Some Overwatch Fans Are Thrilled Loot Boxes Are Coming Again, Some Not So Much

That stated, loot bins have additionally been a historic level of competition within the business. Studies known as them manipulative and exploitative, and a few gamers discovered them — alongside related microtransactons like gacha — addictive. As lately as final month, these types of microtransactions have been eliciting fines. Overwatch itself ditched the mannequin years in the past, shifting to a free-to-play, battle pass-driven mannequin.

To these factors, it is not stunning that the return of Overwatch’s loot bins will look a bit totally different from its earlier iteration. For one, loot bins are a free providing; Blizzard confirmed to IGN that you would be able to purchase loot bins via free means, just like the battle move’ free observe or weekly rewards, however you will not have the ability to purchase them straight. Secondly, there are some comparatively useful mechanics for getting bins and discovering what you need. Recreation director Aaron Keller confirmed in an interview with Overwatch content creator Emongg that duplicate drops might be re-rolled, and different venues for bins (like Discord and Twitch promos) will likely be obtainable. Plus, it sounds just like the staff is dipping into previous Overwatch cosmetics for field fodder, even including issues that are not obtainable within the present store.

So with all that laid out, how is the Overwatch neighborhood responding to the return of loot bins? Properly, that is somewhat sophisticated. A celebratory put up on the Overwatch X/Twitter account, under, has a mixture of enthusiasm and jabs within the replies.

LOOT BOXES. ARE. BACK.

Accessible in each the Battle Move and weekly rewards, see what surprises are ready for you when Loot Boxes make their official return in Season 15 pic.twitter.com/BGZmIlii5d

— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) February 12, 2025

Some streamers showed genuine excitement on the return of loot bins, and when you head over to the Overwatch subreddit, you will additionally find some threads the place gamers are completely happy to see loot bins again. The sentiment is essentially carried by this being a free choice for development. Plus, for my part, nostalgia is an element. The animations and tangible pressure, hoping for a legendary drop, all rekindles a few of Overwatch 1’s unique vibes.

Nonetheless, there are criticisms of loot field’s return. With all of the aforementioned fines and tales round microtransactions, the tone round loot bins has shifted fairly a bit since Overwatch launched in 2016. And although these bins are free to stack up over time, there are plenty outside Overwatch-affiliated spaces who’re sceptical about their return.

I do assume this highlights one other attention-grabbing critique. Overwatch bringing again loot bins, mixed with ongoing 6v6 experiments, the brand new Perk mechanics, incoming Stadium mode, and extra all paint an image of a studio attempting to drastically overhaul its recreation. The truth that loot bins appear to be resonating most with the Overwatch followers, each present gamers and people who have moved onto different video games, lends some credence to it. Bringing again loot bins as a free providing and doling out previous cosmetics via it appears like a powerful play for nostalgia, a return to an older, “traditional” type of Overwatch.

One factor’s for positive: Blizzard definitely looks like it is attempting to choose up momentum in 2025. Alongside the heroes, cosmetics, and maps you’d anticipate from a live-service shooter, Perks appear set to dramatically shift the play house, and Stadium may go even additional. We’ll see how all that, loot bins included, pans out for Overwatch 2 when Season 15 goes reside on February 18.

Eric is a contract author for IGN.