Overwatch 2's Battle Pass Is Already Confirming Fans' Worst Fears

"Overwatch 2" has been imploding as its full release approaches, and the latest news concerning its battle pass and character unlocks marks yet another disappointment for fans of the first game. The game's Twitch viewership fell off the map almost immediately after players began streaming it, the developers themselves are frustrated with the game due to its multiple delays, and news that new heroes for the game would be locked behind a battle pass has not been popular with fans. This has only been exacerbated by newer reports that illustrate just how much grinding is necessary to get one of the game's newest playable characters.

If locking access to new heroes wasn't bad enough, fans got worse news through additional information that was reported by PC Gamer. Not only is the next "Overwatch 2" hero Kiriko locked behind battle pass progression, but it turns out that she cannot be unlocked until players are more than halfway through it. This development doesn't quite make the game pay-to-win, but fans are certainly not happy.

Thanks to PC Gamer's rundown, we know that Kiriko isn't unlocked until level 55 out of 80 within the "Overwatch 2" battle pass. Of course, that's only the case if you want to unlock the hero for free. Purchasing the premium battle pass for $10 will immediately unlock Kiriko, or purchasing the $40 Watchpoint Pack will give you access to Kiriko in addition to 2,000 Overwatch Coins and exclusive skins for existing characters Cassidy and Soldier: 76. 

As if all of that wasn't confusing enough, a recent trailer for Season 1 of "Overwatch 2" shows that those who have played the first "Overwatch" will also immediately receive Kiriko. Therefore, the only people affected by Kiriko being locked so far into the battle pass are those hopping into the free-to-play sequel fresh.

While that may not sound quite as rough for returning fans, Blizzard made it clear that future heroes to be similarly locked behind battle passes. Although the premium battle pass is only $10, players aren't happy about locking up heroes in any way, and they've been sounding off about it on Twitter. As noted by Twitter user @Java_jigga, "Overwatch 2 locking characters behind the battle pass is so funny in a game where character synergy is incredibly important." Similarly, user @DavidClarkie finds the idea exhausting. "I don't want to grind your game, I want to have fun." We'll know more of what to expect when the game launches on October 4.