Key Takeaways
- Coins and credits are different in Overwatch 2. Coins can buy everything, but credits can buy only select cosmetics.
- OWL tokens are different from both Coins and Credits. You need OWL tokens to buy cosmetics related to the Overwatch League.
- If you don’t want to pay for Coins and Credits, there are a few ways to get them for free.
- Download the free Z League app to find Overwatch teammates who can help you climb and earn free Credits as quickly as possible.
Difference Between Coins and Credits in Overwatch 2
In Overwatch 2, there are two main currencies: coins and credits. The two currencies share some similarities but are distinctly different from one another.
Coins are the highest value currency. They can be used to buy anything in the game, and especially items in the shop. Coins can also be used to buy the seasonal Battle Pass.
Credits can be used only to buy cosmetics that came into the game from Overwatch 1, and base hero skins that were available on the release of Overwatch 2. In general, Credits can’t be used for the latest and greatest skins—you’ll need Coins for that.
OWL Tokens Are A Completely Different Currency
When you go to the shop in Overwatch 2, you’ll be able to scroll over and see skins that are inspired by the Overwatch League (OWL). Each team in the league has a special skin for each hero like Junkrat, Mei, and Bastion. You can purchase each skin individually, and hardcore fans can buy their favorite team’s skin for the entire hero roster.
OWL skins cannot be purchased by Coins or Credits. Similarly, anything unrelated to the OWL can’t be purchased with OWL tokens. If you’re on the fence on which new cosmetic you’re going to buy, make a decision before buying OWL tokens or Coins.
How to Get Free Coins and Credits in Overwatch 2
If you have an existing account from Overwatch 1 and you ended with Overwatch 1 Coins on your account, simply port your account into Overwatch 2. All of your Overwatch 1 Coins will convert into Credits for you to spend as you please. You’ll also keep everything you unlocked in Overwatch 1, meaning you won’t have to spend Credits on those items again.
Every Competitive season of Overwatch 2 comes with a Battle Pass. You complete the Battle Pass by gaining experience from playing games. Gain 10,000 experience and you’ll move to the next level of the Battle Pass. Within each season’s Battle Pass, there’s the opportunity to get 500 free Credits. Paid Battle Pass players will get an additional 1,500 Credits.
Winning games will get you more experience, so try your hardest if you want to get your free Battle Pass Credits as quickly as possible. You can also get additional experience boosts if you queue with at least one friend, and if you win at least one match in a game without leaving.
Coins can’t be earned through the Battle Pass and need to be purchased. The one exception is Microsoft Rewards. Microsoft Rewards gives you points for completing certain tasks, such as performing searches through Bing. When you get enough points, you can redeem your points for a prize, and Overwatch Coins are sometimes one of the available prizes.
OWL Tokens can sometimes be earned for free by watching Overwatch League events. If you watch the event on YouTube or Twitch, you may be eligible for free Coins. Announcements are usually made via the official Overwatch League Twitter page.
