Blizzard Leisure laid out the roadmap for Overwatch 2’s coming months yesterday, confirming an enormous overhaul of the hero shooter. There was lots to dig into, from perks and the incoming Stadium mode to loads of cosmetics, however one notable piece of Overwatch historical past additionally returned: loot bins.
Loot bins are returning to Overwatch 2 with Season 15, and it is spurred some attention-grabbing dialogue round whether or not that is a great factor or not. For these unfamiliar, these bins are drops you may accrue over time, which is able to randomly spit out an Overwatch beauty at random when you open them.
Loot bins had been a core a part of Overwatch 1’s unique monetization mannequin and strategies for doling out cosmetics, particularly for individuals who would fairly spend time than cash. They’d seasonal variants, nice animations, and had been a approach to construct up a modest portfolio of skins, poses, and spotlight intros even should you weren’t spending additional money on Overwatch.
That mentioned, loot bins have additionally been a historic level of competition within the trade. Studies referred to as them manipulative and exploitative, and a few gamers discovered them — alongside comparable microtransactons like gacha — addictive. As not too long ago as final month, these types of microtransactions had been eliciting fines. Overwatch itself ditched the mannequin years in the past, shifting to a free-to-play, battle pass-driven mannequin.
To these factors, it isn’t shocking that the return of Overwatch’s loot bins will look a bit totally different from its earlier iteration. For one, loot bins are a free providing; Blizzard confirmed to IGN that you would be able to purchase loot bins by free means, just like the battle move’ free monitor or weekly rewards, however you will not have the ability to purchase them immediately. Secondly, there are some comparatively useful mechanics for getting bins and discovering what you need. Recreation director Aaron Keller confirmed in an interview with Overwatch content material creator Emongg that duplicate drops will be re-rolled, and different venues for bins (like Discord and Twitch promos) will likely be out there. Plus, it sounds just like the workforce is dipping into previous Overwatch cosmetics for field fodder, even including issues that are not out there within the present store.
So with all that laid out, how is the Overwatch group responding to the return of loot bins? Effectively, that is a bit sophisticated. A celebratory put up on the Overwatch X/Twitter account, under, has a mixture of enthusiasm and jabs within the replies.
LOOT BOXES. ARE. BACK.
Accessible in each the Battle Move and weekly rewards, see what surprises are ready for you when Loot Packing containers make their official return in Season 15 pic.twitter.com/BGZmIlii5d
Some streamers confirmed real pleasure on the return of loot bins, and should you head over to the Overwatch subreddit, you will additionally discover some threads the place gamers are joyful to see loot bins again. The sentiment is essentially carried by this being a free choice for development. Plus, in my view, nostalgia is an element. The animations and tangible stress, hoping for a legendary drop, all rekindles a few of Overwatch 1’s unique vibes.
Nonetheless, there are criticisms of loot field’s return. With all of the aforementioned fines and tales round microtransactions, the tone round loot bins has shifted fairly a bit since Overwatch launched in 2016. And although these bins are free to stack up over time, there are loads outdoors Overwatch-affiliated areas who’re sceptical about their return.
I do suppose this highlights one other attention-grabbing critique. Overwatch bringing again loot bins, mixed with ongoing 6v6 experiments, the brand new Perk mechanics, incoming Stadium mode, and extra all paint an image of a studio making an attempt to drastically overhaul its recreation. The truth that loot bins appear to be resonating most with the Overwatch followers, each present gamers and people who have moved onto different video games, lends some credence to it. Bringing again loot bins as a free providing and doling out previous cosmetics by it appears like a powerful play for nostalgia, a return to an older, “basic” type of Overwatch.
One factor’s for certain: Blizzard actually looks as if it is making an attempt to choose up momentum in 2025. Alongside the heroes, cosmetics, and maps you’d count on from a live-service shooter, Perks appear set to dramatically shift the play area, and Stadium may go even additional. We’ll see how all that, loot bins included, pans out for Overwatch 2 when Season 15 goes dwell on February 18.
