Key Takeaways
- An Overwatch fan recently found a physical loot box collectible at a thrift shop, snagging it for a mere $3.
- The item in question was part of a Blizzard employee gift set from 2017 and one of only 5,000 made.
- Fans continue to debate whether they prefer the original game’s loot boxes to Overwatch 2’s battle pass and shop system.
A lucky Overwatch fan found a physical loot box collectible from the original game at a thrift shop. Back in the original Overwatch days, players were able to earn loot boxes simply by playing. Each one gave players four cosmetic items when opened, ranging from sprays to hero skins, and boxes were either common, rare, epic, or legendary. The same rarity system also applied to individual cosmetics. Alternatively, players were able to purchase these loot boxes with real money.
Replacing the original game’s loot box system, Overwatch 2 implemented a new way of delivering fun cosmetic items to players with the popular battle pass system. Alongside that, Blizzard also revamped Overwatch 2‘s shop, adding microtransactions for exclusive skins and bundles. Overwatch 2‘s battle pass was largely accepted by the community, though players needing to grind the pass to unlock freshly released heroes has seen some controversy. Earlier this year, Blizzard reversed this decision, making the latest heroes Venture and Juno available free for all players.
A fan of Blizzard’s competitive first-person shooter discovered an impressive collectible loot box from the original Overwatch at a thrift store. On Reddit, fireshow77 posted images of the item, which was part of a Blizzard employee gift set from 2017 and one of only 5,000 made. The loot box didn’t seem to have anything inside, but the user added in a comment that they snagged the rare collectible for a mere $3. It’s possible the thrift shop owner was unaware that the item in question would be so valuable to an entire community of fans.
Fan Finds Original Overwatch Loot Box At Thrift Shop
In the comments of fireshow77’s post, Overwatch fans debate about whether they preferred the original game’s loot boxes to Overwatch 2‘s battle pass and shop system. Some fans liked earning free loot boxes and, by extension, randomized cosmetics by simply playing Overwatch, while others think the ability to purchase them outright via microtransactions was problematic. Many fans wish for Overwatch 2 to scrap its battle passes and reinstate the free loot boxes. However, since Overwatch 2 became free to play, seasonal battle passes and shop purchases allow Blizzard to continue supporting the game with balance updates, new maps, heroes, events, and more.
There’s no telling whether Blizzard is planning to ever bring back the original loot box system for Overwatch 2. While it was confirmed that Blizzard is internally testing 6v6, it’s just about the only main feature from the original game that’s looking to make a comeback. As for Overwatch 2‘s current Season 12 battle pass, fans have been enjoying its Egyptian theme and Reaper’s mythic skin. Season 13 is expected to go live next week, so players should expect a huge info drop from Blizzard in the coming days.