At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard announced Overwatch 2, confirming the rumors that Overwatch is getting a sequel that includes both PvP and PvE modes. In an interview with GameSpot, Blizzard revealed that the original Overwatch almost had an Apex Legends-like ping system and its sequel might get one for its new PvE modes.

"[Overwatch] actually had a ping system at one point," Overwatch and Overwatch 2 lead hero designer Geoff Goodman said. "It ended up being a situation where it wasn't super useful. Maybe there's a chance to revisit it, but we ended up taking it away and putting in our current communication wheel instead. So it's possible, especially with our Hero missions and Story missions, that it will come back [in Overwatch 2]."

The Hero and Story missions are Overwatch 2's PvE modes, which pit you and your team against an army of computer-controlled enemies. In Hero mode, you and your team can pick from any of Overwatch's heroes--including new character Sojourn--and then play in repeatable, objective-focused missions. As you play through this mode, you'll level up and unlock new versions of each hero's special abilities. You can also unlock new abilities in Story mode, where you and your team select characters from a predetermined roster and play through scripted, narrative-focused missions that further flesh out Overwatch's lore. Abilities unlocked in Hero and Story missions cannot be used in PvP.

All 31 heroes will have new looks in Overwatch 2 as well. "Overwatch 2 evolves the look and feel of the world, with more dynamic environments, larger-scale battles, additional in-game storytelling events, and improved atmospheric effects and shadows," Blizzard says. Originally only announced for Xbox One, PS4, and PC, Overwatch 2 lead designer Jeff Kaplan confirmed the game is also releasing on Switch.

Back in June 2019, a report stated that Blizzard canceled a first-person shooter set in the Starcraft universe in order to focus on developing Diablo IV (which was also announced at BlizzCon 2019) and Overwatch 2. However, Blizzard has not confirmed whether that is true.