Overwatch 2: How to unlock ranked Competitive play, and how it works
Overwatch 2 is finally here and just like the original game, it features a special competitive mode where players can compete against others in ranked matches. However, the requirements to unlock Competitive in Overwatch 2 are different than in the first game, as are the rank structure and available rewards.
In this quick guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about Overwatch 2’s competitive mode. This includes how to unlock it, how it works, and what types of rewards you can expect as you battle your way up the leaderboard.
Overwatch 2: How to unlock Competitive
Before you can jump into the competitive experience, you must unlock the mode. If you’re a returning Overwatch player who originally unlocked Competitive by hitting level 25, don’t worry as ranked matchmaking is automatically available to you. However, if you’re a new Overwatch 2 player or someone who never reached level 25 in the original game, there are a few things you need to do first.
New players must complete the Overwatch 2 Guided First-Time User Experience (FTUE).. This is a tutorial-like system that slowly introduces you to the core concepts of the game and progressively unlocks all of the original 32 Overwatch heroes over the course of 150 games. Note that first game players do not need to worry about this step.
Once the FTUE is complete, Players must too Play and win 50 Quick Play matches. This ensures that all competitive players have a reasonable amount of experience and understand the basics of attacking, defending and playing with their team. This requirement applies to both new players and returning Overwatch players who never unlocked the original competitive mode. Once the FTUE is complete and you have won 50 Quick Play games, competitive play will be available.
Overwatch 2: How Does Competitive Rank Work?
In the original Overwatch, players could advance through seven separate ranks determined by a granular, numerical skill rating (SR) system. In Overwatch 2, developer Blizzard chose to overhaul competitive play by moving away from SR and instead adding five different tiers to each skill division, giving players one tier every seven wins or 20 wins (or a division, if necessary) move up or down losses or ties.
Blizzard says the new system not only better represents players’ skills, but it’s also less stressful to deal with because players don’t have to watch their SR go up or down after every single game. Ideally, players feel less pressure, making the overall experience more comfortable and fun.
Oversee 2 skill ranks, divisions and tiers
The following list shows all Overwatch 2 skill divisions and tiers. Note that higher ranks within a division represent lower abilities, while lower ranks within divisions represent higher abilities. Also remember that Top 500 is a unique skill division with no tiers and consists of the top 500 Grandmaster players on the leaderboard (separated by input method).
- Bronze 5-1
- Silver 5-1
- Golds 5-1
- Platinum 5-1
- Diamond 5-1
- Masters 5-1
- Grandmaster 5-1
- top 500
Overwatch 2: Competitive Rewards
Competitive play is not only a fulfilling Overwatch experience, but also offers a small selection of rewards that players can earn by competing. The first type of reward available is Contest Points, which can be used to purchase special golden versions of each hero’s weapons (3,000 Contest Points each). You receive 15 competition points for each match won and five for each match played in a tie. You also get a large chunk of these at the end of each competitive season, with the amount depending on which skill division you completed the season in:
- Bronze: 65 competition points
- Silver: 125 competition points
- Gold: 250 competition points
- Platinum: 500 competition points
- Diamond: 750 competition points
- Master: 1,200 competition points
- Grandmaster: 1,750 competition points
You can also earn special competitive titles for your profile name card that are new to Overwatch 2. These titles allow you to indicate how high you’ve climbed in the leaderboard and how many leaderboard matches you’ve completed. Note that these titles are only unlocked at the end of each competitive season and can only be used during the season that follows.
Overwatch 2 is available now for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch. It’s probably one of the The best Xbox shooters available, and since it’s free to play, it doesn’t cost anything to try it. Alternatively, players can purchase the Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Bundle, which provides access to Season 1’s Premium Battle Pass, 2,000 Overwatch Coins, and a bundle of unique Legendary skins.