Overwatch 2 is set to host its first beta this June ahead of the game’s early access launch on 4 October. During a special gameplay reveal stream, Blizzard shared details on the Overwatch 2 heroes, free-to-play model, battle pass and more.

Blizzard says that Overwatch 2 will get new content through seasonal updates. The game will also offer daily challenges to complete and other frequent events and activities. At launch on 4 October, Overwatch 2 will get three new heroes added to the game including Sojourn, Junker Queen and an unannounced hero. Season 2 will then kick off on 6 December with another hero.

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Keep in mind that Overwatch 2 is still in early access and will be when it launches on 4 October. This means the game will be missing a lot of heroes, modes and maps which plan to release over the next year or so. At the moment, the first two seasonal drops of content look like this:

October 4 – Season 1

• 3 new heroes: Sojourn, Junker Queen, and a yet to be revealed Support Hero
• 6 new maps: Toronto, New York, Rome, Monte Carlo, Portugal and Rio
• New mode: Push
• 30+ new skins
• New Mythic skin

December 6 – Season 2

• New Tank hero
• New map
• 30+ new skins
• New Mythic skin
• New Battle Pass

2023 and On

• New heroes
• New maps
• New modes
• 100+ new skins
• PvE begins

In 2023, Blizzard will finally add PvE to Overwatch 2 with seasonal content every nine weeks. The developer promises that every new season will bring a new hero to the game so expect a new hero every nine weeks.

Overwatch 2 is also a free-to-play game. Blizzard says the new Battle Pass system has been implemented in Overwatch 2 to replace the loot boxes. Overwatch 2 contains no loot boxes. Instead, players will rank their battle pass and unlock cosmetic items through the free and premium tracks. Ranking up the battle pass is done by simply playing the game but players can also speed things up with daily and weekly challenges.

The removal of loot boxes allows players to pick and choose what they want to unlock rather than relying on luck to get their skins. The game will also feature an in-game store where you can purchase cosmetic items using currency. It isn’t clear if this currency can be earned in-game or not.

Lastly, Overwatch 2 will also feature cross-progression and cross-play. This means you can take your cosmetics onto any platform and pick up where you left off.

Outside of the technical features in Overwatch 2, the game also comes with new modes and a new Competitive 2.0 system. Players who want to jump into ranked matches can enjoy a new scoreboard system and skill ratings only update every seven wins.

Players who want to participate in the beta can sign-up for a chance to join the action on 28 June. You need to visit the official site here. However, Blizzard is also launching a Watchpoint Pack which acts as a sort of early access purchase. This pack comes with exclusive cosmetic content including Legendary Hero skins and a player icon. In addition, players will get immediate access to the Overwatch 2 beta.

The Watchpoint Pack includes the following content:

Pack is not available to purchase at the time of writing in SA

• Kick-start your Overwatch 2 collection with a set of two (2) new Legendary Hero skins–Space Raider Soldier 76 and Space Raider Cassidy.

• 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 will launch alongside Overwatch 2 Early Access on October 4.

• Overwatch 2 will have a new in-game shop experience centred 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 favourite heroes.

• Purchase the Watchpoint Pack before October 4 and receive an exclusive Overwatch 2 Player Icon to use at launch.

• Get started on Overwatch now with Overwatch: Legendary Edition. Customize the appearance of fan favourite Overwatch Heroes with five (5) Epic and five (5) Legendary skins included in the Watchpoint Pack.

The Overwatch 2 beta will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Sign-up for the beta here.