Blizzard’s Decision to Provide Instant Hero Access Ruffles Feathers
In a significant shift towards a more inclusive gameplay experience, Overwatch 2 is making all new heroes accessible to every player right from the start, irrespective of their payment status. While this move is celebrated as a win for free-to-play gamers, it comes with a bitter pill for those who invested in unlocking heroes through paid battle passes.
Previously, players could obtain heroes by either grinding through the free battle pass tiers or opting for the Premium Battle Pass for quicker access. However, starting from Season 10, all heroes, both new and existing, will be instantly available to everyone. This leveling of the playing field ensures that paying players no longer enjoy a competitive advantage over their free-to-play counterparts.
While the decision brings greater parity to the player base, it leaves a sour taste for those who invested in the Premium Battle Passes. Blizzard’s stance on compensating these players for their past expenditure on a now outdated distribution model adds to the disappointment. Although the Premium Battle Pass offered additional cosmetics and rewards beyond hero access, its appeal was significantly tied to the promise of early hero unlocks.
As Overwatch 2 moves towards a more equitable hero distribution system, the upcoming changes will reshape the landscape of the game, with Season 10 marking the beginning of this new era. With Venture poised to be the first hero distributed to all players immediately, the community braces for a shift in dynamics as Overwatch 2 enters this new phase of accessibility and fairness.