Relaunch and rebrand of Overwatch This is one of the best updates the game has received since its initial release in 2026 Overwatch 2. Not only Overwatch Simultaneously introduces 5 new playable heroes, but it also revamped its game modes like Stadium and added subroles for each hero in the game. With all these new features dropping at the same time, Overwatch It has seen a huge resurgence in player numbers, with players who took a break from the game returning for the first time in years.
Players logging in Overwatch For the first time in a while, some parts of the game will probably notice that something has changed in terms of functionality. UI for OverwatchThe home menu has been updated and streamlined, and more quality-of-life features have been added for Hero Unlock to make tracking new cosmetics easier without having to deal with annoying notifications hidden in the Hero Gallery. If players have not checked out Overwatch Since starting as Overwatch 2They may not know about the return of loot boxes, which means they're sitting on a ton of free loot waiting to be earned.
I gave Overwatch 2 a 6/10 when it launched in 2022 – here's what I think about Overwatch relaunching in 2026
Overwatch 2's Early Access launch in 2022 was a disappointment, but how has Blizzard's beloved hero-shooter been relaunched as Overwatch?
Overwatch loot boxes are now one of the best features of the game
when Overwatch First launched in 2016, one of the biggest controversies surrounding the game was the presence of loot boxes as the primary method of obtaining new cosmetics such as skins, sprays and voice lines. Despite the fact that a certain number of loot boxes can be earned for free, some players were disappointed by the fact that the pay-to-play game included free-to-play mechanics. one time Overwatch 2 went free-to-play and ditched loot boxes in favor of its Battle Pass and Shop, some players lamented the previous method of obtaining cosmetics, as the Battle Pass offered fewer opportunities for FTP players to earn.
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Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5 seconds) Medium (5.0 seconds) Hard (2.5 seconds) Permadeath (2.5 seconds)
Overwatch has been generous with free loot boxes since the reign of the Talon Season 1 relaunch
Loot boxes returned Overwatch In season 15, about 1 year ago in 2025. With the return of loot boxes, Overwatch Players were able to earn cosmetics from the Battle Pass with free, earnable loot boxes that offered a variety of other cosmetics. Loot box mechanics have also improved since their return, now offering players the chance to earn up to 3 loot boxes per week for free just by playing the game, with other limited-time events and the Battle Pass offering additional loot boxes as rewards.
Every way to get loot boxes in Overwatch right now
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Completing matches each week — 3 shared loot boxes
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Participating in the Talon vs. Overwatch Conquest event — 6 normal, 1 epic loot boxes
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Twitch Drops (Until March 9) — 8 Normal, 2 Legendary Loot Boxes
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Hero Progression Level Ups – 1 Normal at Level 5, 3 Epics at Levels 25, 35 and 45, 3 Legendary at Levels 30, 40 and 50
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Year of the Horse Limited Time Event (Until March 3rd) – 2 Common, 1 Epic Loot Boxes
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Premium Battle Pass – 3 Legendary Loot Boxes
With the launch of Reign of Talon Season 1, returning Overwatch Players have a chance to score a ton of free cosmetics with loot boxes. The easiest way to get some loot boxes weekly is simply by participating in games, as players can earn 3 shared loot boxes for playing a total of 27 games per week. Players can unlock loot boxes as rewards for leveling up a hero through the hero progression system. By playing with any given Overwatch For a hero long enough, players can unlock a total of 1 normal, 3 epic, and 3 legendary loot boxes.
Currently, there are two events running that offer loot boxes as rewards: the Year of the Horse and the Talon vs. Overwatch Victory events. The Talon vs. Overwatch Conquest event gives players a total of 6 normal and 1 epic loot box to choose a side and complete challenges related to their chosen faction. The Year of the Horse event gives players 2 common and 1 epic loot box for completing its event challenges.
Players can technically do the same with the Talon vs. Overwatch Conquest event by completing one faction's challenges and then switching to another for a total of 12 shared and 2 epic loot boxes.
Some loot boxes can be earned without even playing a game Overwatch. For a limited time, players can earn a total of 8 common and 2 legendary loot boxes by watching Overwatch Streamers on Twitch for a specified hour. There are also 3 legendary loot boxes that can be earned from the Battle Pass, but this is required Overwatch Players to purchase the Premium Battle Pass for Reign of the Talon Season 1.
I hope Overwatch's jetpack cat is walking so a quirky character can walk too
As weird as Jetpack Cat may sound, Blizzard is settling on an Overwatch design that is absolutely absurd – and I need it to become reality.
Free-to-play Overwatch players can also access shop items through loot boxes
Getting desirable drops from Overwatch Loot boxes are also easier than ever, thanks to some changes implemented since the return of the mechanic. For starters, players are guaranteed epic-quality items from epic loot boxes and legendary-quality items from legendary loot boxes. Even in simple loot boxes, players are guaranteed an epic skin after 5 consecutive pulls, and a legendary skin without 20 pulls.
Additionally, loot boxes are less likely to give players duplicates of cosmetics they already own. Any duplicates received contribute to earning another shared loot box. The cherry on top is the recent inclusion of the former Overwatch Shop-exclusive skins in loot boxes, i.e. players who missed out on a certain purchase. Overwatch Skins have a chance to be found for free by opening loot boxes. The sum of these mechanics creates a much more free-to-play player-friendly system for acquiring new cosmetics that return. Overwatch Players should take full advantage.
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May 24, 2016
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T for Teens: Blood, Tobacco Use, Violence (online interaction not rated)
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