Blizzard explains how Overwatch 2 battle pass hero unlocks will work

destructoid.com:

Blizzard is stepping in to clarify exactly how battle pass unlocks will work for the heroes of Overwatch 2.

After leaks of its model for the upcoming free-to-play multiplayer evolution of Overwatch got out, the studio is now detailing exactly how players will unlock heroes in the new game.

Overwatch 2 heads into free-to-play multiplayer on October 4. And as the game shifts into a seasonal content model, hero unlocks will also be part of the Battle Pass.

Loot boxes are going away, being replaced by an in-game shop and a virtual currency, Overwatch Coins. The shop will offer “featured cosmetic items every week” for all players. Season one will follow a cyberpunk theme, and other seasons will have their own themes as well.

Access to the Battle Pass will be free for everyone. And like other seasonal pass models, Overwatch 2 will offer a premium track as well.

Heroes will debut in new seasons, as part of the Battle Pass, starting in Season 1 with newcomer support Kiriko. In general, heroes will debut at Tier 55 of the 80-tier Battle Pass for free users. Premium Pass purchasers, meanwhile, unlock that season’s hero immediately upon purchase. The premium pass will go for $10, or 1000 Overwatch Coins.

In the case of Kiriko, specifically, Overwatch 1 owners will get access to her automatically, as Blizzard is giving a free premium pass for Season 1 to Overwatch 1 owners. A new hero will arrive in Season 2, and after that, Blizzard plans to launch a new hero in Season 4 and Season 6.

There will be ways to earn heroes introduced in earlier seasons, if players miss the season they’re included in or don’t reach the level they need. Special challenges will be made available, or they can be directly purchased from the shop with