Restart and rename Overwatch in 2026 was one of the best updates the game has received since its initial release Overwatch 2. Not only yes Overwatch introduced 5 new playable heroes at the same time but also revamped its game modes like Stadium and also added sub-roles for every hero in the game. With all these new features at the same time, Overwatch saw a massive resurgence in player numbers, with players who had taken a break from the game jumping back in for the first time in years.
Player login Overwatch for the first time in a while, you'll probably notice that there have been some changes to how certain parts of the game work. User interface for Overwatch's home menu has been updated and streamlined, and more quality-of-life features have been added for unlocking heroes, making it easier to track down new cosmetics without having to deal with annoying notifications lurking in the Hero Gallery. If players have not checked out Overwatch since it was launched as Overwatch 2they may not be aware of the return of Loot Boxes, which could mean they're sitting on a ton of free loot waiting to be earned.
I gave Overwatch 2 a 6/10 when it launched in 2022 – Here's what I think about the relaunched Overwatch in 2026
The launch of Overwatch 2 Early Access in 2022 was a blast, but how is Blizzard's beloved heroic shooter faring now that it's relaunched as Overwatch?
Overwatch loot boxes are now one of the best features of the game
When Overwatch first launched in 2016, the biggest controversy surrounding the game was the presence of loot boxes as the primary method of obtaining new cosmetics such as skins, sprays and voice lines. Some players resented the fact that the paid game included free-to-play mechanics, despite the fact that a certain number of loot boxes could be obtained for free. Once Overwatch 2 went free-to-play and dropped Loot Boxes in favor of the Battle Pass and Shop, some players complained about the previous way of obtaining cosmetics, as the Battle Pass offered fewer opportunities for FTP players to earn them.
Who is that character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Start
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s) Medium (5.0s) Hard (2.5s) Permadeath (2.5s)
Overwatch has been generous with free loot boxes since Reign of Talon Season 1 Restart
Loot Boxes have returned to Overwatch in Season 15, almost exactly a year ago in 2025. With the return of Loot Boxes, Overwatch players could obtain cosmetics from the Battle Pass in addition to free, earnable loot boxes that offered a variety of other cosmetics. The Loot Box mechanics have also improved since their return and now offer players the chance to get 3 Loot Boxes per week for free just by playing matches, with additional limited time events and the Battle Pass offering more Loot Boxes as rewards.
Every way to get loot boxes in Overwatch right now
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Completing matches each week — 3 common loot boxes
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Participating in Talon Vs. Overwatch Conquest Event — 6 regular, 1 epic loot
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Twitch Drops (until March 9th) — 8 regular, 2 legendary loot boxes
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Hero Progression Level Up — 1 common at level 5, 3 epics at levels 25, 35 and 45, 3 legendary at levels 30, 40 and 50
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Year of the Horse Limited Time Event (Until March 3rd) — 2 Regular, 1 Epic Loot Boxes
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Premium Battle Pass — 3 legendary loot boxes
It returns with the start of Reign of Talon Season 1 Overwatch players have a chance to get lots of cosmetics for free with loot boxes. The easiest way to earn multiple Loot Boxes per week is simply by participating in matches, as players can earn 3 Common Loot Boxes for playing a total of 27 matches per week. Players can also unlock loot boxes as rewards for leveling up a hero through the Hero Progression system. By playing with any given Overwatch hero long enough, players can unlock a total of 1 common, 3 epic and 3 legendary loot boxes.
There are currently two events that offer loot boxes as rewards: Year of the Horse and Talon vs. Overwatch Conquest Events. Talon vs. The Overwatch Conquest Event gives players a total of 6 common and 1 epic loot box for choosing a side and completing challenges associated with their chosen faction. The Year of the Horse event gives players 2 common and 1 epic loot boxes for completing its challenges.
Players can technically double up in Talon vs. Overwatch Conquest Event by completing one faction's challenges and then switching to another and the same for a total of 12 regular and 2 epic loot boxes.
Some Loot Boxes can be obtained without playing a match Overwatch. For a limited time, players can get a total of 8 regular and 2 legendary loot boxes by watching Overwatch streaming on Twitch for a specified number of hours. There are also 3 legendary loot boxes that can be obtained from the Battle Pass, but it requires that Overwatch for players to purchase the Premium Battle Pass for Reign of Talon Season 1.
I'm hoping Jetpack Cat from Overwatch walks around so an even weirder character can run
While Jetpack Cat might seem weird, Blizzard is sitting on one Overwatch design that's drastically more absurd — and I need it to become a reality.
Even free-to-play Overwatch players can access store items through loot boxes
Getting the desired drops from Overwatch Loot Boxes are also easier than ever, thanks to several changes that have been implemented since the mechanic's return. For starters, players are guaranteed an Epic quality item from Epic Loot Boxes and a Legendary quality item from Legendary Loot Boxes. Even in Common Loot Boxes, players are guaranteed an Epic skin after 5 consecutive turns and a Legendary skin after 20 turns without one.
Additionally, Loot Boxes are much less likely to give players duplicates of cosmetics they already own. Any duplicate received contributes to the next Common Loot Box. The cherry on top is the recent inclusion earlier Overwatch Purchase exclusive skins in Loot Boxes, meaning players who missed out on the chance to purchase certain Overwatch skins have a chance to find them for free by opening the Loot Box. The sum of these mechanics creates a much more free-to-play-player-friendly system for acquiring new cosmetics that return Overwatch players should take full advantage.
- Released
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May 24, 2016
- ESRB
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T for Teens: Blood, Tobacco Use, Violence (online interactions not rated)
- Engine
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Proprietary
