Overwatch 2 is getting a dating sim

Blizzard has announced that Overwatch 2 is getting an official spin-off dating simulator for Valentine’s Day that unlocks goodies for the main game.

Overwatch 2’s third season has begun, bringing a new map, changes to ranked mode, and in an odd twist, a dating simulator.

The limited-time romantic experience is called Loverwatch, and it stars two of the game’s most popular heroes, Mercy and Genji, as datable characters. It also features the bow-wielding Hanzo as Cupid, assisting players on their quest for love.

Blizzard made sure to stress that the event was non-canon in a blog post, meaning it doesn’t contribute to the game’s rich lore and history.

Loverwatch won’t be in Overwatch 2 itself, instead being available through a web client. It’s a text-based visual novel, like many other dating simulators, but there will be in-game perks for players who partake.

As is typical for dating simulators, there will be different endings available through picking different dialogue choices as they play. One of these endings, reportedly a “secret” ending, will unlock a new Play of the Game intro scene for Overwatch 2.

Overwatch 2 is no stranger to interesting and unusual events. A recent Overwatch 2 event explored Greek mythology last month, altering existing heroes in the game to give them appropriately thematic skills based on Greek gods and heroes.

Overwatch 2’s Battle for Olympus was well-received by fans of the game. Picture: Blizzard

Loverwatch is set to become available on February 13 and run through to February 28. The mini-game will be available on Overwatch 2’s official website, and Blizzard says that each playthrough will last about 30 minutes.

Alongside Loverwatch is a Valentine’s Day-themed event running in Overwatch 2 itself, called Ultimate Valentine. Playing during this event can earn players additional skins and cosmetics, so players interested in celebrating the romantic day should participate in both activities.

It comes at a strange time for Overwatch 2, as the controversial “sexual harassment” mode returned to the game last month. The custom, player-made game mode reportedly depicts sexual assault, having players stun women in the game and making them “pregnant”.

The custom game mode depicting sexual assault first appeared in Overwatch 2 in October last year, and Blizzard was quick to remove it after Twitter users discovered and publicised the mode. Despite being publicly unavailable, players who had the five-digit room code could still access the content.

Written by Oliver Brandt on behalf of GLHF.