Do you get Overwatch 2 if you buy the Watchpoint Pack?

The short answer is no, you do not get the full Overwatch 2 game by purchasing the Watchpoint Pack. But you do get guaranteed access to the upcoming Overwatch 2 beta, along with a bundle of cosmetic items and in-game currency that provides great value for new players in particular. Let‘s take a detailed look.

The recently announced Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack for $39.99 has been divisive amongst the game‘s community. While the pack bundles a range of exciting in-game cosmetics and currency, some players feel $40 is too steep a price just for beta access. Others see it as a fair deal for new players looking to jump right in with cool skins and bonuses.

As a veteran Overwatch player myself, I‘ve gone back and forth on whether I‘ll be purchasing. To help both new and existing players make an informed decision, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to everything included in the Watchpoint Pack and whether it‘s worth it for different types of Overwatch fans.

Breaking Down the Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack

Here‘s an in-depth look at everything that‘s included in the pack:

• Guaranteed Access to the Overwatch 2 Beta – The ability to play and provide feedback during the beta test period before launch. This is currently the only guaranteed way into the beta outside of opt-in selection or Twitch drops.

• Legendary Overwatch Origins Skins – Immediate access to 5 legendary-tier skins and other cosmetics from the Origins Edition of the original Overwatch. These are some of the rarest skins in the game.

• Two New Exclusive Legendary Skins – Junker Queen and Soldier: 76 Space Raider legendary skins created exclusively for the Watchpoint Pack. These are only available here.

• 5 Additional Epic Skins – New epic-tier skins for Sombra, Pharah, Bastion and other heroes. Great way to build your cosmetic collection.

• Overwatch 2 Player Icon – Special player icon showing you were an early supporter.

• 2000 Overwatch Coins – $20 worth of in-game virtual currency to spend on additional skins, heroes, and more in Overwatch 2.

• Season 1 Premium Battle Pass – Grants access to Overwatch 2‘s first battle pass of cosmetic rewards plus instant rank unlocks rather than gradual leveling.

For $39.99, the pack provides instant access to highly sought-after skins that would otherwise take extensive gameplay to obtain. But you don‘t actually get the Overwatch 2 game itself.

How Players Feel About the Watchpoint Pack Value

In online discussions, player opinions on the pack vary widely:

Many players note that $40 represents a fair price for exclusive new skins that would otherwise cost $15-20 each in the shop. Plus enough currency to purchase the first battle pass and additional heroes.

However, a portion of players feel that packs focused solely on cosmetics take advantage of "whales" and players susceptible to FOMO. And that locking beta access behind a paywall contradicts Overwatch 2‘s free-to-play model.

Amongst my fellow veterans, I‘ve seen mixed reactions. Some are excited to access their Origins skins early and show their dedication as an OW2 early adopter. Others think the skins aren‘t worth the cost when they already own so many.

Who Should Consider Buying the Pack?

While its value is subjective, here are the types of players that seem most likely to feel the Watchpoint Pack is worth it:

Brand New Overwatch 2 Players

For those trying out Overwatch for the very first time, the pack offers tremendous value. Rather than grinding for dozens or even hundreds of hours to unlock skins, you‘ll instantly have access to rare cosmetics other players covet. The currency can also be used to purchase multiple season passes or new heroes like Junker Queen. At $40 you can unlock a ton of content instantly that would otherwise require extensive gameplay.

“As someone planning to jump into OW2 as my first Overwatch game, the Watchpoint Pack feels like a steal! I don‘t care about beta access but I want those awesome skins immediately!” – Reddit User

Skins and Cosmetics Collectors

For players who want to unlock as many skins, sprays, and cosmetic items as possible, the Watchpoint Pack is highly appealing. The new legendary Junker Queen and Space Raider: 76 skins are exclusive to the pack and can‘t be obtained anywhere else. Along with 7 other epic and legendary skins, it‘s a huge head start for collectors.

“Blizzard got me good with those new Space Raider skins…as a completionist I pretty much have to buy the Watchpoint Pack now! Curse you FOMO!” – Twitter User

Competitive Players Seeking Beta Access

For esports pros and highly competitive players, guaranteed beta access is the primary selling point. Being able to practice early with Junker Queen or test balance changes could provide a real edge before Overwatch League resumes. These players also often have completionist tendencies when it comes to cosmetics.

“Worth it just to get a head start on the meta before OWL returns. Plus the skins are just a bonus.” – Reddit User

Who May Want to Wait on the Pack

Certain players are better off waiting and accessing Overwatch 2‘s free-to-play components:

Existing Players With Most Unlocks

As an existing player who has put in over 400 hours and unlocked most cosmetics already, the Watchpoint Pack‘s appeal is lessened for me. The new skins are fantastic, but with 90% of other available cosmetics I‘m not desperate for more. I‘ve submitted my profile for beta access and am willing to wait a few weeks rather than pay $40 to play a couple weeks early.

“I‘ll pass and just wait for free beta access. Maybe I‘ll grab the battle pass with earned currency once I see the rewards.”

Budget-Conscious Players

For players on a tight budget, free-to-play is often the only viable option. While the Watchpoint Pack represents a good deal, $40 is still substantial. These players will likely wait to access all of the game‘s free launch content before deciding whether to purchase.

“As a college student I just can‘t justify $40 right now for some cosmetics. Hoping I get picked for the free beta access!”

Anti-Microtransaction Players

Some players refuse to participate in microtransactions or battle pass systems on principle. After years of loot boxes in the original Overwatch, they want to send the message that all heroes and maps should be free. These players are avoiding the pack entirely.

“Hard pass just on principle until Blizzard commits to stopping these predatory FOMO marketing tactics.”

Weighing the Options as a Veteran Player

As an existing player, I can totally understand both arguments around the Watchpoint Pack value. $40 for beta access and some cosmetics is questionable. But there‘s also no denying that the skins are incredibly cool looking. After all these years invested in Overwatch, I‘ll admit part of me wants the chance to show my dedication as an OW2 early supporter.

My plan is to wait and see if I get selected for free beta access in the next wave of invites. If I don‘t get in, the Watchpoint Pack will start looking much more enticing as a way to guarantee entry. And I can‘t lie – having those new Junker Queen and Space Raider skins on day one would be amazing.

For veteran players like myself on the fence, try to get into the free beta first. But if that doesn‘t work out, the Watchpoint Pack is a reasonable way to access OW2 early and obtain some awesome exclusive cosmetics. Just be aware you don‘t need it to play the core game for free at launch.

Overwatch 2 Arrives October 4th for All Players!

The debate around the Watchpoint Pack will surely continue right up until Overwatch 2‘s October 4th launch. But it‘s important to remember that all of the game‘s PVP multiplayer content will be completely free for all players. New heroes, maps, and game modes don‘t require any purchase. You also have a chance of gaining free beta access without the pack.

For those willing to purchase, the Watchpoint Pack offers a bundle of cosmetics, currency, and guaranteed beta access with solid value. But going free-to-play is still a perfectly viable option too! See you October 4th on the Overwatch 2 battlefields my friends!