Overwatch 2 recently implemented a hotfix that significantly enhances the thrill of opening Loot Boxes.  This change reclassifies all Epic Souvenirs as Rare, guaranteeing players a more exciting reward when receiving an Epic item.

Season 15 of Overwatch 2 introduced several major updates, including the impactful Perks leveling system and the highly anticipated return of Loot Boxes. This loot system, reminiscent of a lottery, was previously removed at the end of the original Overwatch.

A week after the return of Loot Boxes, a subtle yet significant hotfix on February 25 adjusted all Souvenirs to Rare quality. This includes the widely discussed Epic Winston Souvenir.  The primary reason for this change is to ensure that Souvenirs no longer appear as Epic rewards in Loot Boxes.  This guarantees that Epic drops will now exclusively contain more sought-after items such as skins, victory poses, emotes, weapon charms, or highlight intros.

Souvenirs, a type of emote-like cosmetic, were introduced at the beginning of Overwatch 2.  Each hero possesses a unique Souvenir reveal animation, used regardless of the Souvenir itself.  With over 100 Souvenirs available, any hero can equip them, though they share slots with emotes. This limits each character to a combined total of four emotes and Souvenirs.

The community has responded positively to this change.  Souvenirs have historically been less popular due to inconsistencies in hero animations and their competition with emotes for limited equipment slots.  Now classified as Rare, Souvenirs are easier to obtain, while also eliminating the potential disappointment of receiving one in place of a more desired Epic item like a skin.

Currently, there are numerous opportunities for players to acquire Loot Boxes.  Overwatch 2 has announced the availability of over 100 Loot Boxes throughout Season 15, obtainable through in-game challenges, Discord programs, and other methods. With this hotfix, players will have clearer expectations for their Epic Loot Box rewards.