Overwatch 2 will finally be coming to consoles and PC at the start of October, but there’s another closed beta due to take place before then. As promised, the Overwatch 2 beta sign-up process has begun today on all platforms with the exception of Nintendo Switch, where players seemingly won’t be able to try out the game before its release.
When is Overwatch 2 beta due to begin?
The closed beta will begin on June 28 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. The Overwatch 2 sign-up process for the beta has begun today, June 16, and players can head over to the game’s website to choose their platform and request beta access. Beta access does not roll over from the previous PC beta as Blizzard’s intention is to test console and cross-play capabilities, so make sure to sign up again. A small number of players will be chosen to participate on June 28 with more being added on July 5. However, the intention is for all who sign up to get access to the beta by July 14.
The beta will introduce the new Junker Queen and Sojourn Heroes, as well as the new Push mode where players fight for control of a robot they need to push into the enemy base. New York, Rome, Monte Carlo, and Rio will be the four maps available for players to try out.
Is Overwatch 2 free-to-play?
When Overwatch 2 is released on October 4, it will be free-to-play on all platforms, including Nintendo Switch. The game will launch with a 5v5 PvP multiplayer gameplay with new content being rolled out in a seasonal format currently scheduled for every nine weeks. Season 1 will roll out with the game on October 4, bringing a new Push game mode, six new maps (Toronto, New York, Rome, Monte Carlo, Portugal, and Rio), three new Heroes (Sojourn, Junker Queen, and an unannounced Support Hero), and more than 30 skins including a Mythic Skin.
Season 2 will follow on December 9, although details on this one are a bit vaguer. There will be a new Tank Hero, a new map, and more than 30 new skins including a Mythic Skin. Throughout 2023, players can look forward to more Heroes, maps, game modes, and skins. The much-anticipate Overwatch 2 PvE experience hasn’t been forgotten, though, as that will be appearing in 2023 alongside new narrative experiences.
Gone are the loot boxes that drew so much controversy in Overwatch. Instead, there will be an Overwatch 2 Battle Pass system, that will offer rewards such as themed cosmetic items. There will also be weekly challenges to complete for further rewards. The Overwatch 2 cross-progression system will also mean players’ unlocks, progress, and accolades will be shared between platforms. However, if you want to get a head start on the season, there is the Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack.
How much is Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack?
The price of the Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack is $39.99. The pack offers two Legendary Hero skins — Space Raider Soldier 76 and Space Raider Cassidy — as well as 2,000 Overwatch 2 Virtual Currency and the Premium Battle Pass for Season 1. Those on Xbox and PlayStation will also receive Overwatch: Legendary Edition complete with five Epic and five Legendary skins. The Overwatch 2 pre-order bonus for the Watchpoint Pack is an exclusive Overwatch 2 Player Icon to use when the game launches on October 4 as well as guaranteed access to the beta on June 28.
In other news, Call of Duty: Vanguard Season 4 will bring back round-based Zombies on the Shi No Numa map. Elsewhere, Call of Duty: Warzone Season 4 will introduce the brand new Fortune’s Keep map.
