Summary
The originalOverwatchwas a critically-acclaimed, award-winning game that kickstarted a massive new franchise for Blizzard.Overwatch 2, by comparison, has earned mixed reviews and has found itself at the center of one controversy after another. However, there is still plenty of time forOverwatch 2to make a big comeback, and it looks like the game’s upcoming Season 9 could be what thrusts it back into the spotlight.
Overwatch 2Season 9 is bringing some massive changesto the hero shooter, particularly when it comes to the game’s Competitive Play. Ranked Competitive Play is one ofOverwatch 2’s most important game modes and the intense competition found within is a big reason why so many fans have stuck with the game over the years. Making drastic changes to Competitive Play is risky, but it could be just whatOverwatch 2needs.
Overwatch 2’s Competitive Play system has been criticized since launch, with many unhappy about Blizzard moving away from the SR set-up used in the original game. When it first released,Overwatch 2Competitive Play ranks would change after players won seven games. At that point, the rank would either go up or down, with some players confused about why their rank went up or down.Overwatch 2Season 9 is making three big changesto Competitive Play, which will include a complete revamp of Comp that gives players a lot more insight into how it all works.
Overwatch 2 Season 9 Lets You Know Why Your Competitive Rank Changed
Starting withOverwatch 2Season 9 on February 13, Competitive Play ranks will now update after every match. Modifiers will also be shown to give players a better idea of why their rank changed the way it did. For example, if players manage to beat a team that is more likely to win, they may get a more positive boost from the match. Going on a win streak will also improve one’s odds inCompetitive Play. The flipside is true as well though, so players that go on a losing streak or lose to a team that the matchmaking system determined they should have been able to beat will suffer more than they would have otherwise.
Overwatch 2 Season 9 is Resetting Your Skill Rank
Overwatch 2is looking to give everyone a fresh start when it comes to Competitive Play, and soeveryone’s Skill Rankis being reset with the new season. Players will be challenged to complete 10 Placement Matches to determine their new starting point for their firstOW2Competitive Play rank. The usual ranks from previous seasons will be featured inOverwatch 2Season 9, but the team is also introducing a new rank above Grandmaster called Champion.
Overwatch 2 Season 9 is Adding New Competitive Rewards
As part of the bigOverwatch 2Season 9 Competitive revamp, Blizzard is adding new rewards that players can unlock by playing the ranked mode. Previously, players were able tounlock Gold gunswith their Competitive Points, but now they will be able to unlock Jade guns using the 2024 Competitive Points. As before, Competitive Points are earned simply by playing Competitive Play. Jade Weapons cost 3,000 Competitive Points.
The new 2024 Competitive Points are replacing the previous Competitive Points. Existing Competitive Points are being retooled to Legacy Competitive Points, which will be used to purchase Golden Weapons like always.Overwatch 2playerswon’t be able to earn any new Legacy Competitive Points once Season 9 starts, but leftover 2024 Competitive Points that they have once the year comes to a close will be converted to Legacy Competitive Points.
Fan feedback has always beenhugely important to theOverwatch 2team, informing some of the biggest changes made to the hero shooter over the years. Blizzard is making some bold moves withOverwatch 2Competitive Play in Season 9 based on fan feedback and a desire to improve the experience across the board, and it will be exciting to see if it pays off come February 13.
