{
  "id": 494834,
  "title": "Overwatch's old battle passes are finally coming back permanently starting next month, but some of the rewards will be left out",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/overwatchs-old-battle-passes-are-finally-coming-back-permanently",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-10T19:14:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PC Gamer",
    "slug": "pc-gamer",
    "url": "https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/overwatchs-old-battle-passes-are-finally-coming-back-permanently-starting-next-month-but-some-of-the-rewards-will-be-left-out/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Blizzard Entertainment is set to reintroduce past Overwatch battle passes permanently starting next month. The decision aims to reduce the fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) aspect of the game's monetization strategy. Starting halfway through each season, an old battle pass will become available for players to purchase or for those who already own it. However, premium currency, player titles, and Mythic-level skins previously included in the old battle passes will not be part of the new unvaulted versions. While the move is appreciated, the permanence of specific rewards is a disappointment as some battle passes will not be available simultaneously. Nevertheless, this step aligns Overwatch more closely with live-service games like Fortnite, where players can unlock significant cosmetics in any order they prefer. Blizzard is also introducing a new battle pass system in Season 4, which will consist of multiple reward tracks instead of a linear progression. Players will have the option to substitute a Legendary skin they dislike with another from a curated selection. The goal is to allow players to choose skins for the heroes they actually play. The new battle pass system will not extend the time needed to complete the game, according to Blizzard. The season 4 trailer hinted at a collaboration with the popular K-pop group Le Sserafim, who will also be present at BlizzCon. Overwatch Season 4, featuring the new mech hero D.Mon, is scheduled to launch on August 11.",
  "summary": "After years, Blizzard is loosening up on the battle pass FOMO.",
  "key_points": [
    "Blizzard reintroducing old Overwatch battle passes permanently starting August",
    "Premium currency, player titles, and Mythic-level skins excluded from new versions",
    "New battle pass system with multiple reward tracks introduced in Season 4"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}