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.
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®, A FUTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR! Overwatch® is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future.
Overwatch® is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based hero shooter game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 or 6v6 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatch’s 40+ distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.
Reign of Talon - Season 1: Conquest
The Next Big Story Begins
The world shifts as 2026 begins a year-long narrative arc where Overwatch and Talon face off in the fight for the future, joined by five new Heroes at once. Step into the story and shape what comes next!
After ten years, Season 1 opens the first chapter of Overwatch's next big story, where your choices will put you right into the fight for the future!
For the first time, five new Heroes hit the roster together, bringing new playstyles, new dynamics, and new voices into the fray all at once. Jet Pack Cat, Anran, Domina, Emre, and Mizuki arrive just in time for Reign of Talon: Conquest, launching a year-long narrative where conflict takes center stage and you contribute to how it unfolds.
Choose where you stand as Overwatch and Talon collide in a faction-driven event with outcomes that will leave visible marks on the world and your legacy. Along the way, Competitive gets a refresh and Core gameplay evolves, changing how things feel across the board.
This season sets a fresh tone for how the Overwatch story is told and how you play it.
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Publisher(s)
- Blizzard
- Franchise
- Overwatch
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Shooter, FPS, MOBA, Multiplayer
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
