Overwatch 2 is Free To Play, "Early Access" on October 4th, New Hero Announced | Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022

Overwatch 2 will launch in “early access” on October 4th 2022. And, in a major shift in strategy, the game will be free to play. All of this news and a teaser for a new hero was revealed by Activision Blizzard during the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase on Sunday.

The game’s initial release will feature the game’s PVP mode and will launch with cross-platform play and progression with players able to play on Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch or PlayStation. What’s more, a new Mad Max-inspired hero named the Junker Queen will join the fight too.

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“This is the beginning of an always-on and always-evolving era for the franchise, and a recommitment to serving players,” said Blizzard president Mike Ybarra in a press release. Overwatch 2 is set to introduce players to a “exciting new competitive vision” with “amazing new content,” whilst the game’s heroes, maps and signature gameplay will be given a tune up as well.

First announced in 2019, Activision Blizzard plans to reveal more on Overwatch 2 during a livestream on June 16th (6pm GMT / 1pm ET). Check out the latest trailer below:

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