Overwatch 2 Launches October 4 as a Free-to-Play Live Experience

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Overwatch 2 Launches October 4 as a Free-to-Play Live Experience

Overwatch 2, launching on October 4, will be free-to-play on Windows® PC and Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Nintendo Switch™ consoles.

Anyone can join, and anyone can play and take part in our always-on, always-evolving live service. This is the most significant release in Overwatch history since its debut, and it will begin with early access to a new PvP experience, heroes, maps, and more with a new, free-to-play model.

At its core, we believe the game is a social experience that should be shared with everyone. This shift to free-to-play will open up and make the world of Overwatch available to more people than ever before, removing the barrier of entry and making it easier than ever to quickly jump into a match with friends. Inclusion is a strong driving force for this decision; when we stick together and work as a team, there's nothing that can stand in our way.

Save the Date for the Overwatch 2 Reveal Event 

Save the date for the Overwatch 2 Reveal event on June 16 at 10:00 a.m. PDT on the PlayOverwatch YouTube and Twitch channels! Join us for this special announcement including more details on the live service model and seasonal content plan, Overwatch’s 34th hero, Junker Queen, the upcoming phase of the game’s closed beta testing and more!

We will have more to share with our community during the reveal on June 16 at 10:00 a.m. PDT on our Twitch and YouTube channels.

A New Era for Overwatch 

Today, at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022, we shared a glimpse of what we have in store for our game including the new hero Junker Queen who is ready to take us to the wastelands. We showed familiar heroes who have matured and grown over the years, and there was also a tease of a mysterious fox leading its team into battle. If you missed out on the event, catch up on the video here:

Nothing can compare to the incredible moments we’ve experienced with our community since the game launched in 2016, and there are many amazing memories still to be made. This journey is grounded in the original Overwatch pillars of inclusivity, open-mindedness, and the idea that the world could always use more heroes. We are grateful to the Overwatch community, and we’ve created something special for you in return.

Overwatch 2 Founder’s Pack 

As a thank you to our original players, the Overwatch 2 Founder’s Pack will be free in-game to all existing players who own Overwatch. The Founder’s Pack will include two epic skins and an exclusive founder’s icon, along with a surprise gift that will be announced before the game’s October 4 release.

To be eligible for the Founder’s Pack, players need to own Overwatch prior to June 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. PDT.

To redeem the Founder’s Pack, players need to log into the live game by 12/05/2022 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. This includes logging into Overwatch prior to October 4, or logging into Overwatch 2 after launch!

This is an equally exciting and humbling moment for the Overwatch team. Our community means everything to us, and we have a deep appreciation and respect for the players who have been there since the beginning.

Thank you, heroes, and we will see you soon!

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