Overwatch 2 Will Be Free To Play: Early Access Release Date Announced

Activision Blizzard announced in a press release that Overwatch 2 early access will be available starting October 4, 2022 and will be free to play. The developer confirmed that Overwatch 2 PvP will be available for the PC, Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Switch. At launch, the game will feature The Junker Queen, its second new hero after Sojourn. Along with new heroes, Overwatch 2 will feature a 5v5 multiplayer format, hero reworks, revamped graphics and updated character models for its existing cast of characters. The Overwatch 2 launch in October will also feature new maps like the New Queen Street set in Toronto, Canada and Midtown set in New York. Activision Blizzard released a trailer announcing the early access and showing off the Junker Queen and some of her kit.

Overwatch 2 fans finally get a glimpse of the Junker Queen

The Junker Queen is the second hero revealed for the sequel, and the franchise’s 34th hero overall. The trailer shows the Junker Queen using both a ranged and melee attack and an ability that allows her to dash through enemies, spinning axes around her spiked gauntlet as she deals damage.

More details about the Junker Queen, Overwatch 2’s live service model and seasonal content plan will be available during the Overwatch 2 Reveal Event livestream on June 16, 2022.

While gamers are excited to try out the much awaited Junker Queen, there is still no word about a release date for the PvE side of the game. Overwatch 2 PvP will be integrated with Overwatch, allowing players to ‘battle side-by-side with Overwatch 2 players in PvP multiplayer’. Gamers who don't own Overwatch will get access to Overwatch 2 PvP for free, however, the PvE content will be behind a paywall.

"This is the beginning of an always-on and always-evolving era for the franchise, and a recommitment to serving players with frequent and substantial updates planned well into the future to keep Overwatch 2 fresh and fun for many years to come”, said Mike Ybarra, President of Blizzard Entertainment.

In addition to this, Activision Blizzard revealed the Founder’s Pack. Players who own Overwatch before June 23, 2022 would be eligible for the pack which features two epic skins; General Doomfist and Jester Sombra along with an exclusive icon.