Overwatch is free to play this July

Blizzard has announced that Overwatch will be free to play on PC from July 26 to July 30.

The free weekend is part of the celebrations for the Overwatch League’s upcoming grand final.

During the weekend, those accessing the game for free will be able to play all of the game’s heroes. This includes newly released hero Wrecking Ball. All game modes will also be available with the exception of competitive.

A Blizzard.net account is needed to play Overwatch, but this also means that any progress made leveling or collecting loot will be saved to the player’s account and will remain should the player choose to purchase the game. Free weekends such as this have typically been followed by sale prices for the game.

The Overwatch League finals begin July 27. With each of the matches being broadcast live on television on either Disney XD or ESPN, it is likely that Overwatch will reach new audiences and could capture the interest of brand new players. The free weekend from Blizzard is a way to allow people introduced to the game via Overwatch League to try before they buy.

Blizzard is also offering players with Twitch accounts a chance to earn exclusive in-game sprays during the finals by watching online streams. After watching three hours of the Overwatch League on both July 27 and 28, players can earn four limited time items. As all that is needed is a Twitch and Battle.net account, those playing the game for free will also be able to unlock the sprays provided the two accounts are linked.