Overwatch 2: Everything you need to know

Overwatch 2 has officially been confirmed, and will be free to play once it launches later this year.

Overwatch 2 is the successor to the original multiplayer shooter that Blizzard Entertainment launched back in 2016. Aside from the move to a free-to-play model, the biggest change for the sequel is the move from 6v6 player multiplayer to 5v5.

Blizzard has confirmed that each team will only have one Tank class this time around, with the developers making the changers in order to speed up the gameplay. New maps have also been designed with more places to take cover in order to make up for the loss of a Tank character.

Keep reading on for everything you need to know about Overwatch 2.

Release date

Overwatch 2 is set to launch on 4 October 2022. It will be available to play on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.

The game will be free-to-play, and so requires no upfront fee. Blizzard Entertainment has ditched loot boxes, making revenue from a battle pass system instead. By subscribing to seasonal battle passes, you’ll be given the opportunity to unlock special cosmetic items, such as skins for characters and weapons.

You won’t need to pay to unlock any of the launch characters and maps.

Trailers

You can check out the ‘Release date reveal’ trailer for Overwatch 2 below:

This second video isn’t really a trailer, but an in-depth look at some of the changes made to the gameplay:

Gameplay

Overwatch is an online multiplayer game, which sees players pick from a huge roster of characters to fight it out with rival squads.

The biggest change for Overwatch 2 is the departure of 6v6 players in PvP match, with Blizzard opting for 5v5 matches instead. Teams will now be comprised two Damage class, two Support class and a single Tank class. Blizzard has explained that the reduction of players using the Tank class in matches should result in faster gameplay.

Blizzard has made a number of other tweaks to improve the pace of matches, including improving the movement speed for the Damage class and giving the Support class the ability to gradually self-heal. The Tank class has also been improved, allowing such characters to be more offensive.

All of the previous Overwatch PvP modes will return, including Story Experience, Hero Missions, Assault, Control, Escort and Hybrid. Overwatch 2 will introduce a new PvP mode called Push, which sees teams fight it out to escort a robot to the other side of the match.

In 2023, Overwatch 2 will also feature a PvE mode, allowing you to team up with friends to fight against AI-controlled enemies. These PvE missions will apparently drive the story forward.

Characters

All 32 characters from the original Overwatch will be available at launch in the sequel.

Two new characters will join the roster too. Sojourn was unveiled first, representing the Damage class and using an energy-based Railgun. Junker Queen has also been confirmed, occupying the Tank class. She can hurl daggers, fire her shotgun and swing her axe at enemies.

Blizzard hasn’t revealed any additional new characters just yet, but has confirmed they’re planning to launch another Tank character, along with two Support characters, within the first couple of seasons.

That’s all the key information regarding Overwatch 2 right now. Keep an eye on Trusted Reviews in October, as we’ll be reviewing the sequel once it’s available to play.