Summary
- Bringing back the Archives event could resolve two major fan complaints about Overwatch 2, those being a lack of PvE content and lore-focused skins.
- Bringing back the free Archives missions in Overwatch 2 and introducing new lore-based skins could attract old and new players alike.
- While the shop and battle pass could be full of lore skins if Archives comes back, event challenges could reward players by making some old Archives skins unlockable for free. The challenges could push players toward the Archives missions, too, ensuring PvE becomes active again.
Overwatch 2 is starting to recover after losing many fans from the original game’s era following its switch to a free-to-play format. Still, former and current players have a number of valid criticisms, though one simple move could help Overwatch 2 address two major fan complaints.
When Overwatch first released in 2016, it amassed fans in record numbers. Revitalizing the hero shooter genre helped it become Blizzard’s most successful game, if only for a short time. Though Overwatch never stopped receiving regular updates, Blizzard announced in 2019 that they would be shifting to a full-blown sequel to the game, which would feature improvements and new gameplay modes. When Overwatch 2 finally released in 2022, fans were disappointed by the choice to make the game free-to-play, the shift from freely obtainable loot boxes to a battle pass system, and the lack of the promised PvE modes, among other criticisms. But bringing back Overwatch’s Archives event might help address 2 common fan issues at the same time.
Overwatch 2’s Player Count on Steam is The Best It’s Been Since Launch
Overwatch 2's average player count on Steam soars to an all-time peak following various content updates and general improvements made to the game.
Overwatch’s Archive Event Could Save Overwatch 2’s PvE Scene
Overwatch 2 was advertised as including new PvE game modes, notably new story missions and a hero mode where players would undertake missions centered around their chosen character. Neither of these modes were included in the game on release, and years later, the hero mode has been scrapped entirely, while only 3 new paid PvE missions have been released. A less prominent omission is the annual Archives event that has stopped occurring completely in Overwatch 2. This event happened yearly in the original game, bringing with it limited time PvE story missions and new hero skins based on the lore of Overwatch, which players have been asking for as well.
The return of the Archives event could help players feel less frustrated by the absence of new story content. Including free PvE missions of any kind would give fans a chance to show the developers how much they want this game mode to stick around. Currently, it seems that Blizzard has decided that the lackluster response to Overwatch 2’s paid PvE content indicates that players aren’t interested in more, but when holiday and event PvE modes come around, fans can’t get enough. If previous Archives missions are brought back for fans to play free of charge, longtime fans may return and newcomers could try out PvE levels they never had the chance to.
A Return to Lore-Based Skins is Needed in Overwatch 2
Another common fan complaint is that Overwatch 2 hasn’t introduced as many lore-focused skins as the original game did. If Archives were to return, the season where it comes back could feature an Overwatch 2 battle pass filled with new lore-based skins, while the shop could be stacked with more fresh looks and recolors of returning Archives outfits. Special event challenges could allow Overwatch 2 players to collect old Archives skins by completing certain objectives in missions like Uprising. Not only would this approach let gamers unlock some skins for free, but it would drive them to the PvE modes to increase their popularity.
Some of the newer characters, like Mauga, Venture, and Kiriko are lacking in both skins and lore connecting them to the larger story. Even fan favorites like Doomfist lack lore skins despite obvious inspirations. Including these in a new Archive event would give new love to underperforming heroes. So many of the issues plaguing Overwatch 2 stem from players losing faith in the game, so all they need is a sign that the game deserves their attention once again. Bringing back a beloved event like Archives would show players that Blizzard is listening and wants them to return, and leaving the event's missions in the game once it has concluded could add some much-needed depth to the Missions menu.
Overwatch 2
- Released
- August 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
