The developers of Overwatch 2 initially didn’t want to reveal when the release is. However, during a panel about the future of the Overwatch League, details were mentioned that could indicate a release. What do we know at the moment about a release date for Overwatch 2?
What we know about the release of Overwatch 2: So far, information about the release of Overwatch 2 is still quite sparse. There is no official date yet, and the developers are unwilling or unable to comment on the topic.
However, there are indications that Overwatch 2 could be released as early as 2020. An already deleted tweet from the Brazilian PlayStation account mentioned a PS4 release in 2020. The Overwatch League also provides clues.
What is Overwatch 2 anyway? Overwatch 2 will be a sequel to Overwatch. You can carry over your progress from the first game, contrary to prior assumptions.
Game-related content like new competitive modes and maps are set to be released for both games. See more of the game in the official cinematic trailer:
What Blizzard says about the release date
What the developers say: During the panel on Overwatch 2 on the night from Friday, November 1, to Saturday, November 2, 2019, German time, the developers talked about the release. Overwatch head Jeff Kaplan said about the release date:
I have no idea. Let’s just make it great, that’s what matters most to us. We don’t have a date in mind yet. […] We probably won’t resurface until after Blizzcon […] we will quiet down a bit, we have a lot of work to do. The team is focused on Overwatch 2.
So there are still no hints of a possible date from the head.
However, the moderators of the panel on the Overwatch League, the e-sports event of the hero shooter, may have now provided clues about it.
What the Overwatch League reveals about the release of Overwatch 2
What did the moderators say? At the end of the panel, moderator Chris Pucket asked Jon Spector, the Senior Director for e-sports at Activision Blizzard, how Overwatch 2 will affect the Overwatch League 2020. Spector said:
In 2020 we will not have transitioned to Overwatch 2 [for the season]. We will continue to play the existing version of Overwatch […] But looking to the future beyond that, we are more than excited about how it will look.
Overwatch 2 seems more like a DLC for Overwatch, which is why the two versions are likely compatible.
The comment that a transition will not yet happen could thus imply a possible release window.
When does Overwatch 2 come out now? The seasons of the Overwatch League roughly run from February to July or August, with some events before (in December) and after (in September). So, with Overwatch 2, a release before summer 2020 is unlikely.
However, Spector only stated that the 2020 season will not be played on Overwatch 2. So it could be that Overwatch 2 is released before August 2020.
Since the “future beyond that” is supposedly interesting in relation to Overwatch 2, the game could possibly be released for Season 4 in December 2020 or February 2021.
Gameplay of Overwatch 2
This is how Overwatch 2 plays: The focus of Overwatch 2 will be on PvE, and the PvP content will probably be linked between Overwatch and Overwatch 2, so that all players can play with and against each other.
Jeff Kaplan explained in February how much PvE is really in Overwatch 2. Apparently, there will be various missions, but no classic campaign like those seen in shooters like Call of Duty. However, it’s important that a story will still be told that players can experience.
Additionally, a loot system will come as well as the ability to level up heroes. This will all be a single-player experience that separates itself from multiplayer. You can see more about the gameplay in the official gameplay trailer:
Pre-order, Price and Beta
Will there be a beta? So far, there is no information on a possible beta for Overwatch 2. However, the first part was tested with a (closed) beta, and such tests have been customary in the gaming world for some time now.
So, it is likely that there will be a beta. As soon as registration is possible, we will inform you about it. You can otherwise find the option on the official website of Overwatch 2.
When and where can I buy Overwatch 2? A pre-order is currently not possible. However, you will likely find Overwatch 2 first directly in the Battle.net store. There is no information yet regarding the price.
