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The Overwatch beta is making a comeback with all new maps and modes

Overwatch is returning this February with a selection of new modes and maps, Blizzard has confirmed.

Blizzard abruptly took the Overwatch beta offline back in December 2015 to gather player feedback. If you missed the MOBA-inspired shooter, you’re in luck, as the beta is on its way back.

It won’t be returning in January like many expected, but Blizzard “don’t intend to slip out of February” when it comes to the beta’s return.

So you can expect the beta to be available in mid-February from the looks of things. We’ll report back once a specific release date has been confirmed.

Related: PS4 vs Xbox One

To make up for the downtime, Blizzard is introducing a variety of new maps and game modes to the beta:

“Rather than try to rush a beta patch out this month (which would mean the new game mode would have to be put off), we’re going to take a few extra weeks before bringing the closed beta back,” said game director Jeff Kaplan.

“By doing so, we can make sure we can include the new game mode along with the new maps. This will also allow us to do some additional polish to the game’s progression and reward system. Though all these features will still technically be a work-in-progress during the beta, we’d like them to be at a certain quality bar before releasing them for testing.”

Related: Overwatch Preview

Blizzard has yet to provide any specific details on the new maps and modes, but it comes as a nice surprise either way.

Overwatch is coming PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2016, it also won’t be a free-to-play title like many first thought.

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