Overwatch 2 beta will get more heroes, maps, and reworks, Blizzard says

Overwatch 2‘s PvP beta is still in its early stages, and more content is coming before the full game launches. Blizzard explains that this includes maps and new features as well as additional heroes. Regular balance adjustments are also planned with a primary focus on the support team.

Blizzard detailed some of those changes in a developer blog on the official Overwatch site on Tuesday, providing a look at what players can expect over subsequent patches.

While there’s no word on when new heroes (beyond Sojourn) or maps may arrive, Blizzard shared some of its plans regarding immediate priorities. Since they have lost their off-tank, support heroes will receive additional buffs and be more open for flanking. That may also mean reworked abilities, something that the support side of Overwatch didn’t get in Overwatch 2‘s beta.

” We have clearly heard that both damage and tank players think there is more content in the Beta. “Longer term, we believe the most effective way to tackle this issue is to add exciting new support heroes to the game, and that is part of our plans. In the near term, our hero design team is also experimenting with significant, but shorter lead time, ideas including new and refreshed abilities for some existing support heroes.”

Blizzard also touched on changes to Overwatch’s scoreboard, and explained why it retired the medal and “fire” system in Overwatch 2‘s beta in favor of more granular player statistics.

“These statistics include eliminations, assists, deaths, damage, damage mitigated, and healing,” Blizzard said. “The information will be presented in a new layout that mirrors other competitive games and sports. We want to provide players with an overall more accurate view of the game. Our team believes providing accurate feedback and encouragement can improve everyone’s gameplay experience!”

Blizzard quickly noted that beta testing is still in progress and elements such as menu screens, scoreboards and heroes with new, improved looks and golden guns system, aren’t yet fully implemented. According to the developer, there will be “a substantial amount of overall polishing and refinement in the form [and] bug fixings”