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Overwatch 2 had a rocky launch, and it's still struggling to fix a variety of problems. As time passes, the game will obviously improve considerably, but for the time being, Blizzard is still trying to put out the launch fires. On the opposite end of that spectrum, Splatoon 3 had a phenomenal launch. It sold 3.45 million copies in the first three days of release in Japan alone. Splatoon 3 improved upon its predecessor in new and exciting ways, adding new weapons and more customization options, tweaking previous modes, and streamlining several UI options.

Despite the varying quality of the two games' launches, both titles share more similarities than one might think. Of course, the overall style, perspective, and goals of each game are almost polar opposites. However, both games are team-based shooters and have playable characters with customizable cosmetics. Both games feature ultimate abilities and have team-based modes with different objectives for each mode. It is in each of these similarities that Overwatch 2 can learn from Splatoon 3. While the games might have different ways of implementing those features, they share the goal of trying to enhance the gameplay experience.

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The Problem With Cosmetics in Overwatch 2

Royal Knight Mercy Overwatch 2 Skin Blizzard

Gone are the days of Overwatch's loot boxes -- Overwatch 2 has opted for a more modern battle pass system for players. With Overwatch 2's move to a free-to-play model, it made sense to incorporate the battle pass. However, it has raised questions about whether the battle pass actually features enough content to warrant a purchase. This isn't a new problem, however, as this typically happens whenever a new free-to-play game with a battle pass launches. In terms of cosmetics, Overwatch 2 feels slightly lacking, though. There are only a handful of skins, and some of the other cosmetic options like voice lines or sprays have little value or impact once obtained. Plus, players can only acquire the lackluster cosmetics by either buying the battle pass or purchasing them from the in-game store.

Splatoon 3 takes a different approach to cosmetics. How each player's inkling looks is a major draw and appeal of Splatoon. Players are encouraged to buy and create new outfits for their inklings, and all the cosmetic options are available with in-game currency that players can easily earn with regular play. Each piece of clothing also gives the player a minor stat boost. While it's enough to encourage experimentation, the stat boosts are never big enough to invalidate another choice of garment.

Naturally, Splatoon 3 can do this because it isn't a free-to-play game. It does beg the question if perhaps Overwatch 2 would be better served as a full-priced triple-A game that charged for new DLC characters rather than new seasons of a battle pass. On the other hand, to encourage players to buy the battle pass, the game could give deeper customization options for characters' cosmetics, as players would be interested to see what combinations can be made.

RELATED: How Overwatch 2's 5v5 Matches Change the Hero Shooter - For Better or Worse

How Overwatch 2 Can Borrow From Splatoon 3's Combat

Turf War chaos in Splatoon 3

For the most part, Overwatch 2 and Splatoon 3 have radically different approaches to combat. While each of their game modes has totally opposite goals, they feature similar mechanics with subtle differences, which give each game its distinct playstyle. Overwatch 2 transitioned from a 6v6 to a 5v5 format game, but the core mechanics of each character remain the same. However, there have been complaints that characters' ultimate abilities can give too large of an advantage if timed properly.

On the other hand, Splatoon also features ultimate abilities players can use. However, Splatoon's ultimates never feel like they give an unfair advantage or change the match drastically. Instead, they consist of small boosts that help players gain more ground -- though they still feel like they can destroy an entire team.

Again, these games probably have more differences than similarities. However, it's still incredibly important to learn from all video games, regardless of genre. Splatoon 3 felt like a complete and polished game, which certainly contributed to its success. That is something Blizzard was once known for, but recent games seem to have lost their polish. There is certainly a lot that Overwatch, and other online shooters, for that matter, could learn from Splatoon 3.