Overwatch 2 has finally gotten an early access release date of Oct. 4, Activision Blizzard announced on Sunday. The studio also revealed a new tank hero, the aptly named Junker Queen.
After several delays, Overwatch 2 is finally looking at a (limited) release date, launching in early access and with PvP modes only. On the flip side, the game is launching with a free-to-play model, as opposed to the first game’s purchase-to-play model. The Oct. 4 launch will also introduce Junker Queen, an Australian tank from Junkertown. More information about Junker Queen will be shared on Thursday during the official Overwatch 2 Reveal Event.
Overwatch 2 gets free-to-play release date of Oct. 4
Previously, Overwatch 2‘s PvP was set to be free for anyone who owned the first game. On Oct. 4, its PvP mode will instead be free for anyone, following in the footsteps of many free-to-play shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, VALORANT and others. As of writing, there has been no word on the single-player mode or a possible launch date.
“We can’t wait to roll out the beginning of the Overwatch 2 experience on October 4 and introduce an exciting new competitive vision, featuring amazing new content and a reimagining of the iconic heroes, maps, and gameplay that made the original game so compelling,” said Blizzard president Mike Ybarra. “This is the beginning of an always-on and always-evolving era for the franchise, and a recommitment to serving players with frequent and substantial updates planned well into the future to keep Overwatch 2 fresh and fun for many years to come.”
Along with the two new heroes at launch, damage dealer Sojourn and tank Junker Queen, Overwatch 2 introduces a host of new changes, including new maps and a new game mode, as well as a change to the format. On top of the other changes, Overwatch 2 matches will now be played 5v5 rather than 6v6.
