All New Features and Changes: New Modes, Maps, and Heroes

Overwatch 2 gave us plenty of design overhauls and added content, which can be enjoyed by players old and new. Learn more about what new features and changes Blizzard made in their new game.

Free-to-Play Model

This is perhaps the biggest notable change in the game. Blizzard's decision is a big step up to counter their rival games such as Valorant and Fortnite. This change will allow a significant increase in their player base. It's not all fun and games as Blizzard has a few compromises.

The Battle Pass

The Battle Pass is the new system that allows players to earn rewards by completing challenges and activities. The Battle Pass also offers new heroes such as Kiriko and other new type of cosmetics like Mythic Skin.

Season 1 Battle Pass: Skins, Heroes, and Challenges

New Maps

Overwatch 2 introduces new maps that players can enjoy. Some of these maps are mode-specific, while others are hybrids. Here is the complete list of the maps.

Push Mode

New Queen Street	Colosseo
Esperança

Hybrid Mode

Midtown

Paraíso

Escort Mode

Circuit Royal

Complete List of Maps

New Heroes

Overwatch 2 also added three new heroes which can be unlocked after completing series of challeges and activities through the Battle Pass. Here is summarized list of new heroes along with their roles.

Damage	Sojourn
Support	Kiriko
Tanker	Junker Queen

More Cosmetics

Overwatch 2 offers various new cosmetics, such as souvenirs, which a hero can hold in an emote-like pose, and weapon charms, which can be attached to the heroes' weapons. Overwatch 2 also introduced a new type of skin rank called "Mythic".

New 5v5 Multiplayer

Overwatch 2 introduced 5v5, or two teams of five players each, made up of one tank, two support heroes, and two damage heroes. Unlike in the old Overwatch, which had 6v6 multiplayer or two teams of six players.

New Mode

Overwatch 2 introduced Push mode. In Push, teams will compete on a symmetrical map to take control of a robot in the middle of the map. A team can advance the robot towards enemy lines by staying within its perimeter, making sure the enemy team does not contest it by getting too close.
List of All Push Maps

Hero Changes and New Roles

Almost all of the heroes got minor changes in their appearance and traits. The most notable ones are Doomfist, who is a tank now; Mercy's ability to ressurect allies without using her ultimate; and lastly, Bastion losing his turret mode. 
List of Heroes

Overwatch 2 Related Guides

Beginner's Guide to Overwatch

All Overwatch 2 Tips and Tricks Guides