Overview of Hard Light Crystals in Overwatch 2
- The introduction of Hard Light Crystals represents a new, enigmatic currency within Overwatch 2.
- Reports suggest this currency is primarily designed for the Chinese market, likely for purchasing loot boxes.
- Blizzard has yet to provide any official commentary regarding the functionality or intent behind Hard Light Crystals.
Overwatch 2 has recently added a new currency, known as Hard Light Crystals, shrouded in mystery regarding its origin and intended use. Current insights indicate that this currency may be specifically designated for players in China, where it has appeared in the filter options of the Overwatch 2 Hero Gallery.
Along with Hard Light Crystals, the game’s latest Season 15 update has introduced substantial changes, including the return of Loot Boxes and the implementation of impactful Perks. This content batch has garnered favorable reviews, contributing to a gradual improvement in Overwatch 2’s Steam rating, which had previously been among the most poorly received on the platform.
Despite the excitement surrounding Season 15, the addition of Hard Light Crystals was not detailed in the official patch notes. Currently visible in the Edit Filters menu of the Hero Gallery, Hard Light Crystals boast a distinctive light blue hue. However, their specific use or acquisition remains unclear.
Insights on Hard Light Crystals in Overwatch 2
Multiple reports from gaming outlets, including d3watch and Overwatch Cavalry, suggest that Hard Light Crystals could be linked to purchasing Loot Boxes in China, especially with Overwatch 2’s reinstatement in that region. However, no confirmations have been issued by Blizzard or its partner NetEase at this point. Some speculate that these crystals might serve as a protective measure against duplicate Loot Boxes for players who have nearly completed their cosmetic collections, or they could be connected to the Hard Light weapon skins introduced in Season 8.
New Hard Light Crystal Currency in #Overwatch2 🔷 Some players have noticed this new currency appearing in-game. It is intended to be exclusive to China, where it can be used to buy Loot Boxes.pic.twitter.com/S1dnjyqigj — Overwatch Cavalry (@OWCavalry) February 18, 2025
Regardless of its intended function, the addition of Hard Light Crystals exacerbates existing concerns regarding the game’s currency management. Many community members express frustration over the proliferation of different currencies, which includes Overwatch Coins, Mythic Prisms, Competitive Points, and various others already in circulation.
Comprehensive Overview of Currencies in Overwatch 2
| Currency | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatch Coins | Battle Pass, microtransactions | Shop bundles, hero cosmetics |
| Credits | Battle Pass, weekly challenges | Legacy cosmetics |
| Mythic Prisms | Premium Battle Pass, microtransactions | Mythic hero & weapon skins |
| Competitive Points | Competitive Play | Weapon Variants |
| Legacy Competitive Points | Competitive Point conversion at end of year | Old Weapon Variants |
| League Tokens | Twitch streams, microtransactions (discontinued) | Overwatch League cosmetics |
| Event Tickets | Limited-time event activities | Event cosmetics |
| Hard Light Crystals | Unknown | Unknown |
For most players, concerns about Hard Light Crystals may be unfounded. If this currency is indeed tailored for the Chinese audience, its unintentional inclusion in the international client may simply have been a glitch. Unless there are plans to incorporate Hard Light Crystals into global markets, Overwatch 2’s announcements prior to Season 15 likely would have mentioned them. We can expect Blizzard or NetEase to clarify the actual role of Hard Light Crystals and their accessibility soon, determining whether this feature is exclusively for Chinese players or could eventually extend to a wider audience.
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