What happens to Overwatch loot boxes and credits when Overwatch 2 launches?
Blizzard EntertainmentThe Overwatch 2 team at Blizzard answered some fan questions about the upcoming title in a Reddit AMA. One big takeaway from this update on the game is how the sequel will handle loot boxes and currency from the original Overwatch.
Overwatch fans have been waiting patiently ahead of the release of Overwatch 2. While the game itself has been in the works for quite some time, it is finally set to release for early access in October 2022.
Details about the game’s launch, as well as its content and structure, have been revealed and discussed by Devs. In particular, Blizzard’s reveal event this past month gave fans their best rundown of the game yet.
Overwatch 2 will be a free-to-play live service game, with Blizzard aiming to have seasonal updates for the game every 9 weeks. For each season, a battle pass will be available and constant updates will add additional heroes and maps for players.
Blizzard EntertainmentOn launch, the game will include 6 maps, a brand new game mode, 3 new heroes and of course, new skins and cosmetics for players.
In the recent AMA, many questions centered on lootboxes and in-game currency. Specifically, what would happen to all pre-existing content for this when the OW1 is transitioned over to OW2.
Here’s everything you need to know about pre-existing lootboxes and in game currency ahead of OW2’s release.
What happens to my Overwatch loot boxes when OW2 launches?
For players who currently have a whole bunch of unopened loot boxes, fear not: Overwatch 2 devs have confirmed that all the content from them will be automatically opened and transferred over.
BlizzardWhile lootboxes themselves won’t feature in Overwatch 2, fans have been assured that leaving pre-existing ones unopened will not cause all that content to be lost.
“We are not transitioning loot boxes into Overwatch 2, and ahead of launch, any unopened loot boxes will be automatically opened with your account receiving all the contents directly,” Overwatch’s Commercial Lead said.
What about seasonal event loot boxes?
In Overwatch 1, seasonal event loot boxes are themed loot boxes that always contain at least one event-exclusive cosmetic item.
Regardless of when the box is opened, the items inside will always remain seasonal loot box themed, even if the event ended months ago.
These will also be transferred over when Overwatch 2 goes live. Similarly to regular lootboxes, any seasonal event ones that players have kept around will also open automatically when booting up Overwatch 2 for the first time.
And other types of credits and currency?
It’s not just loot boxes that will be transferable in Overwatch 2. Devs have also said that all unspent credits, comp points and tokens will be moved over to the sequel in some capacity.
“Existing currencies (credits, OWL tokens, and competitive points) will come with you into Overwatch 2.”
They did go on to clarify that what these pre-existing credits can be used for in the sequel will be very specific and won’t necessary be worth the same as the brand new in game currency that will launch with Overwatch 2.
“OW1 credits come with you to OW2, but our new virtual currency will be the main currency, and there will be things in OW2 that will not be purchasable with those OW1 credits.”
What do the fans think of this?
The immediate reaction from fans at this news is one of happiness but also one of surprise.
Many of the comments in the Reddit thread indicate that players expected any lootbox cosmetics and collectibles to simply disappear after Overwatch 2 goes life.
“I’m actually shocked by this answer,” one Reddit user revealed when hearing the news that loot box content will be transferable.
Here’s hoping that nothing changes in the coming months and that Blizzard do keep their word and allow pre-existing content to transfer over. If not, players will most likely be spending hours opening up lootboxes ahead of Overwatch 2s launch.
For all the details revealed in the AMA, an extensive list of the questions and answers can be found here.