Overwatch 2 presents players with a wide roster, each fighter equipped with distinct abilities and playstyles. Since the game shifted to a free-to-play model, some heroes start locked, but unlocking them is straightforward. This guide explains how to access every character in Overwatch 2 and get the most from the roster.
Overwatch 2 Guides
- How to change the server and region in Overwatch 2
- How to quickly level up and upgrade the battle pass in Overwatch 2
- The best tanks for newcomers to Overwatch 2 – which hero should you choose?
- How to unlock all characters (heroes) in Overwatch 2
What is the original Overwatch for?
If a player owned the original Overwatch, the number of unlocked characters at launch in the sequel increases significantly. In addition to Kiriko, a new heroine, many familiar faces remain accessible from the start. For those who didn’t purchase the first game, only fifteen of the thirty-five characters are available at launch. Logging in before the end of Season 1 (or Season 2 for original Overwatch owners) unlocks Sojourn and the Vulture Queen permanently.
Beyond those initial unlocks, most heroes become available after accumulating a certain number of matches. It’s worth noting that even standard matches count toward unlock progress, while participation in ranked games is not required. A practical tip: any locked hero can be played if a friend has already unlocked them, making cooperative play a fast track to building the full roster.
How to unlock all characters
At launch, several heroes are immediately playable, including Orisa, Reinhardt, Winston, D.Va, Pharah, Reaper, Soldier: 76, Torbjörn, Tracer, Widowmaker, Lúcio, Ana, and Moira. As noted earlier, the remaining heroes unlock by earning a specific number of matches.
- Genji: 1 match
- D.Va: 2 matches
- Cassidy: 3 matches
- Ana: 4 matches
- Hanzo: 9 matches
- Junkrat: 12 matches
- Roadhog: 15 matches
- Sombra: 20 matches
- Zenyatta: 25 matches
- Bastion: 30 matches
- Sigma: 40 matches
- Ash: 50 matches
- Brigitte: 60 matches
- Beast (Beast? Note: replace with appropriate character if needed): 70 matches
- Doomfist: 85 matches
- Baptiste: 100 matches
- Sombra: 115 matches
- Ram (Ramattra): 130 matches
- Echo: 150 matches
These progress thresholds provide a clear roadmap for players aiming to complete the roster without paying extra just to unlock characters quickly.
How to unlock Kiriko in Overwatch 2
Kiriko is a newer heroine who remains locked for both veterans and newcomers until she is accessed through the Battle Pass. Unlike several other heroes, Kiriko’s unlock requires progression within the Battle Pass, not a simple count of matches.
To reach Kiriko through the free route, players should reach level 55 in the Battle Pass. Alternatively, players can unlock Kiriko by purchasing the premium Battle Pass for 1000 coins, the local premium currency, which grants immediate access to the character and other rewards.
Other guides
This guide provides practical steps to access the complete cast, along with notes on how to leverage cooperative play for faster unlocks. For those curious about additional tips, exploring related strategies and build ideas can help maximize success as new players step into the varied roles within Overwatch 2.