Overwatch 2 goes free-to-play and launches on October 4, 2022

Overwatch 2 Junker Queen
(Image credit: Blizzard)

At the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, Overwatch 2 made something of a surprise appearance. 

Earlier rumors began to swirl that Overwatch 2 would be going free to play, and it seems that those rumors were indeed true, as Blizzard appeared on the Xbox stage to reveal some news about the game, alongside a brand new hero. 

Overwatch 2 will launch on October 4, 2022 across all platforms, and feature cross-play between Overwatch 1 and 2. Naturally, Overwatch 2 will have some exclusive content to separate it from the first game, including some heroes, skins, and the much-advertised PvE co-op mode. 

Additionally, Blizzard revealed another new hero — The Junker Queen. As the leader of the Junkers, the Junker Queen features heavily in the backstory of Roadhog and Junkrat, having exiled them for their thievery and general shenanigans. 

Blizzard also revealed that Overwatch 2 is going free to play across all platforms, which we understand will factor in battle passes for exclusive skins and in-game currency, similarly to games like Halo Infinite and Fortnite. 

Jez Corden
Co-Managing Editor

Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and Threads, and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!