP becomes publicly available on October 4. This is a pretty significant shift for Overwatch which, as mentioned above, was a game that required you to purchase it to play. All post-launch content was free, but getting into the game will cost you upfront.
Since the first game released in 2016, free-to-play games have become quite expected. It’s a great way to make sure as many people as possible are playing with a usual battle pass system that keeps people coming back. We are pretty sure the past events in Overwatch will be returning, but we know that alongside the free-to-play change that Blizzard is abandoning the loot boxes from the first game.
Related: Is Overwatch 2 a full sequel, and will it be a separate purchase?
Overwatch 2 going free-to-play is a welcome change in our opinion. As stated above, this will allow the most people possible to play at all times. This is more of a standard for shooters nowadays, so we are glad that we don’t have to pony up more money to play the PvP later this year. As of this writing, we are unsure if the PvE section of the game releasing in 2023 will be free as well, but would be surprised if it is.
