Overwatch 2 PVP Going Free-to-Play, Gets Release Date, New Trailer & Hero Reveal

Overwatch 2 PVP finally has a release date, with the game set to go free-to-play and a new trailer and hero revealed. Blizzard announced on Sunday that the PVP aspect of the game will release on October 4th via PC and Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. In addition, it was revealed that the PVP experience will be free-to-play and feature (as expected) new heroes, hero reworks, maps, modes, and premium cosmetics.

The move comes after Blizzard decided to uncouple the PVP and PVE aspects of the game in order back in March to get players the PVP aspect sooner. The new trailer, which you can see below, features new looks at some of the hero redesigns for the game and unveils the next hero in the long-awaited Junker Queen. More details on the character will be revealed during the Overwatch 2 Reveal Event livestream on June 16th at 10 AM. The livestream will also reveal details on Overwatch 2’s live service model and seasonal content plan, as well as upcoming second phase of the game’s closed beta.

“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 Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard Entertainment. “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.”

It was also announced on the Overwatch website that “As a thank you to our original players,” an Overwatch 2 Founder’s Pack will be be available for free in-game to all existing players who own Overwatch. The Founder’s Pack will include two epic skins and an exclusive founder’s icon, as well as “a surprise gift that will be announced before the game’s October 4 release.” To be eligible for the Founder’s Pack, players mist own Overwatch prior to June 23 at 11:00 AM PDT. Players wishing to redeem the pack must log into the live game by December 5th at 11:59 PM PDT.