Overwatch 2 is bringing loot boxes back from the dead

overwatch loot box — (Image credit: Activision Blizzard)

It's a big week for Overwatch 2 fans, new and old—there's a ton of new content to sift through, including hero perks, a new third-person game mode, and the return of loot boxes, something I'm particularly excited about.

"Season 15 also features the return of loot boxes," a press release says. "You will be able to earn a variety of cosmetics when collecting loot boxes. They will be available from weekly and event rewards." You'll also be able to earn one loot box via the free battle pass and an additional two in the Premium battle pass.

I never personally had an issue with loot boxes. While I understand the need to police features that resemble gambling in a game that has young players, I didn't think it was a bad way to earn cosmetics, especially as you could get them for leveling up or completing challenges. Throughout the course of Overwatch, I earned every single skin without having to pay a dime. That feat is impossible to replicate in Overwatch 2—whether you're purchasing skins from the shop or buying the premium battle pass, there aren't a lot of free rewards on offer to players. So this change is one that my wallet is especially happy to see.

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Elie is a news writer with an unhealthy love of horror games—even though their greatest fear is being chased. When they're not screaming or hiding, there's a good chance you'll find them testing their metal in metroidvanias or just admiring their Pokemon TCG collection. Elie has previously worked at TechRadar Gaming as a staff writer and studied at JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs about Smash Bros. or any indie game that crossed their path.