Opinion Piece from Jess, THR1LL:
For years, I couldn’t stand Overwatch. It was a game that frustrated me to no end, from its lack of meaningful progression to its restrictive map pool and the intense fear of missing out (FOMO) tied to its cosmetic rewards. But recently, I’ve had a change of heart. After giving Overwatch 2 a fair shot, I found myself not only playing it but genuinely enjoying it. So, what changed? Blizzard addressed some of my biggest gripes and introduced new features that have reinvigorated the game for me. Here’s why Overwatch 2 has won me over.
Addressing Old Frustrations
One of my biggest issues with the original Overwatch was the lack of progression outside of ranked modes and the battle pass. It felt like there was little reward for investing time in the game unless you were grinding competitive ranks. Overwatch 2 tackles this with individual hero level tracks, which range from level 1 to an impressive 1,000. These tracks offer rewards like hero icons, loot boxes, name cards, and cosmetic items tied to specific heroes. The addition of an intensifying border around your character’s HUD icon—starting with a basic design and evolving into striking blue, purple, and gold variants at levels 20, 40, and 60, respectively—adds a satisfying visual flair. This system lets players showcase their dedication to their favorite heroes, and it’s a small but meaningful touch that makes every match feel rewarding. In the lobby, your top three most-played heroes are displayed, giving teammates insight into your strengths, whether it’s hit-scan or projectile DPS. For someone like me, who thrives on visible progression, this feature is a game-changer.
Another longstanding issue was the map pool. In the original game, certain maps were tied to modes I didn’t enjoy, leaving me with the choice of enduring a frustrating match or leaving the queue entirely. Overwatch 2 introduces a map voting system, which gives players some control over the modes they play. While it’s not perfect—sometimes the most-voted map inexplicably doesn’t get selected, and solo players have less sway without a premade group—this quality-of-life feature is a step in the right direction. It’s refreshing to have a say in the game’s flow, even if the system could use some fine-tuning.
Finally, the FOMO surrounding mythic skins used to drive me up the wall. In the past, these exclusive cosmetics were locked behind time-limited battle passes, creating an unhealthy pressure to grind. Now, Overwatch 2 allows players to purchase and upgrade mythic skins in the shop using a new currency earned through the battle pass or direct purchase. While some veteran players might miss the exclusivity, this change makes the game more accessible and less stressful. It’s a win for the community, reducing toxicity and letting players enjoy the game on their terms.
New Features That Shine
Beyond fixing old problems, Overwatch 2 introduces new content that has significantly boosted my enjoyment. The new PvE missions, while not living up to the grand campaign promised at the game’s announcement, are still a decent addition. I’ve only played one of the three missions in the Invasion pack, but I found its boss fights and dynamic objectives engaging. Though it’s not the full-fledged story mode some hoped for, it’s a fun diversion that adds variety to the game. I’ll reserve final judgment until I’ve played the remaining missions, but so far, it’s a solid, if underwhelming, addition.
The new perk system, however, is a revelation. It adds layers of player expression that make every match feel fresh. Perks can range from minor tweaks to completely overhauling a hero’s abilities. For example, as a Soldier 76 main, I love the option at level three to swap his healing field for a stim that boosts attack speed and heals 30 HP per second for five seconds. This kind of customization lets two players approach the same hero in entirely different ways, adding depth and replayability. While veteran players might find this system gimmicky, it’s made the game infinitely more enjoyable for me.
The standout addition, though, is the Stadium mode. I know it’s divisive—many in the Overwatch community aren’t fans—but I love its MOBA-like progression. Building your hero’s power round by round feels fresh and exciting in a game like this. The best-of-five rounds format, combined with the immersive aesthetics of a roaring crowd and dynamic announcer, creates a thrilling atmosphere. Yes, it can be chaotic and overstimulating at times, especially with team communication layered on top, but that energy is part of its charm. While I still prefer the classic 5v5 format for its familiarity, Stadium’s fast-paced, high-stakes gameplay is my favorite new addition.
A Game Transformed
Overwatch 2 isn’t perfect, but it’s come a long way from the game I once loathed. By addressing core issues like progression, map choice, and FOMO, Blizzard has made the game more player-friendly. The new hero level tracks, map voting system, and reworked mythic skin economy show a commitment to quality-of-life improvements. Meanwhile, additions like PvE missions, the perk system, and Stadium mode inject fresh ideas into the formula, even if they don’t always hit the mark perfectly.
For anyone who, like me, wrote off Overwatch in the past, I’d urge you to give Overwatch 2 a chance. It’s not just a sequel—it’s a redemption story. The game has evolved into something that respects players’ time and offers new ways to enjoy its fast-paced, team-based action. I’m not saying it’s flawless, but it’s won me over, and that’s no small feat.
