In a few hours, Overwatch will be released. How are you preparing? Are there any issues at launch?
The big day has arrived. The finger food is stacked, the energy drink is chilled, the work has a sick note in the mailbox, and the latest patch has been applied. Tonight (05/24) at 1:00 AM is the release of Blizzard’s Overwatch.
If there are server issues or other difficulties during the night, we will update this post and keep you informed.
Update 01:20 AM: The servers are running and players can play. Have fun!
Update 01:15 AM: The login servers are relentlessly overloaded. It will probably take a while before everyone can get into the game.
Update 01:05 AM: Small delay at launch – nothing is happening yet, the servers are still offline.
Update 00:30 AM: It’s slowly getting serious. Half an hour left until the servers start.
New information on the ranked game mode and the future of lore
In a recent “developer update,” Jeff Kaplan addressed the community’s questions on Facebook. Many are concerned that the announced ranked game mode will not be released soon. Although Kaplan makes no firm commitments and emphasizes that it is only a “rough plan,” the ranked game mode is expected to be patched back into the game by the end of June – though this is not a promise. A season is then planned to last not one month, as it did during the beta, but approximately 3 months.
But there will also be further releases regarding the backstory. After the overwhelming feedback from the first 4 shorts, Blizzard is planning more films of this kind. In the developer update, the first 4 episodes were even referred to as a “season,” which gives hope for the future that Blizzard will deliver many more works.
Lastly, it was mentioned that the balance on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 may differ from the PC version, as “auto-aim” on consoles brings both advantages and disadvantages. As an example, Symmetra’s turrets were mentioned, which “distract” actual heroes.
Microtransactions at release
As reported by pcgamesn, Overwatch will offer the announced microtransactions upon release. This means that it will be possible to purchase the so-called “loot boxes,” which can be obtained by leveling up in the game, for real money as well. Exact prices will only be announced when the game starts. Keep in mind that all items from the loot boxes can also be obtained in the game, and they are purely cosmetic items.
To adequately prepare yourselves in the last hours, check out our various guides to the game that we have prepared for you:
- The 4 best heroes for beginners
- Guide: Reinhardt – how to swing the hammer properly
- Guide: Lúcio – the best healer in the game?
- Ultimates: Recognize and survive!
Lastly: How did you prepare for the launch? Are you playing through the night and what excuse do you have ready?
For more news and articles about Blizzard’s hero shooter, check out our Overwatch game page.
