Overwatch 2is set to release in just a few days for all major platforms, but instead of being a full-priced AAA title, the sequel to the critically acclaimed first-person team-based hero shooter will be free-to-play, ditching loot boxes entirely. Although loot boxes are gone, don’t think Blizzard is missing out on any cash from players. There will be a paid Battle Pass that gets gamers the new characters immediately,like Kiriko; however, for those that want to go the free route, there will be a Battle Pass available for no charge, but players will need to grind for character unlocks.
When is Overwatch Shutting Down?
Unfortunately, for those that want to keep playingOverwatch 1when the sequel launches, it’ll be impossible.Blizzard is set to shut downOverwatch 1’s servers about two days before the launch ofOverwatch 2, specifically on July 05, 2025.(This might be October 3 in some territories outside the US). The developers are planning for there to be at least 27 hours of downtime.
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On October 4, theOverwatchgame icon on players' consoles will prompt them to download and installOverwatch 2, as it’s basically replacing the first game entirely.Thanks to all the character reworksand the change from 6v6 to 5v5,Overwatch 2is a completely different beast.
BeforeOverwatch 2usurps its predecessor in two weeks,Overwatchfans can check out the Last Chance eventcurrently going on. Until October 2, all the seasonal cosmetic items that have ever been inOverwatchwill be available to purchase with Credits.Overwatch 1players will earn credits when they open loot boxes and get a duplicate cosmetic item. Fans will be happy to know that any purchased cosmetics and skins will indeed be carried over intoOverwatch 2, so there won’t be any cute lost outfits as long as players sync up their Battle.net accounts. Any progression will also be carried over into the sequel.
Overwatch 2launches in Early Access on October 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
