What Did Old Overwatch Players Get?
When Blizzard released Overwatch 2, fans were excited to jump back into the world of Overwatch, wondering what they could expect. Old Overwatch players were eager to see what benefits they would receive, given their dedication to the game. In this article, we’ll dive into what old Overwatch players got and what changes to expect in Overwatch 2.
Automatic Access to New Heroes
One of the most significant benefits for old Overwatch players is automatic access to the three new heroes – Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko – when they first boot up Overwatch 2. This means that players who already own the original Overwatch won’t need to unlock Kiriko through the battle pass, unlike new players.
Retention of Skins and Cosmetics
Old Overwatch players will retain all their skins and cosmetics, including every hero skin, epic and legendary skins, and cosmetic items they previously earned. This is a huge perk for dedicated players who have spent hours and credits collecting their favorite skins and cosmetics.
Preservation of All Heroes
A notable point is that old Overwatch players won’t need to unlock every hero; their access to all heroes from the original game is retained. This means that they won’t need to complete challenges or earn points to unlock favorite heroes.
Changes to MMR
In Overwatch 2, Blizzard changed the matchmaking rating (MMR) system. The placement system now only reviews a player’s skill level after five wins or 15 losses, instead of reviewing every single game. This change helps to reduce the impact of solo queuing and ensures that players are matched fairly.
Rank Adjustment
As mentioned earlier, the MMR system adjusts a player’s rank after they play a certain number of games. Blizzard may lower a player’s rank if they don’t play Overwatch 2 for a while. This adjustment is aimed at helping players quickly return to the right skill tier division when they resume playing.
Battle Pass Progression
The battle pass in Overwatch 2 works differently for old and new players. Old Overwatch players will have a base battle pass level, which can be upgraded and leveled up. New players, on the other hand, must earn their battle pass progression. This means that old Overwatch players will have a head start on accumulating rewards and leveling up their battle pass.
Comparison of MMR for Old and New Players
Here is a table comparing the MMR for old and new players:
| Category | Old Overwatch Players | New Overwatch Players |
|---|---|---|
| MMR Review | Reviews skill level after 5 wins or 15 losses | Reviews skill level after every single game |
| Rank Adjustment | Adjusts rank after 5 wins or 15 losses | Adjusts rank after every single game |
Conclusion
Old Overwatch players have a lot to look forward to in Overwatch 2. Automatic access to new heroes, retention of skins and cosmetics, preservation of all heroes, and changes to MMR and rank adjustment all make the transition to the new game smooth and rewarding. While new players have a battle pass to work through, old Overwatch players can enjoy a faster progression and a better matchmaking experience.