Overwatch 2 to be revealed at BlizzCon, alongside new hero and modes

Olivia Richman Published 27/10/2019

New information will be announced on Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon.

ESPN obtained a BlizzCon training document that revealed Blizzard’s plans to share a new logo, new game modes, new maps, new heroes, and even a PvE feature in Overwatch 2.

Rumors of an Overwatch 2 have been swirling for months. In June, Kotaku had published a report that informed fans that Blizzard would be cancelling a StarCraft spin-off to focus on the Overwatch sequel instead. At the time, very little was known about this follow-up except that there would be a “large PvE element” similar to the Left 4 Dead series.

A more robust PvE element to the game is something that players have been asking for, but they were told they would have to wait to find out more at BlizzCon in November.

Overwatch 2 to feature PvE mode, details leaked ahead of BlizzCon

Fans can expect to hear more about the upcoming PvE campaign at BlizzCon. According to the documents obtained by ESPN, one of the missions will have four players take part in a story experience located in Rio de Janeiro. This co-op adventure, which focuses on players killing AI rather than real-life opponents, seems like the perfect way for less competitive players to enjoy Overwatch with their friends.

While the PvE mode is certainly one of the more exciting details, Overwatch will also be getting its first new game mode since 2015. “Push,” which will first be available on a new map modeled after Toronto, Canada, will be added alongside returning Assault, Control, Escort, and Hybrid maps. This is most likely an answer to the more competitive Overwatch scene, which has been asking for new game modes.

BlizzCon attendees will reportedly have access to the PvE story and the new “Push” game mode.

Overwatch’s 32nd hero, likely Echo, to be revealed at BlizzCon

After appearing in McCree’s short, “Reunion,” fans have been fascinated by Echo. Although the short film centered on McCree’s rivalry with new hero Ashe, many were focused on Echo and were frustrated she wasn’t the next hero in the game.

In the short, McCree’s plan is to send Echo to Overwatch after Winston reaches out for help.

“They want me,” McCree had told Echo of Overwatch. “But really, they need you.”

In response to fan outcry, game director Jeff Kaplan promised he had “big plans” for Echo in the future. During a live stream, Kaplan had explained that fans will have to wait a while before Echo actually appears in the game.

Finally, at BlizzCon, Echo will likely be revealed as the 32nd hero, if artwork in the document is to be believed.

This has been a difficult past few months for Blizzard, who are dealing with the backlash of banning Ng “blitzchung” Wai Chung for supporting Hong Kong in an interview during a Hearthstone Grandmasters event. A group of gamers and activists are also currently planning to hold a protest outside of BlizzCon to protest what they believe to be a willingness to bow to the whims of the Chinese government.

While Overwatch 2’s new hero and game modes will surely win over many fans of the game, it’s unclear if gamers will be forgiving Blizzard as a whole any time soon.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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