Blizzard announces Overwatch 2 beta will include more characters, maps, and hero reworks

The PvP beta for Overwatch 2 is still in its early stages, and additional content will be released before the entire game opens. Blizzard says this includes new features, maps, and even unannounced heroes, as well as regular balance updates focusing on the game’s support cast.

On Tuesday, Blizzard disclosed some of those changes in a developer blog on the official Overwatch site, giving players an idea of what to expect in future patches.

While there’s no news on when new heroes (other than Sojourn) or maps will be released, Blizzard has revealed some of its immediate goals. Support heroes will get more buffs now that they don’t have an off-tank to cover them and are more vulnerable to flanking. That might also mean reworked skills, which the Overwatch support team didn’t get in the Overwatch 2 beta.

“We have heard clearly that support players feel both tanks and damage players have more new content to enjoy and explore in this Beta,” Blizzard said. “Longer term, we believe the most effective way to tackle this issue is to add exciting new support heroes to the game, and that is part of our plans. In the near term, our hero design team is also experimenting with significant, but shorter lead time, ideas including new and refreshed abilities for some existing support heroes.”

Blizzard also discussed modifications to Overwatch’s scoreboard, as well as why the medal and “fire” systems were removed from the beta version of Overwatch 2 in favour of more granular player information.

Blizzard explained, “These statistics include eliminations, assists, deaths, damage, damage mitigated, and healing.” “The information will be presented in a new layout that mirrors other competitive games and sports. We want to provide players with an overall more accurate view of the game. Our team believes providing accurate feedback and encouragement can improve everyone’s gameplay experience !”

Blizzard was quick to point out that the beta test is still in its early stages, with components like as menu screens, scoreboards, heroes’ new and improved looks, and the golden gun system still in the works. According to the developer, there will be “a significant amount of overall polish and refinement added in the form of enhanced UI, [and] bug fixes.”