Here’s a bit of news that won’t go down well with the Overwatch 2 fanbase. When Overwatch 2: Invasion goes live in August, it will include Story Missions, a long-awaited PvE co-op mode. In a blog post published just ahead of the Season 5 launch, Blizzard said that the Invasion season will launch with a $15 Invasion Bundle that includes “permanent access” to the story missions.
A Blizzard spokesperson confirmed that the Story Missions won’t be accessible unless you pay for the bundle. You won’t get access to the Story Missions for free at all during the Invasion season. You’ll still be able to pay for access to them after the season is over.
I don’t think Team 4 ever explicitly said that these missions would be free to access, just that they would be introduced as part of the seasonal model. It’s too early to know whether Blizzard will open up access to these missions for free in later seasons.
In any case, this is rough. It’s another bad look for Blizzard so soon after news came through that the Hero Missions (the PvE mode that would include long-term progression for each character) are no longer happening, even though that seemed like the right call under the circumstances.
Charging for Story Missions is the kind of decision that could drive away some wavering players for good, even those who’ve been waiting a long time for more robust PvE. Still, it’s worth remembering this is a business decision that’s likely out of the hands of the Overwatch 2 developers who are making content they want you to enjoy.
For what it’s worth, the Invasion Bundle will also include 1,000 Overwatch coins (enough for a Premium Battle Pass), a Sojourn Legendary skin and instant access to Sojourn for newcomers who haven’t unlocked her.
A $40 Ultimate Invasion bundle includes all of the above, along with a Null Sector Premium Battle Pass with 20 tier skips, another 1,000 Overwatch coins and two Legendary skins for Cassidy and Kiriko.
What we also know now is that the first three Story Missions take place in Rio de Janeiro, Toronto and Gothenburg. These are “massive maps with complex objectives, and an in-depth storyline that will guide you along the way.”
Game Informer had the chance to have an early hands-on with the Toronto mission. It sounds rad and I’m itching to play it, as well as the Rio and Gothenburg ones. Blizzard will offer everyone a look at the Story Missions on June 21 when it hosts a reveal livestream. Just don’t expect to play them without paying.
Updated with confirmation from Blizzard that Story Missions are paywalled.
For more news and updates on Overwatch 2 and other games, follow my Forbes blog! You’ll get a weekly round-up email that includes everything I publish. You’d be doing me a solid, too — it’s a great way to support me and my work at no cost.
Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out some of my other work here.
