Overwatch 2’s director, Aaron Keller, has recently addressed the reintroduction of loot boxes, a feature that was once one of the most controversial aspects of the original Overwatch. When Overwatch 2 launched, Blizzard removed loot boxes in favor of the battle pass system, but after extensive feedback and internal discussions, the team has decided to bring them back in a revised form.
Loot Boxes Are Back—But With Changes
Unlike their previous iteration, loot boxes in Overwatch 2 will not be available for direct purchase. Instead, players can earn them through various in-game activities, including the free and premium battle passes, weekly missions, and special events. Additionally, the developers are reviving the weekly tracker system, rewarding players with loot boxes simply for playing matches.
Keller explained in an interview with PCGamesN that the primary reason for this decision was the feeling that Overwatch 2 was “not rewarding enough,” particularly for free-to-play players. By reintroducing loot boxes as a progression-based reward rather than a paid mechanic, the development team hopes to make time spent in Overwatch 2 feel more valuable. Keller also stated that the team is excited about this change, as it allows them to be “pretty generous” in distributing rewards.
How Loot Boxes Will Work in Overwatch 2
The loot box system in Overwatch 2 will function differently from its predecessor. Instead of exclusive or paywalled content, most cosmetics available in the in-game store will also be included in loot boxes. However, there will be a delay—items that appear in the store will only enter loot boxes a season later. This shift aims to maintain the integrity of the shop while still providing players an additional way to earn cosmetics through gameplay.
New Game Modes, Heroes, and Features
Beyond the return of loot boxes, Overwatch 2 has announced several major updates. A new Stadium mode has been revealed, adding a fresh gameplay experience to the mix. The game will also introduce two new heroes this year, starting with Freja, a Danish DPS set to arrive in Season 16.
Other upcoming changes include the long-requested map voting and hero banning system, allowing players to have more control over their match experiences. Additionally, Blizzard is introducing a perk system, providing players with new abilities they can equip to customize their gameplay.
While the reintroduction of loot boxes is bound to be a divisive topic within the Overwatch community, Blizzard appears committed to ensuring the system serves as an enhancement to player rewards rather than a monetization scheme. Time will tell how players react to this return, but with multiple new features on the horizon, Overwatch 2 is shaping up for an eventful year.
