Blizzard Rumored To Be Locking Overwatch 2’s New Heroes Behind A Battle Pass

We’ll start this post out with the obligatory, “this is a rumor”, statement. Blizzard hasn’t announced anything as of yet, but, a post on Resestera indicates that the World of Warcraft developer plans to lock new heroes behind the paywall of battle passes. The first of these characters will apparently be Kirikio, the first support since Baptiste.

As noted, none of this is confirmed, although Blizzard’s usual announcement schedule means it could be any day now. Not surprisingly, players aren’t fond of the idea, so, it could also all change by the time the game officially releases.

The leak this information is reportedly pulled from also notes that Mythic skins will be earned via the battle pass. The battle pass, which is seemingly available as part of a larger pack containing various skins and coins, apparently has over 80 tiers of rewards. Among these are Mythic Cyber Demon Genji and Legendary Hinotori Kriko skins as well as the actual hero Kiriko.

There is one bit of confirmation regarding Heroes being available on the Battle Pass. According to a tweet from Overwatch Commercial Leader and VP Jon Spector, Heroes will be available on the free track. When asked what happens if a player can't hit the right level to get the characters in a battle pass, he simply stated that free paths to get heroes will be available in later seasons as well.

Addressing some incomplete info posted early about our Overwatch 2 Battle Pass – we'll be sharing all details ahead of launch, but want to confirm that new Overwatch 2 heroes will be available on the free track of the Battle Pass.

— Jon Spector (@Spex_J) September 8, 2022

We will have free paths to get new heroes in future seasons too.

— Jon Spector (@Spex_J) September 8, 2022

Note: Activision Blizzard is still under investigation by the state of California for serious harassment charges. CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to have known about such actions within his company – and performed some himself – and shielded the perpetrators from consequences.