When it comes to Overwatch 2 and the year 2021, the sky is the limit for possible reveals and content drops. With a 2020 release date originally leaked for the sequel and the game seemingly pushed purely back because of COVID-19’s effects on development, it seems likely that Overwatch 2 arrives sometime this year. However, there is far more than an official launch of the sequel that could potentially come in 2021.
Those excited for Overwatch 2 can expect to see plenty of looks at the game’s intriguing PvE mode as well as more animated shorts to build hype for Overwatch 2’s arrival. A beta could be coming for the unique follow-up to the original Overwatch, and players can also plan on seeing some new heroes revealed prior to the game’s release. With a BlizzConline showcase in February set to get the ball rolling on the future of Blizzard’s hero shooter franchise, here is everything to expect from Overwatch 2 in 2021.
Overwatch 2’s BlizzConline presence was recently confirmed, and with no admission being charged for the special online event, plenty of eyes are going to be on whatever footage Blizzard shows for the game. With Blizzard having remained so tight-lipped on Overwatch 2 over the last year, the game’s developers should be thrilled to finally have a chance to discuss the game. Plus, with the game not being shown off for so long, plenty of progress has likely been made, meaning that fans should expect a lot of news to drop at the February showcase of the game.
First and foremost, fans should go into BlizzConline 2021 expecting a release date for Overwatch 2. With many already theorizing that OWL Season 4’s late start date could hint at a Spring release window for the sequel, players could be seeing an announcement that sets the game’s launch date to somewhere around May. A similar time of release to the original Overwatch (which dropped on May 26, 2016) furthers this theory, though it is worth noting that this is purely speculation. Regardless of when exactly the game drops, fans should expect the release announcement to come at the event — as well as official confirmation that PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Overwatch 2 are on the way.
Apart from finally providing some official release date news, BlizzConline should serve as a great way for Blizzard to provide fans with deep dives into all the game’s content. From the PvE portion of the game and its ability trees to new multiplayer game modes like Push, there is plenty of gameplay footage that Blizzard can show to win fans over on the sequel. Beyond that, more of the new hero designs can be shown off, while the sequel’s many map additions can get some love as well. Lastly, Blizzard can spend some time discussing the game’s new heroes. While Sojourn is confirmed and will likely see gameplay footage, there are plenty of other teased and rumored Overwatch characters that could steal the spotlight. From heavily teased heroes like Brit and Yokai to rumored additions such as Mauga, fans should expect several Overwatch hero reveals in 2021.
With a release date likely to be confirmed at BlizzConline, Blizzard will be tasked with keeping players excited on the road to Overwatch 2’s release. While there are plenty of ways to do this, ranging from special edition announcements of the game to special events in the original Overwatch, one of the most surefire ways to maintain excitement for the sequel is through a beta. With Battlenet dataminers recently discovering evidence that an Overwatch 2 beta is in the works, fans can expect to see a test period for the game sometime after BlizzConline.
Holding private and public versions of a beta could give Blizzard a few chances to balance new heroes and rework older Overwatch characters to make for a fun launch meta, creating a build of the game where all heroes are viable to a certain degree. Giving those excited for the game a chance to play early while bringing new players into the world of Overwatch, there is no downside to a beta’s release. The original Overwatch’s beta put the game on the map for a lot of players unfamiliar with the hero shooter, making it even likelier for a new beta to take place.
Aside from a beta allowing players to give feedback on the new maps, modes, and heroes, players can expect more animated shorts in the weeks leading up to release. The gorgeous and brilliantly animated shorts for the original Overwatch were a brilliant way to explore the expansive lore of the franchise while winning players over on the game itself, making it likely that Blizzard will release more shorts next year. Providing backstory for new heroes while expanding on more mysterious characters like Zenyatta, fans would surely eat the animated shorts up. On top of this, 2021 could finally be the year where Blizzard provides details on the long-rumored Overwatch animated series.
Even with COVID-19 forcing developers to work remotely, Overwatch 2 seems poised to release in 2021. While the game certainly has a lot to live up to due to the success of its Game of the Year-winning predecessor, it should have no problem doing so. With heroes, maps, and skins carrying over to Overwatch 2, the game should feel like a natural progression of the Overwatch players are used to — only with PvE co-op, more multiplayer content, and a fresh, prettier coat of paint.
One area that Blizzard has yet to talk about, despite how it can be majorly improved upon in the Overwatch sequel, is the event format. While some Overwatch events such have evolved, introducing new brawls alongside themed skins, others have become repetitive. While the Junkenstein’s Revenge mode seen in Overwatch’s Halloween Terror event was originally fun and fresh, it has changed little in the past few years. With Overwatch 2, though, Blizzard should have the time and resources needed to expand upon the brawl and event — doing the same for others like it. Further, new events could also be introduced, with Blizzard expanding its lineup to include Valentine’s Day skins and modes.
On top of that, there could be some surprises in store for Overwatch 2 players. A survey back in August revealed that Overwatch 2 skins may be customizable, giving players a variety of options to personalize the characters they like to play. While this feature is still unconfirmed and could be an addition that comes long after Overwatch 2’s release, quality of life upgrades like skin customization are things that may be arriving in the highly anticipated sequel. For now, though, Overwatch fans should bet on seeing a release date announcement and possibly the release of Overwatch 2 itself in 2021.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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