How to play Overwatch 2 beta: Release date, PC, console, more
Blizzard is in the midst of its Overwatch 2 beta window test periods for PC and console players ahead of its official release, so here’s how you can get in on the action for the upcoming preview.
After years of secrecy and confusion, Blizzard has finally dropped the veil on the state of Overwatch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the publisher’s classic FPS.
Revealing that multiple Beta tests will take place throughout 2022, players will finally catch a glimpse of what the future of Overwatch will look like – but you’ll have to sign up in order to do so.
From Twitch drops to a breakdown of brand new content in the Beta, here’s everything you need to know.
Contents
The first Overwatch 2 Beta is finally in the books after years of relative silence from Blizzard.Overwatch 2 Beta Dates
The next Overwatch 2 Beta begins on June 28 for players to try out a slew of new features and the debut of Junker Queen.
The first Overwatch 2 PvP Beta ran from Tuesday, April 26 to Tuesday, May 17. This gave fans three full weeks to enjoy the initial build and all of its new content.
It’s unclear how long this beta will run through, but if it’s like the last one then OW fans can expect to have a good amount of time to test out the sequel.
#Overwatch2 Beta begins June 28
🎮 PC & Console
👑 Junker Queen & a New Map
✋ Sign-Ups & more details coming June 16 pic.twitter.com/XPJOhfeVjE
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) June 14, 2022
How to sign up for the Overwatch 2 Beta
Thankfully tossing your name in the ring during the June 16 sing-ups to try out the Overwatch 2 Beta.
Not everyone will be granted access to the next Overwatch 2 Beta, but thankfully there’s another way to go about it if you’re not selected. More on the Twitch Drop system below.
It’s worth remembering mentioning that this next Beta period will let PC and console players on PlayStation and Xbox play the game for the first time. Last time, a copy of Overwatch 1 was needed and only limited to PC players.
To sign up:
- Access is sent via email, so ensure that you sign up with the account you want to play on
We’ll keep the OW 2 beta sign-up details updated, should Blizzard change the process for subsequent windows.
Sojourn was finally playable in the first beta test.Overwatch 2 Beta Twitch Drops
If the method above proves fruitless, there’s a good chance you’ll have one other method to fall back on: Twitch Drops.
With the first Beta period, partnered streamers provided Beta access through Twitch Drops for a brief period. By tuning in for four hours in total, fans could earn a way into the Overwatch 2 Beta.
Naturally, this led to immense success with close to 1.5 million viewers tuned in live at launch. Following this hype, Blizzard might look to repeat the same rollout with the next Beta period, but there’s no confirmation yet.
We’ll be sure to keep you posted here with the full list of partnered streamers for the next round of Twitch Drops, when the time comes.
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System requirements
Gaining access is all fair and good, but you’ll need to make sure your system can handle playing Overwatch 2 safely.
Below are the minimum and recommended specs, courtesy of Blizzard:
| Minimum | Recommended |
| Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 64–bit | Windows 10 64–bit |
| CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650 | CPU: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 |
| GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 600 series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series | GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD R9 380 |
| Memory: 6GB RAM | Memory: 8GB RAM |
| Storage: 50GB | Storage: 50GB |
So that’s how to access the Overwatch 2 Beta and, in turn, dive into the game’s all-new content. Looking for a quick refresh? Be sure to check out our Overwatch guides:
Overwatch crossplay | Is there cross-progression in Overwatch? | How to claim free Overwatch League tokens & OWL skins | What are Overwatch ranks?
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