One of the most highly anticipated aspects of Overwatch 2 is the PvE mode and it’s speculated that its release date coming soon. This article will explain everything known about this mode, including its storyline, cost, and more.
Update: I come bearing bad news. Blizzard has announced that Overwatch 2 PVE is scrapped – at least the vision that was announced in 2019. There will still be some form of story mode missions in the game. More details are mentioned in our article on the backlash that Blizzard has received about the cancellation of PVE as per its original vision.
Original article follows.
Overwatch 2 PvE Release Date Speculation
Blizzard has been pretty transparent with its updates and news related to OW2. Per the content roadmap, they revealed for Overwatch 2, the year 2023 is packed with new heroes, maps, skins, battle passes, modes, and yes, PvE begins.
When will PvE Come Out? Overwatch 2 PvE Release Date
With Blizzard’s hands full with the upcoming new seasons, balance changes, and more, it is speculated that PvE mode/story campaign will release in the second half of 2023 – most likely later in the year post-November.
According to what we know from Overwatch 2 reveal stream, players can expect the PvE part of OW2 to be in the form of seasons instead of releasing them all at once. So maps will be available as part of seasonal PvE content.
Wrath of the Bride was exclusive to Overwatch 2 and a fantastic way to incorporate co-op, challenges, and the Halloween theme. And like previous Overwatch Archives events, we may play co-op missions in modified map versions of Rio, Busan, Route 66, etc. With the addition of a very angry Ramattra (Leader of Null Sector), the story mode might have gotten more interesting now that he likes to make enemies suffer as he has. If he’s the main boss we encounter, then I hope he doesn’t…put us in the ground. Sorry.
Campaign mode will be great for fans who are already invested in the lore of every character. Plus, this may even bring in a new set of audiences who don’t like to play PvP but are intrigued by these characters. It will be interesting to see how this moves the story forward and makes us fall more in love with our favorite heroes.
Will Overwatch 2 PvE be free?
While the base game is now free, and we get free PvE Halloween events, there’s a chance that the PvE mode will be pay-to-play. The cost is still unclear – we will wait for an official confirmation from Blizzard.
Like the four-player PvE game modes we received via Overwatch Uprising, Overwatch Retribution, & Overwatch Storm Rising, which were free, we can expect the new PvE game modes to be free in Overwatch 2. Many players will argue that as previous Overwatch was a paid game, and Overwatch 2 took a free-to-play model, giving PvE modes away for free may not happen anymore. But since the launch of Overwatch 2, we have already received a PvE mode as Halloween Terror seasonal event.
Is PvE Cancelled?
Thankfully, PvE mode is not canceled or scrapped. It is delayed because Blizzard is still working on their 2023 roadmap.
Will there be Skill Trees?
As seen in a demo video during Blizzcon 2019, players can expect Talents and skill trees giving various unique abilities for characters. There’s more revealed here – check it out if you missed it!
Rio de Janeiro Mission Co-op PVE | Blizzcon 2019 Demo
There aren’t many details about the story mode yet. And since a lot of time has passed since this reveal, there could be significant changes when it’s officially released in 2023. We’ll keep you posted on Gamer Tweak.
That’s all for the Overwatch 2 release date and story speculation. For more related to the game, head over to our OW2 Wiki page to learn tips and tricks to play heroes, counter them, etc.