Overwatch 2 Gets A New Hero, Early Access Release Date

Overwatch 2 Reveals New Hero

Overwatch 2's early access release date has been confirmed, as well as a long-rumored hero that fans will be able to play as when the game launches.

image credit: gamerant.com

Overwatch fans have been waiting years to see more of Overwatch 2, and during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, they finally got their dream. Blizzard has published a new video for Overwatch 2, as well as confirming the game's early access release date, the news that it will go free-to-play, and the long-awaited addition of Junker Queen to the roster as a playable hero.

Overwatch 2 will be released in early access on October 4th, as announced during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. Overwatch players will be able to play as both the previously disclosed new hero Sojourn and the newly unveiled Junker Queen when the game releases. Junker Queen's talents can be seen in the teaser, but additional details on what her role will include will have to wait until later this week.

On Thursday, June 16, a unique Overwatch 2 event has been scheduled, during which fans will learn more about the game and Junker Queen. Fans of Overwatch should mark their calendars for the event, which will begin at 10 a.m. PT.

Meanwhile, Overwatch 2 PvP will be free to play when it comes in early access on October 4th. While some fans may be concerned about the impact on Overwatch 2's economy, it may turn out to be beneficial in the long term. After all, the fact that Overwatch 2 is free-to-play should result in an infusion of new players, which should help the game's stuttering matching.

The Overwatch 2 narrative campaign will most likely not be free-to-play, however it is unclear when it will be released. At the time of writing, Blizzard had not confirmed a release date for the Overwatch 2 campaign DLC. However, more information should become available in the coming months, especially as we draw closer to the October 4th launch date for Overwatch 2.
 
In the meanwhile, it's safe to assume that further Overwatch PvP betas will be held between now and the game's early access debut in October. Blizzard has not revealed any concrete plans for future Overwatch 2 PvP betas, but given that console players were left out the previous time, a console beta seems likely. Perhaps additional details will be revealed during the Overwatch 2 announcement on June 16, but fans will have to wait and see.