Did you know, Overwatch 2 is more than just a sequel in its name? The second installment represents a significant evolution of Blizzard’s hero shooter, and while the core gameplay remains pretty similar, several fundamental changes set it apart from its previous version.
In this article, we’ll walk through all the significant changes, and if you’re looking to take things further, you can get Overwatch coaching here or read some of our Overwatch 2 guides to brush up on your skills and adapt to the new game.
Key Differences Between Overwatch 1 & 2
Team Structure: 6v6 to 5v5
The most impactful change is the shift from 6v6 matches to 5v5. Each team now consists of one tank, two damage, and two support heroes, eliminating the off-tank role entirely. This adjustment was designed to reduce queue times, streamline team play, and make matches feel faster and more dynamic. Tanks in Overwatch 2 are also more powerful to compensate for their solo role, making the overall pace of the game noticeably quicker.
Gameplay and Hero Balance
Overwatch 2 features substantial hero reworks and balance changes. Many crowd control and stun abilities have been reduced or removed, making gameplay less frustrating and more fluid. For example, Cassidy’s flashbang and Mei’s freeze have been removed or altered, and tanks have been rebalanced to feel more impactful as solo frontliners.
New Content: Heroes, Maps, and Modes
Overwatch 2 introduces new heroes, such as Sojourn and Junker Queen, alongside new maps and the innovative Push game mode. Push replaces the Assault (2CP) mode, which was often criticized for leading to stalemates, whereas maps from the original game return with visual updates, including changes in lighting and time of day.
Visual and Audio Upgrades
The sequel brings a refreshed presentation, with updated hero models, sharper textures, improved lighting, and enhanced sound design. The user interface (UI) has also been revamped, offering a cleaner look, a more detailed scoreboard, and a new ping system for better team communication.
Monetization and Progression
Overwatch 2 has fully adopted a free-to-play model, moving away from the premium, one-time purchase of Overwatch 1. The loot box system has been replaced by a seasonal battle pass, which rewards players with cosmetics, new heroes, and other items through consistent play. This change has made the game more accessible but has also drawn criticism for its more aggressive monetization.
Content Updates and Support
The pace of content updates has increased. Overwatch 2 receives new heroes, maps, and game modes more regularly, with balance patches arriving monthly rather than quarterly. This ensures a fresher experience but has also led to debates about the quality and impact of some updates.
PvE and Story Content
One of the original promises for Overwatch 2 was a robust PvE (Player vs. Environment) experience, featuring a story campaign. While some limited PvE content has been released, the whole campaign and hero missions have been scaled back significantly, disappointing many fans who expected a more substantial single-player or co-op experience.
Legacy and Access
Overwatch 1 is no longer playable; Overwatch 2 has completely replaced it. All players have transitioned to the new game, which incorporates and builds upon the original’s content, maps, and heroes.
Comparison Table: Overwatch 1 vs Overwatch 2
| Feature | Overwatch 1 | Overwatch 2 |
| Team Size | 6v6 | 5v5 |
| Tank Role | Two tanks per team | One tank per team |
| Monetization | Paid, loot boxes | Free-to-play, battle pass |
| PvE Content | Absent | Limited, scaled back |
| New Heroes/Maps | Periodic updates | Regular seasonal updates |
| Game Modes | Escort, Hybrid, Assault, Control | Escort, Hybrid, Control, Push (Assault removed) |
| Visual/Audio Updates | Original models/textures | Enhanced models, lighting, sound |
| UI and Scoreboard | Basic | Revamped, more detailed |
| Crowd Control | More prevalent | Reduced |
| Hero Reworks | Occasional | Frequent and ongoing |
Summary
Overwatch 2 is a substantial overhaul of the original, with a new team structure, faster gameplay, updated visuals, and a shift to a free-to-play model. It introduces new heroes, maps, and modes while removing some legacy features. While the core hero shooter experience remains intact, the changes have sparked ongoing debates within the community about balance, monetization, and the franchise’s direction.
