Do OG Overwatch Players Get the Battle Pass for Free?
Since the release of Overwatch 2, one question that has been lingering on players’ minds is whether Overwatch 1 players, often referred to as OG Overwatch players, can claim the battle pass for free. In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide you with the answer.
Answer
No, OG Overwatch players do not get the battle pass for free. However, they can earn their own battle pass, with some limitations. To better understand this, let’s take a look at how it works.
Blizzard’s Policy
In June 2022, Blizzard announced that the first 35 heroes in the original Overwatch would be accessible to all players who link their accounts to Blizzard Entertainment’s Battle.net service. This means that all OW1 players, regardless of whether they previously played or not, will have access to the base heroes without any additional fees or passes.
On the other hand, battle passes in Overwatch 2 will only be available through in-game purchases. To clarify, OG Overwatch players cannot receive the battle pass for free, but they will be able to access all 35 base heroes and still play the original Overwatch, albeit with limitations in game modes and ranked play.
Other FAQs Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions related to battle passes and OG Overwatch players:
- Are OW1 heroes considered the base heroes? Yes, they are. The base heroes refer to the first 35 heroes in Overwatch.
- Can OW1 players earn the battle pass through gameplay? No, they cannot earn the battle pass through gameplay or playtime. Blizzard’s policy explicitly states that the battle pass will be available only through in-game purchases.
- Will OW1 players still be able to access base heroes? Yes, OW1 players will have access to the 35 base heroes, without additional fees or passes.
- Are there any advantages or rewards for OW1 players who purchase the battle pass? No, OW1 players will not receive any additional rewards or benefits if they purchase the battle pass.
Other Consequences
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- OW1 players will still have limited access to new content in Overwatch 2: Limited access means OW1 players will not have the ability to play the newer hero, Kiriko, in the original game or other game modes in OW2.
- Limited accessibility to ranked play in OW2: While OW1 players can access all base heroes, they will not be able to play ranked matches with their chosen hero roster, due to game mode restrictions in Overwatch 2.
- Availability of OW2 exclusive events and modes: Some game modes and exclusive events might not be available to OG Overwatch players who purchase the battle pass or through free play.
In summary, OG Overwatch players cannot get the battle pass for free, but they can access the base heroes in both games. Any in-game purchases, such as battle passes, are necessary for full access to newer game modes, exclusive events, and the hero, Kiriko. For full gameplay experience, consider upgrading to Overwatch 2 with a battle pass.