Summary
TheOverwatch 2PvE story missions are finally here, but they are blocked behind a $15 paywall. WithOverwatch 2being a free-to-play game, it’s understandable that some fans may not be so sure if they want to spend any money on the story content.
Thedecision to blockOverwatch 2’s PvE content behind a paywallhas been hugely controversial since it was announced. WhenOverwatch 2was released as a free-to-play game, it was suggested that the story missions would be part of its free seasonal updates. Some fans have already sworn off buying the story missions as a result, but those on the fence may be wondering if the content justifies the $15 asking price.
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First and foremost, it’s worth pointing out that the $15 price point getsOverwatch 2players more than just the story missions. $15 is the price of theOverwatch 2Invasion bundle, which includes the story missions, 1,000 Overwatch coins, a legendarySojournskin, and instant access to Sojourn for those that haven’t unlocked her in the game yet. Regardless of the extra content that comes in the bundle, though, it is true that anyone that wants to play the PvE missions inOverwatch 2will have to spend at least $15.
Overwatch 2 Story Missions Are Fun, But Lack Replay Value
Game Rant had the chance to go hands-on with theOverwatch 2PvE story missions prior to the big August 10 update. The first batch of missions are set in Rio, Toronto, and Gothenburg as the titular Overwatch answer Winston’s recall and attempt to protect the world from theNull Sector threat. Up to four players can play each mission and can select from a curated pool of heroes. The missions themselves are fairly standard fare, but with some objectives that harken back to theOverwatchPvP experience like escorting a payload and protecting a point.
It seems unlikely that players will be revisiting theOverwatch 2story missionstoo many times after they’ve beaten them unless they want to see the different hero interactions or feel the need to complete all the challenges to unlock new intel. The missions are polished and fun while they last, but their objectives can get repetitive and a single time through is plenty. The missions themselves last roughly 30 minutes, counting cutscenes, and so all three can be wrapped up in less than two hours.
The real draw of the PvE missions is how they move theOverwatch 2story forward.Overwatch 2’s story mission cutscenes are exciting, epic, and on the level of thebeautiful animated shorts Blizzard has produced over the years. For hardcoreOverwatchfans, it’s worth picking up the $15 bundle just to see what happens in the story. Those that are more interested in the PvP and don’t care so much about the lore can safely skip it.
Of course, anyone that was planning on picking up theOverwatch 2Season 6 battle pass may as well buy the Invasion bundle instead. The 1,000Overwatch Coinsthat comes with the bundle is enough to pick up the battle pass, which in turn provides instant access to the new Support hero Illari.
Overwatch 2 Season 6 is Much Bigger Than PvE
While the PvE story missions seem to be the main focus ofOverwatch 2’s big Season 6 update, there’s plenty more for fans of the hero shooter to get excited about. Game Rant also had the chance to go hands-on with the Flashpoint game mode. It’s not revolutionary, but it will provide some additional variety to Quick Play andeventually the Competitive Playgame modes. It’s basically like if the sections that make up a Control map were fused together, with players moving from one point to the next without worrying about loading screens or resetting.
Overwatch 2is launching Flashpoint with two maps for players to explore: Suravasa and New Junk City. TheOverwatch 2Flashpoint mapsare absolutely gorgeous, in typicalOverwatchfashion, and longtime fans should have plenty of fun with the new mode.
The Invasion update on August 10 is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes toOverwatch 2Season 6. Later in the season fans can check out the Hero Mastery missions. Our time with theHero Mastery missions inOverwatch 2proved that they could be a great way for players to learn how to play new heroes. The missions task players with completing objectives as fast possible, laying out the arenas in a way that challenges players to utilize the specific abilities of each hero. Hero Mastery missions are coming toOverwatch 2on September 5, according to the official roadmap.
Regardless if one is planning on buying the PvE story missions,Overwatch 2Season 6 is the time to come back to the game. The PvE missions themselves are fun while they last with some incredible cutscenes, even if they don’t feel like they will have serious replay value. Thenew hero Illariis great fun to play as, and Flashpoint is a nice new addition to the lineup of game modes. Season 6 is the best and most fully-featuredOverwatch 2has been since its early access launch last year. Lapsed players and newcomers should both should check it out.
Overwatch 2is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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