Overwatch 2's redemption arc begins with free heroes for all as Blizzard lays out its plans to 'give the game a regular heartbeat' this year

Blizzard is finally rethinking one of the most controversial changes in Overwatch 2. Starting in season 10, new heroes will no longer be on the battle pass or need to be unlocked.

New players will still need to unlock the original Overwatch roster first, but every Overwatch 2 hero will be free going forward.

In the latest developer update video, game director Aaron Keller described what 2024 will look like for the hero shooter, and how Blizzard plans to «give the game a regular heartbeat.» That starts with free access to the entire roster of heroes, including new DPS hero Venture, when season 10 begins next month.

The season will also introduce a new way to get previously released Mythic skins, Overwatch 2's customizable cosmetics that unlock at the end of each premium battle pass. A new «Mythic Shop» will let you unlock specific color or model variations for Mythic skins from season 1 through 7. Future Mythic skins will be added to the shop two seasons after they debut.

Keller said the specifics of how it'll work will come later, but footage of the shop page suggests they'll have «levels» to unlock via a new type of currency with a triangular icon. Curiously, he mentions «upgrades», which could mean there will be new color schemes to unlock even if you already own them. Valorant has a similar upgrade system for its highest tier of gun skins.

Season 10 kicks off a year of changes that would've made Overwatch 2's original launch a lot less bizarre, but are welcome now all the same.

Additionally, you'll now earn Overwatch 2's premium currency, Coins, on both the premium and free battle pass. A total of 600 Overwatch Coins can be earned for free from the battle pass and weekly challenges—which will «be more flexible to fit with your playstyle» and will reward battle pass XP.

Season 10 kicks off a year of changes that would've made Overwatch 2's original launch a lot less bizarre, but are welcome now all the same.

Here's what's coming to Overwatch 2 this year:

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