Overwatch is well known for the many events that players can dive into to unlock exclusive and timed content. With Overwatch 2, it’s pretty much the same but with a few key changes.
Overwatch 2’s first ever event, the return of the classic Halloween Terror event from the original Overwatch, still enables players to unlock special content, but the implementation of the event’s content has changed.
But what is Overwatch 2’s Halloween Terror event, and what exactly does it offer players? let’s find out.
Overwatch 2’s Halloween Terror event has arrived
Like the original Overwatch, Blizzard announced that the October update for Overwatch 2 brings the return of the Halloween Terror event.
Running from October 25 to November 8, 2022, the event allows you to unlock exclusive Halloween-themed content for Overwatch 2 and adds a new co-op multiplayer PvE game mode for you to play.
Following the tone of previous Overwatch Halloween events, Overwatch 2’s Halloween Terror co-op mission features Dr. The Junkensteins return, with players again having to raid their castles to obtain in-game rewards.
But what can you unlock through the event?
What can you unlock in Halloween Terror
Unlike previous versions of Halloween Terror, Overwatch 2’s event has no hero skins to be unlocked independently by simply playing through the event.
While these unlockables cover most of the cosmetics and customization options available in Overwatch 2, the lack of hero skins differs significantly from previous event rewards in the original Overwatch.
Why Halloween Terror Has Changed For Overwatch 2
The changes seen between the original Overwatch’s Halloween events and Overwatch 2 are due to the game switching from a paid title to a free-to-play title that relies on Battle Pass monetization.
Instead of all premium cosmetic hero skins being available through loot boxes, they are tied to unlockable levels in an event-based in-game store or paid battle pass.
Unfortunately, if you want to use the Halloween-based event skins available through Halloween Terror, you’ll need to spend money on the in-game Overwatch 2 shop.
With the implementation of a battle pass in Overwatch 2, not only have timed events been changed to fit Overwatch’s new progression system, but the way you normally play can be changed with a battle pass. .
For Halloween Terror, locking the event-exclusive skin behind a paywall may hinder your incentive to play through the event.
Make the Most of Halloween Terror While It’s Available
Despite some of the more unfortunate changes to Overwatch events and monetization in general, the Halloween Terror event was released as a completely free update that offers some new PvE game modes and cosmetic unlocks for you to enjoy.
With that said, it’s also important to note that the paywall-locked event skins that were previously available through loot boxes or free unlocks are what they are: watched for violent microtransactions.
With free-to-play titles enabling gamers to play games at no cost, the gaming industry has adapted to accommodate the lack of game sales.
Free-to-play modded games rely on microtransactions to allow players to spend their money on in-game content as an alternative to upfront costs.
This model has proved so successful that AAA titles, such as Halo Infinite Multiplayer and Call of Duty: Warzone, have switched to the free-to-play format.
This may appear as a positive change for the industry as a whole, allowing for more accessible gaming, but how do these microtransactions affect the games you play, and are they worth it?
Why you might find free-to-play titles worth micro-transactions
Let’s start with how free-to-play titles can still be playable despite their many microtransactions.
Free-to-play titles allow for more accessible gaming
With the barrier of upfront costs raised from free-to-play games, the opportunity and potential for people to be able to play a certain free-to-play title increases massively.
Any financial considerations you may need to consider are completely reversed with free-to-play games. This then increases the potential player numbers of free-to-play titles: as the reach of games increases, so does the total number of potential players.
Halo to have infinite multiplayer, the first free-to-play Halo ever
A multiplayer title, the game’s launch was the biggest in the franchise’s history. NME reported that over 25 million players had played Halo Infinite within a few months of release, citing the free-to-play switch to multiplayer as the main reason.