How does Overwatch 2 battle pass work?

The battle pass will have a free and a paid option.

Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Now that the release of Overwatch 2 is imminent, players know a significant amount of details about its brand-new battle pass. Thanks to developer Blizzard Entertainment, we have official details about what the Overwatch 2 battle pass looks like and what it will include. Through the battle pass, players can unlock a huge variety of cosmetics and equipables, including skins, voice lines, souvenirs, emotes, highlight intros, and more.

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Perhaps most importantly, the game’s new heroes will be unlocked as part of the battle pass. A screengrab shared on a Blizzard blog post shows new hero Kiriko behind tier 55 in the free battle pass. This is exactly what players feared when information about the battle pass first leaked, and although the developers explained their reasoning behind the decision, some players still aren’t happy.

If you have questions, you’ve come to the right place: we’ve detailed everything you need to know about how Overwatch 2‘s battle pass works.

Overwatch 2 season one battle pass explained

Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Season one’s free battle pass has 20 tiers in it that will reward players with two Epic skins, one weapon charm, two Souvenirs, one Highlight Intro, Prestige Tier Titles, and more. No purchase is required for players to access this track of the battle pass. Kiriko can be earned on tier 55 of the free battle pass.

The premium battle pass includes 80 tiers of rewards, including the game’s first Mythic-tier skin—Cyber Demon Genji—and many other cosmetic items. The premium track also includes instant access to Kiriko upon purchase instead of needing to earn her.

There are over 60 cosmetic items for players to unlock through the premium tier, including five new Legendary skins, one Epic skin, and the Mythic skin. The Mythic skin is customizable and allows players to layer color schemes and patterns as part of Genji’s Cyber Demon look. One new Mythic skin will be available in the premium battle pass each season.

How much does the Overwatch 2 battle pass cost?

There is a new currency in Overwatch 2 called Overwatch coins, and the battle pass will cost 1,000 of them, which is equivalent to $10. Overwatch coins can be purchased from the in-game shop or earned by completing weekly challenges. Those who purchased the Watchpoint Pack will automatically have access to season one’s premium battle pass.

Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Players who choose the free battle pass but change their minds later can purchase the premium track at any time. If they choose to do so, all of the rewards that would have been earned up until the tier the player is currently at will be awarded at the time of purchase.

How Overwatch 2 battle pass progression will work

Overwatch 2’s progression for the battle pass will work the same way it does in other games. Players will progress the battle pass simply by playing the game and earning XP for matches. Completing daily and weekly challenges will allow players to move through the battle pass faster with extra XP. Players who group up will also get an extra 20 percent boost to experience on match XP.

Overwatch 2 launches on Oct. 4.

Author
Image of Jessica Scharnagle
Jessica Scharnagle
Jessica has been an esports and gaming journalist for just over five years. She also teaches esports journalism at Rowan University. Follow her for all things gaming, @JessScharnagle on Twitter.
Author
Image of Emily Morrow
Emily Morrow
Emily is a staff writer covering Apex Legends, Overwatch, Pokemon, and general gaming for Dot Esports. Her other bylines include Digital Trends, Screen Rant, and GameSpew. She also works as a narrative designer in games. Get in touch with her on Twitter @thepokeflute.