Blizzard Plans to Make New Overwatch 2 Heroes Free at Launch

The change aims to prevent competitive advantages and is currently being actively worked on, according to Executive Producer Jared Neuss.

Blizzard is working on a new system to make all new heroes in Overwatch 2 free for all players at launch.
Currently, players have to either purchase the premium version of the latest Battle Pass or complete a number of hero challenges to access new heroes.
The change is being made to prevent teams from having a competitive advantage by having access to new heroes that others do not.
Executive Producer Jared Neuss stated that the team recognizes the issue and is actively working towards the goal of making all heroes free at launch.
Details of how the new system would work are yet to be revealed.