Overwatch's Season 4 introduces a revamped battle pass system, which, while offering players more control over reward selection through segmented tracks, has drawn criticism for significantly delaying access to free in-game currency. The newly structured pass divides rewards into tracks, each culminating in a new skin and other items. However, a substantial portion of Overwatch Coins, the game's premium currency, is now accessible only after completing all preceding tracks.
This change means players must reach the final track, equivalent to a high tier in previous systems, to obtain 400 Overwatch Coins and 30 Mythic Prisms. This model mirrors mechanics seen in games like Call of Duty and Marvel Rivals, though currency will not be re-earned from revisiting older battle passes. This shift has not been well-received by a segment of the player base, who view it as a punitive measure against free-to-play users.
Previously, free Overwatch Coins were distributed more broadly throughout the battle pass, with players earning currency approximately every 20 tiers. While a full completion was still necessary for the maximum amount of 600 coins, players could acquire 200-400 coins with less intensive play, often sufficient to purchase a desired shop skin or save for the next season's premium pass. The current structure offers only 200 coins at tier 12, and contingent on selecting a specific track, with the remainder locked until the final track is cleared.
Mythic Prisms, essential for acquiring and customizing Mythic skins, have also seen their distribution altered. Previously awarded in increments of 10 every 10 tiers, they are now more heavily concentrated towards the end of the pass. Unlocking a Mythic skin requires 50 prisms, with additional customization options costing 10 prisms each, and a full set plus bonus colorways potentially reaching 100-110 prisms. The cost of purchasing prisms with real money, with the next tier up costing $25 for 30 prisms, highlights the impact of this change for players who do not complete the entire pass.
Completing all 80 tiers of the battle pass typically requires around an hour of daily play, assuming consistent match completion times and short queue lengths. While this may be manageable for some, it represents a significant time commitment for players balancing work, school, or other obligations, or those who prefer to diversify their gaming activities. Blizzard has not yet indicated whether these battle pass changes are subject to revision based on player feedback.