How to overcome the new the hero lockout coming in Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 introduces a major hurdle for new players — one that it’s actually billing as a tutorial feature. What is it? Overwatch 2Replaces original Overwatch servers on Tuesday, Oct. 4, Blizzard will lock brand-new players out of the original game’s roster.

If Overwatch 2 is a player’s first Overwatch, they’ll have access to a subset of the game’s 35-character roster. That means if newbies want to play as Doomfist, Wrecking Ball, Echo, and the rest, they’ll need to unlock them by playing dozens of matches. New players who are looking to get started with the game will be happy to know that there is a lot more. Overwatch 2 This problem can be avoided by playing the original Overwatch By this weekend. As long as you’re not a “new” player — even if that’s just one match in the old game, it seems — you’ll instantly gain access to the series’ original roster on Tuesday.

The original is best Overwatch It can be difficult to play for the first time on this weekend. So let’s quickly walk through when the original game will go offline forever, how you can jump in to play before it’s too late, and why this situation is such a big deal for new players.

Overwatch 2 will launch in the same time as Overwatch 2.

Original Overwatch Servers will shut down at 9 AM PDT/noon Eastern Time on October 3. The servers will remain down for 27 hours. Overwatch 2Launches at 12 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. ET on October 4.

Can I still play Overwatch 1?

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Overwatch 2You can play for free, but must pay to access the original Overwatch. You can’t buy vanilla anymore. OverwatchBattle.net shop Instead you’ll need to buy the Overwatch 2Watchpoint Pack (39.99) includes a few goodies

• 2 legendary hero skins to Soldier: 76 & Cassidy
• 2,099 Coins (enough for the premium battle pass).
• An exclusive player icon
• OverwatchLegendary Edition: This edition comes with several skins

This is the final entry. Overwatch, is what we’re interested in for this guide.

You can also install this package if you purchase it Overwatch You can play one or more matches, which will flag you as a veteran. Overwatch 2It will be available on Tuesday. Then, when you log in to the new game, you’ll already have all the characters unlocked, including Junker Queen, Sojourn, and Kiriko (assuming you buy the premium battle pass).

The problem with this solution is you must choose between missing out on access to 19 characters or 40 bucks, which is pretty steep for a game that’s otherwise free. It’s especially irritating if you have a reason to skip the first. Overwatch to begin with was because you didn’t want to spend money on it.

But there’s another way. Overwatch GameStop before Oct. 4. You can get pre-owned copies, and not GameStop. A used copy can be purchased. Overwatch On the PS4/Xbox One, it costs about $10. If you have a local store you can grab it from — or even a friend who will let you borrow their soon-to-be defunct disc — you can save some serious cash and still flag your account as a veteran.

Notification: It’s currently unclear if buying the Watchpoint Pack after Overwatch 2’s launch will instantly unlock all the characters or not. We’ve reached out to Blizzard for clarification.

Why is account locking so annoying for new players?

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Blizzard claims that Overwatch is less daunting for new players due to the restrictions on player accounts. This is true. However, the problem is less that Blizzard is locking these characters and more that players have no way to opt out, or display mastery that proves they’re worthy of wielding more complex heroes early on.

Someone who is brand new to shooting jumps in. Overwatch 2 because it’s free and fun, then it absolutely makes sense that Blizzard would want to help ease that person in. But, it is not a problem if the new player has played a similar game. League of Legends, which has 150-plus characters to learn and understand, they probably won’t need the same level of help. It’s like someone telling an adult that they need training wheels — just like the toddlers do — to learn how to ride a bicycle, even if they’ve been driving a motorcycle for a decade.

Players of all skill levels, whether they want to or not, will need to play “about 100 matches” to unlock every hero from the original roster. This restriction is ridiculous in a game that rewards cool looking characters who can combine abilities and do amazing things.

You should consider becoming a veteran if possible Overwatch Blizzard will lock you out of some the most interesting characters in the game this weekend if you are not a player. If you’re not ready for Wrecking Ball or Echo, that’s OK! You don’t need to play them until you’re ready. But at least this way, you’ll be able to dip your toes into more complex waters on your terms, rather than Blizzard’s.