Here's how to get access to the new Overwatch 2 beta

Olivia Richman Published 14/04/2022

The Overwatch community has been anxiously awaiting Overwatch 2 since it was first announced years ago. The delays were frustrating, but fans held out hope that the sequel would not only launch, but bring the spark back to the hero shooter with new game modes and heroes.

Now, Overwatch 2 is finally within reach. Blizzard announced that the Overwatch 2 beta is coming on April 26, offering some Overwatch fans the opportunity to test out the Overwatch sequel before it’s launched. This includes a first look at the new 5v5 format, a chance to play new game modes on new maps, and to try out the long-awaited new Overwatch hero Sojourn.

What’s in the Overwatch 2 beta?

The Overwatch 2 beta is the first opportunity the public fanbase has to try out new content that Blizzard’s been working on for years. This includes:

5v5 format
Sojourn
Hero reworks: Orisa, Doomfist, Bastion, Sombra
Four new maps: Circuit Royal, Midtown, Toronto, Rome
New Push mode
Ping system

Blizzard has a sign-up page for the Overwatch 2 beta on its website. Opting in for the sign-up means you will be considered for the beta as well as receive Overwatch 2 news and special offers.

Not everyone who signs up for the Overwatch 2 beta will be granted access. Blizzard has explained that beta testers are chosen based on a variety of factors, including a player’s region, how early they signed up, and their computer hardware specifications.

Do you need to own Overwatch to play the Overwatch 2 beta?

Yes, Blizzard has specified that one of the qualifications for taking part in the Overwatch 2 beta is having a copy of the original Overwatch, which is now called Overwatch 1 by developers. So if you want to play the Overwatch 2 beta, you’ll need to own the original version of Overwatch.

Do only PC players have Overwatch 2 beta access?

At this time, the Overwatch 2 beta is only available for PC players. This is common for betas and other public testing servers, including for the original Overwatch itself. Future beta periods will however include console players, according to Blizzard. It’s unclear which platforms these betas would available on and when they would take place.

How do you know if you are selected to be in the Overwatch 2 beta?

Lucky Overwatch fans who are approved for the Overwatch 2 beta will see their invite via email. Check your Battle.net email to see the invite link. It’s currently unclear when the emails will be sent out and thus when players will find out if they’ve been selected to take part. It’s also unclear how many players will be invited to the Overwatch 2 beta, with Blizzard stating that it’s based on the game’s “testing needs.”

We also want to make sure the game’s matchmaking system remains in a relatively healthy place throughout this phase of testing. If we determine we need more players to test new features or keep matches running smoothly, we’ll add players to the Closed Beta from our opt-in pool,” Blizzard said.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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