Overwatch 2 release date: UK launch time, trailer and free-to-play news
All you need to know about the arrival of Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 has finally landed, following the original Overwatch shutting down.
The highly anticipated sequel has brought significant changes to the game, including a free-to-play model, a sizeable team update, a whole bunch of new heroes, and much more.
Those who pre-loaded the game will have already got themselves well acquainted with the new and improved features, but if you're only just getting that battle pass loaded, or want to gain a better understanding of just how you can make the most of Overwatch 2, read on.
When is the Overwatch 2 release date?
The Overwatch 2 release date was 4th October 2o22, as developers confirmed well in advance.
Although the game is free-to-play, players also have the option to buy the Watchpoint Pack for £34.99 - it's available on the Xbox, PlayStation and Battle.net websites - if they want to secure some special skins, in-game currency and more.
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- Overwatch 2 achievements - full list of trophies
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What time does Overwatch 2 launch in the UK?
The UK launch time for Overwatch 2 was 8pm BST on 4th October, the developers from Blizzard confirmed ahead of time.
Players in Britain should've been able able to jump into the new game during the evening on Tuesday, then, although there was apparently quite a lot of strain on the servers.
Overwatch 2 preload
There was an option to pre-load Overwatch 2 so you could jump into the action as soon as servers launch - but only if you own the original Overwatch or have purchased the Watchpoint Pack.
Players could pre-load Overwatch 2 on any platform, however the timing varied somewhat:
- PC players can pre-load Overwatch 2 via Battle.net now. If you do not have automatic updates on, simply click the gear icon on the Battle.net Overwatch page.
- Console players can pre-load Overwatch 2 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch from 5pm BST on 4th October.
New players who have not bought the Watchpoint Pack were not able to pre-load Overwatch 2, but can download the game as soon as the game launches at 8pm BST on 4th October.
Overwatch 2 file size
Overwatch 2 comes in at a hefty 50GB for PC users, but is a more reasonable 30GB for console players.
However, as a live service game this file size is only likely to increase - prepare for regular updates as the seasons continue!
Overwatch 2 roadmap
As the Overwatch 2 roadmap shows, the game will launch on 4th October as a free-to-play service. Its first season of content will include new heroes, skins and maps, as well as a battle pass, a mythic skin and new game mode.
A couple of months after that, on 6th December, Overwatch 2 season 2 will begin. It will add a new tank hero, a new map, 30-plus new skins, a fresh battle pass and a new mythic skin.
As you can see in the Overwatch 2 roadmap above, the developers have also promised PvE (player-versus-enemy) experiences in 2023. If it was a solo campaign you were looking for, then, you'll have to wait until next year for it.
What consoles and platforms can I play Overwatch 2 on?
Like the original, Overwatch 2 will release on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows PC.
But there is a new generation of consoles for this latest game and it will also be out on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Overwatch 2 gameplay
Seeing as there has already been an Overwatch 2 beta (and now the game is out), there's no shortage of gameplay footage doing the rounds. Take a look at the video above to see what's in store.
Teasing what you should expect from the Overwatch 2 gameplay at launch, Blizzard has said: "Season One will feature Sojourn, Junker Queen, and an unannounced support hero, as well as the new 5v5 PvP experience, reworked heroes, new maps and modes, and more.
"We’re also releasing a reimagined competitive experience that was created to give players more tools to improve gameplay and feel a sense of progression in competitive play."
Hinting at what this means, it added: "Players will have more of an impact on individual matches with the shift to 5v5, and there will be additional systems in place to help you discern your contributions per match."
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Overwatch 2 trailer
There have been a few Overwatch 2 trailers and videos at this stage, and we've included one here that sums up the recent reveals nicely.
Take a look below and try to contain your excitement now that we've past the Overwatch 2 release date on 4th October.
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