Overwatch 2: Heroes Unlock Order (new user) - free to play

Overwatch 2 has evolved into a thrilling, fast-paced, and strategic shooter, welcoming both veterans and newcomers to its diverse hero pool. With the shift to a free-to-play model, new players face a key challenge: unlocking all the heroes to enjoy the full experience. If you're wondering how to unlock heroes efficiently and what to expect, you've come to the right place.

In Overwatch 2, heroes are unlocked through gameplay, meaning you’ll need to win games to gradually unlock new characters. But don't worry, the process is designed to keep things rewarding without requiring you to spend a cent on unlocking your favorite heroes. Here’s everything you need to know about the Overwatch 2 hero unlock system and the quickest path to gaining access to all the heroes in the game.

Starting Heroes: Who Do You Get Right Away?

When you first jump into Overwatch 2, you're not left in the dust with limited options. Right from the start, you have access to a solid roster of heroes across all roles—Tank, Damage, and Support. These 15 heroes are available to you immediately:

Tanks

  • Junker Queen
  • Orisa
  • Reinhardt
  • Winston
  • Zarya

Damage

  • Pharah
  • Reaper
  • Sojourn
  • Soldier 76
  • Torbjorn
  • Tracer
  • Widowmaker

Support

  • Lucio
  • Mercy
  • Moira

How to Unlock the Rest of the Heroes

Overwatch 2, Heroes, Unlock Order, New User, Free To Play
Unlike traditional hero unlock systems where you might have to pay or grind for hours, Overwatch 2 gives you the chance to unlock all the remaining heroes by simply playing and winning matches. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Win 1 Game: Unlock Genji (Damage)
  • Win 2 Games: Unlock D.Va (Tank)
  • Win 3 Games: Unlock Cassidy (Damage)
  • Win 4 Games: Unlock Ana (Support)
  • Win 9 Games: Unlock Hanzo (Damage) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 12 Games: Unlock Junkrat (Damage) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 15 Games: Unlock Roadhog (Tank) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 20 Games: Unlock Symmetra (Damage) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 25 Games: Unlock Zenyatta (Support) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 30 Games: Unlock Bastion (Damage) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 40 Games: Unlock Sigma (Tank) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 50 Games: Unlock Ashe (Damage) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 60 Games: Unlock Brigitte (Support) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 70 Games: Unlock Mei (Damage) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 85 Games: Unlock Doomfist (Tank) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 100 Games: Unlock Baptiste (Support) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 115 Games: Unlock Sombra (Damage) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 130 Games: Unlock Wrecking Ball (Tank) [Wins count double here]
  • Win 150 Games: Unlock Echo (Damage) [Wins count double here]

Key Tips for New Players

  1. Wins Count Double: If you win 9 games, the wins count as double, which significantly reduces the grind. This means you can unlock some of the later heroes faster than you might expect. Take advantage of this system by focusing on winning streaks.

  2. Play with Friends: Overwatch 2’s co-op nature makes it a fun experience when playing with friends. Teamwork and coordination will often lead to more victories, and the more wins you rack up, the faster you’ll unlock heroes.

  3. Focus on the Early Heroes: The first few heroes you unlock—like Genji (Damage) or D.Va (Tank)—are pivotal in shaping your understanding of the game. They are also among the most popular and versatile heroes, giving you a great foundation to build on.

  4. Check Your Progress: In-game, you’ll have access to a progress tracker that shows how many games you need to unlock the next hero. This makes it easy to plan ahead and know exactly where you stand.

  5. Balance Your Role Choices: While some heroes are easier to unlock than others, try exploring all the roles—Tank, Damage, and Support. A well-rounded hero pool can help you become more versatile and improve your overall performance in competitive play.

  6. Experiment and Have Fun: Overwatch 2 offers a wide variety of heroes with unique abilities. Even if you’re only unlocking one hero at a time, use that opportunity to experiment with different playstyles and master heroes from different roles.

A Smooth Hero Unlock Experience

The new free-to-play model in Overwatch 2 gives players ample opportunity to unlock all of the game’s heroes simply by playing. While there is a grind involved, it’s structured in a way that rewards wins, with 9 game wins counting double to accelerate your hero unlock progress. Whether you’re focusing on mastering a single hero or experimenting with different roles, you’ll have a fun and rewarding journey unlocking all the heroes Overwatch 2 has to offer.

So, jump in, start playing, and get ready to unleash your full potential with every hero at your fingertips! 

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