Does Overwatch 2 Have the Old Characters?
The highly-anticipated release of Overwatch 2 has finally arrived, and gamers are eager to dive back into the popular team-based shooter. The new sequel brings a raft of exciting new features and heroes to the table. But for fans of the original game, one questions remains paramount: does Overwatch 2 have the old characters?
Unlocking the Classics
For owners of the original Overwatch who transitioned to the sequel, there’s good news: your favorite heroes have remained largely unchanged. 75% of the original game’s hero roster is readily available in Overwatch 2. This means veterans of the original game have access to iconic characters such as:
• Hanamura, the skilled gunslinging agent
• Soldier: 76, the stalwart medic
• D Va, the mechanical genius roadhog
These heroes not only retained their abilities from the original game but were also balanced to fit harmoniously within the new title’s playstyle.
However, things become more interesting for players who didn’t own Overwatch 1: they only start with access to 15 heroes**. Don’t worry – you can still unlock your favorite characters from the past by progressing through the campaign and multiplayer modes. Speaking of campaign, the tutorial mode for new players acts as an introduction to familiar character abilities, helping you prepare for your first matches and the open beta.
New Players Get to Experience Veteran Heroes in Overwatch 2
| Hero | How to Unlock | Availability on Release |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Original Heroes, including but not limited | Campaign & Multiplayer play | Unlocked from Beginning |
| All 12 Additional Heroes (Baptiste, Wrecking Ball, etc.) | Progress Through Campaign & Battle Pass | Unlockable for New Players |
Orisa – The Young Hero
The latest addition to the roster is Orisa, a 11-year-old robot designed specifically for hero duties. Weighing in at about 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds, for her advanced artificial intelligence platform, she brings a breath of fresh air to new players looking to try someone new.
Orisa fills the Support role, dealing damage, healing allies and shielding team members. Utilizing her ultimate ability requires coordination between teammates, using her damage to weaken hostile heroes, before activating Protective Barrier for 5 teammates. You can learn all about her abilities and strategic applications from her dedicated [Overwatch Wiki page].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjKPbxEGp2E