Overwatch 2 Season 15 has ushered in a wealth of new content for its player base, including a new Perks system, a Mythic skin for Zenyatta, and a Competitive reset. In addition to the highly anticipated mini-ranked 6v6 game mode, the community is also showing enthusiasm for Blizzard’s decision to bring Loot Boxes back to Overwatch 2. As a feature last seen in the original Overwatch, Loot Boxes were initially removed in favor of the sequel’s monetized battle pass system and free-to-play model.
Season 15 of Overwatch 2 marks a significant milestone in the hero-shooter’s history, with Team 4 reviving one of its most nostalgic features over two years since the sequel’s launch. Though the return of Loot Boxes is a cause for celebration, it begs the question of whether the “predatory” issues from the first game will arise again. Moreover, it’s important that Blizzard doesn’t limit its generosity with Loot Boxes to just Season 15.
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With controversies in the gaming world surrounding the decline of free rewards, such as the controversy involving League of Legends‘ Hextech Chests and Blue Essence, it’s clear that criticism of these decisions is something other developers could learn from. Overwatch 2‘s reintroduction of Loot Boxes is a step in the right direction, with Game Director Aaron Keller stating that now was the perfect time because the team didn’t feel the game was “rewarding enough.” Hopefully, this change will ensure players feel their time and efforts are better valued.
As of Season 15, Overwatch 2 players can earn up to 100 Loot Boxes at no cost. The rewards are available through the following avenues, though others may be introduced in the future:
- The Free and Premium tracks of the battle pass
- Weekly Quests
- Discord Quests
- In-Game Events
- Special Challenges
- Twitch Drops
During Overwatch 2‘s February Spotlight event, Aaron Keller confirmed that every box has a rare or better item, with at least one Epic promised for every five boxes and a Legendary guaranteed for every 20. Opening new Loot Boxes automatically rerolls duplicate items and comes with bad luck protection. However, if players receive the same item five times, they are granted a Bonus Loot Box.
Despite some debate over Legendary cosmetics and items being available for free while others paid for them, the return of Loot Boxes has been generally well-received. Furthermore, Blizzard has made it easier for players to obtain higher-value items from Loot Boxes by updating all Overwatch 2 Souvenirs from Epic to Rare. As a result, players who enjoy Souvenirs, like the popular Winton Souvenir from Season 10, can acquire them much more efficiently. At the same time, those who would rather have a Skin or a different reward from their guaranteed Epic Loot Boxes are less likely to be disappointed.
Notably, the effort put into Loot Boxes in Overwatch 2 Season 15 should not stop in forthcoming seasons. As exciting as it’s been that Loot Boxes are so plentiful now, Team 4 should continue building on this momentum. Offering Loot Boxes as a frequently obtainable feature, along with different avenues to acquire them, such as through Discord programs and Twitch Drops, would be a surefire way to keep players engaged. This is particularly vital since the game’s cosmetic prices have been a source of controversy in the past.
“The effort put into Loot Boxes in Overwatch 2 Season 15 should not stop in forthcoming seasons.”
- Released
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August 10, 2023
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence