(*2*)Overwatch 2 is now simply Overwatch, with Blizzard lastly dropping the “2” it added to its hero shooter again in 2022.
(*2*)Blizzard’s shooter first launched in 2016, solely to endure a free-to-play transformation in 2022 that noticed a 2 added to the identify and a shift to a 5v5 format, alongside a visible refresh to its maps and heroes. Whereas cosmetics and unlocks from the unique Overwatch carried over to the “sequel,” Overwatch in any other case ceased to exist, changed by Overwatch 2.
(*2*)The identify change does not imply that Overwatch 2 is all of a sudden reverting again to the precise gameplay of the 2016 sport. As a substitute, it coincides with the launch of Overwatch 2026 Season 1 and what Blizzard is looking a brand new “story-driven period,”–one outlined by yearlong narratives. Overwatch’s yearlong story will final six seasons, with a brand new story arc starting in Season 1 of 2027.
(*2*)That yearlong story for 2026 is the Reign of Talon–one that shall be instructed each outdoors the sport within the type of cinematics, quick tales, and comics, but in addition represented greater than ever earlier than in-game. Maps shall be up to date to replicate story occasions, new voice traces and character interactions shall be added, in-game occasions will push the story ahead, and the addition of a “Narrative Viewer” will make it so gamers can extra simply comply with the story without having to go outdoors the sport.
(*2*)In an interview with GameSpot, Overwatch sport director Aaron Keller defined the group’s new story technique. He mentioned the group has at all times thought story in Overwatch was necessary, however based mostly on suggestions from gamers and the “lack of pleasure” for the sport’s short-lived story missions, the group determined to as an alternative put its vitality and assets into the core player-versus-player expertise. Now, Blizzard is having it each methods, delivering extra story and content material to gamers however in a manner that does not contain crafting story missions.
(*2*)”We will maintain pushing it ahead over the course of this yr and we will be utilizing all of these completely different avenues to do it, nevertheless it’s now not linked to us having to place collectively a really costly set of story missions that gamers weren’t actually enthusiastic about enjoying by anyway,” Keller mentioned.
(*2*)A identify change and a newfound give attention to story aren’t the one massive shifts for Overwatch in 2026. The sport may even obtain extra heroes within the subsequent 12 months than ever earlier than, with 5 extra heroes (together with Jetpack Cat) coming as a part of Season 1. A new hero will then be added every following season for the rest of 2026, for a complete of 10 new heroes this yr.