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Overwatch 2 release date set 

Activision Blizzard has set the Overwatch 2 release date for October 4. As a part of the early access,... Daria Belous | 13. June 2022

Activision Blizzard has set the Overwatch 2 release date for October 4. As a part of the early access, players will be able to play in player-versus-player game mode and try two new exclusive heroes for Overwatch 2 — Sojourn and Junker Queen. 

The release date was announced during the Xbox & Bethesda showcase on June 12. According to the announcement, Blizzard Entertainment’s new shooter is coming to Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms and will support cross-platform play and cross-platform progression. Moreover, Blizzard is changing the game’s monetization system. 

While the first iteration of Overwatch was paid, the sequel will be distributed in a free-to-play model with chargeable cosmetic items and possibly a Battle Pass to monetize the game. It is unknown how players will obtain characters, as the hero roster was free all the time in Overwatch.

Major changes in Overwatch 2 

During the early access, players will be able to try the PvP mode only, because PvE story mode is still in development and will be released separately with no exact date of release yet set. The story will be unique, unrelated to the story of Overwatch. 

Apart from PvP, Overwatch 2 will launch with a new game mode called Push, which will change the team capacity from six to five. Aaron Keller, Overwatch 2 Game Director, said that now the new team will consist of two damage heroes, two supports and one tank. This decision was supposedly made for easier understanding and easy-to-read combat. 

Updated looks and new characters 

The Overwatch 2 trailer also revealed new and updated character designs, with some heroes having received the revamp of their abilities. Players can compare new and old visuals of their favourite heroes on the game’s official website. 

It should be noted that all loot and accomplishments in Overwatch will be transferred to Overwatch 2 for free. It seems that Blizzard Entertainment is already preparing its player base for the transfer, offering a Founder’s Pack with two epic skins and an exclusive icon for Overwatch 2. To obtain it, players need to own the original Overwatch game until June 23.

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As a part of the early access, players will be able to try two new heroes — Sojourn and Junker Queen —  exclusive for Overwatch 2. The developers also added new maps to the game called New York, Rome, Toronto, and Monte Carlo. These have already been available during the beta testing, however, other locations such as India, Rio de Janeiro, and Gothenburg were confirmed and will be available with the official launch of the game. 

More information about Overwatch 2 will be revealed on the official developer stream which is scheduled for June 16. 

Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment