Overwatch 2: Synthesize information about the game, with gameplay videos

At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard finally announced Overwatch 2. The sequel to the multiplayer shooter was introduced with a lengthy cinematic trailer, suggesting that the game will focus on the story.

After weeks of speculation, everything has been confirmed. Overwatch 2 will launch on PC and current-gen consoles, but there’s no word on a release date or version for next-gen consoles.

Here’s a roundup of all the information we got about Overwatch at BlizzCon 2019.

OVERWATCH 2 WILL HAVE A NEW PVE MODE

One of the big rumors surrounding Overwatch is the new PvE mode. In the Overwatch 2 gameplay trailer below, a co-op PvE story mode has been confirmed. Players will face off against the Omnic army. Omnic Invasion (the Omnic invasion) is the premise for the plot of Overwatch 2.

Story missions can be played in co-op. These quests let players choose a character and level up as they progress through the game, thereby learning new skills and moves in Overwatch 2. This new leveling system was introduced a bit in the trailer and is quite similar. with Blizzard’s Heroes of the Storm. It seems that players will have to choose one of two skills each time a certain level is reached.

It’s currently unclear which heroes will be playable in PvE. Also, it has not been confirmed yet if the skill sets in PvE will be carried over to multiplayer.

SOJOURN CONFIRMED AS THE LATEST HERO

Sojourn is the newest hero to join the Overwatch family. Blizzard hasn’t said when the character will be released, but she looks pretty cool. For Overwatch fans who aren’t interested in this single-player mode, you don’t have to worry about paying $60 to play Sojourn. Blizzard has confirmed that all Overwatch 2 heroes and maps will be added to the game at the same time.

Another character also appears in the trailer. The Omnic Echo is said to play an important role in the Overwatch 2 storyline. This character is also rumored to be one of the next heroes, but no further information is currently available.

NEW PVP MODE, PUSH

The somewhat surprising announcement is the new multiplayer mode in Overwatch 2. Push, this PvP mode will be a mainstay in Overwatch and will also be added to the original. In this 6v6 mode, two teams will try to help the robot push to the goal before the opposing team. There will be maps designed specifically for Push.

FOUR NEW MAPs ADDED IN BOTH GAMES

In addition to the new modes, Blizzard also announced a few new maps that will be available in Overwatch and Overwatch 2. The first map introduced in the trailer is Toronto. Toronto is the first Canada map added to the game and exclusive to the Push mode. It is also home to Sojourn.

The remaining maps are Rio de Janeiro (this Brazilian map will have a PvE section for the story missions), Monte Carlo and Gothenburg. Like previous Overwatch maps, the new locations will span the globe.

THE OLD HERO HAS A NEW DESIGN

The gameplay trailer introduces familiar characters like Mei, Lucio and Tracer. These heroes are newly designed: from Mercy is slightly changed to Reinhardt completely changed (the character no longer wears the familiar hat but reveals a long beard). Characters confirmed in Overwatch 2 and getting new designs are Genji, Reinhardt, Lucio, Tracer, Mei, Winston, Brigitte, Torbjorn, and Bastion.

PLAY PROGRESS FROM OVERWATCH 1 WILL BE CARRIED

As revealed with the map and characters, some things from Overwatch 1 will be carried over to the next installment. To ensure a smooth transition, Blizzard has confirmed that gameplay progress from Overwatch 1 will be carried over. This means everything the player has unlocked from Overwatch: levels, skins, stats. Those data will be carried over to Overwatch 2.

The ambitious goals of the sequel will satisfy hardcore Overwatch fans with story content, while not abandoning gamers of the first Overwatch. The compatibility between the two games is perhaps Overwatch 2’s most unexpected news, but hopefully it pays off.

Overwatch 2 is currently in development on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.