Blizzard Entertainment has released new information and footage for Overwatch 2, detailing the free-to-play multiplayer first-person shooter sequel’s content roadmap following its Early Access launch, showcasing new playable hero Junker Queen, and more. Beta sign-ups are also now available via the official website.
Get the details below, via official website and PlayStation Blog.
■ A Free-to-Play, Live Experience
Making Overwatch 2 free-to play is a natural step forward for our game and our players. Overwatch, even since its debut, has always been a social game, and our community has always has the most fun when we come together. Free-to-play removes the barrier to entry, allowing anyone, anywhere to jump into the game, group up with friends, or find people to play with online. Along with this shift to free-to-play, we’ll be adding cross–progression, enabling everyone to play, progress, and access their unlocked content seamlessly across all game platforms.
There will be no Loot Boxes in Overwatch 2. Instead, the modernized live service will give our players the power to shape their own experiences. Players can acquire the items they want directly through the Battle Pass and an all-new and consistently updated in-game shop. Our team will create and deliver seasonal content every nine weeks to ensure there’s always something fresh and exciting waiting for everyone.
■ Roadmap
Season 1 (October 4)
- Three new heroes
- Six new maps
- New game mode
- Over 30 new skins
- New Mythic skin
Season 1 will feature Sojourn, Junker Queen, and an unannounced support hero, as well as the new five-versus-five player-versus-player experience, reworked heroes, new maps and modes, and more. We’re also releasing a reimagined competitive experience that was created to give players more tools to improve gameplay and feel a sense of progression in competitive play. Players will have more of an impact on individual matches with the shift to five-versus-five, and there will be additional systems in place to help you discern your contributions per match. More details on the competitive overhaul will be shared soon!
Season 2 (December 6)
- New tank hero
- New map
- Over 30 new skins
- New Mythic skin
- New Battle Pass
Season 2 will introduce a new tank hero, map, and a collection of unique skins. We’ll also move the story forward with the release of the new player-versus-environment experience in 2023, along with more new heroes, maps, and game modes. We can’t wait to share more information closer to release!
Future Seasons (2023 and beyond)
- New heroes
- New maps
- New modes
- Over 100 new skins
- Player-versus-environment begins
■ Take the Fight to New Destinations
Overwatch 2 will be a true globetrotting experience. Toronto, New York, Rome, and Monte Carlo will arrive in game on October 4, along with two brand new maps.
Fight on the streets of Rio, the iconic Brazilian city and home base for everyone’s favorite DJ Lucio. And travel to Portugal, a new Push map that transports players to another vibrant and inspired environment to experience the new game mode. Overwatch 2 will be rolling out more maps on a regular basis so there will always be somewhere new to battle.
■ Competitive 2.0
Along with aesthetic updates, Overwatch 2 will also launch with a reworked competitive play.
A reimagined scoreboard system will provide players with more detailed information throughout the matches as well as an after action report once a match concludes.
Skill ratings will no longer immediately update after every game but rather wait until seven wins to assess and update. And instead of a numeric skill rating, each skill tier will contain five sub tiers ranked from highest to lowest.
Are you in it for the glory? Stay tuned for more details surrounding Competitive 2.0.
■ Beta
Starting June 28, immerse yourself in the Overwatch 2 Beta.
Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or wield your axe and solidify your reign as Junker Queen. Battle to propel your robot into the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Make global destinations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo, and Rio your battlefield with new maps.
The Overwatch 2 Beta is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Battle.net, allowing players to experience all of the above plus the fully reimagined five-versus-five gameplay.
Head on over to the official website to opt-in!
■ Watchpoint Pack
You can get a head start with the Watchpoint Pack, featuring everything you need to hit the ground running with Overwatch 2 on Day 1. With purchase of the pack, you’ll get access to exclusive content such as Legendary Hero skins and Overwatch 2 player icon, as well as immediate access to the Overwatch 2 Beta launching June 28.
Let’s get you back in the fight. Pre-purchase the Watchpoint Pack today and take a look at what the pack has to offer below:
- Arrive in Style with two Overwatch 2 Legendary Hero Skins – Kick-start your Overwatch 2 collection with a set of two new Legendary Hero skins–Space Raider Soldier 76 and Space Raider Cassidy.
- Premium Battle Pass for Season 1 – Overwatch 2 will operate as a live game service that brings more new maps, features, and modes to the fight in a seasonal format. Hit the ground running with the Premium Battle Pass for Season 1, which offers unique cosmetics and early access to new Heroes and will launch alongside Overwatch 2 Early Access on October 4.
- Gear Up with 2000 Overwatch 2 Virtual Currency – Overwatch 2 will have a new in-game shop experience centered around player choice. With the Watchpoint Pack, receive 2,000 Overwatch 2 Virtual Currency to level up on your Battle Pass or gear up with new cosmetics for your favorite heroes.
- Pre-purchase Exclusive: Overwatch 2 Player Icon – Purchase the Watchpoint Pack before October 4 and receive an exclusive Overwatch 2 Player Icon to use at launch.
- Overwatch: Legendary Edition Included – Get started on Overwatch now with Overwatch: Legendary Edition. Customize the appearance of fan favorite Overwatch Heroes with five Epic and five Legendary skins included in the Watchpoint Pack.
Overwatch 2 is due out in Early Access for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on October 4.
Watch a new set of trailers below.