Overwatch 2 Beta Launches; Here's How to Get Access [UPDATED]
Overwatch 2 beta testing will begin later today, with selected players receiving invites soon and Blizzard explaining in advance what they can expect.
Update 2: The first gameplays from the Overwatch 2 beta have appeared online. Here and here you can join the live streams, which should continue for a few more hours. Here you can find a short gameplay video presenting the new character, Gale.
Update 1: A few minutes ago, Blizzard announced that it has started sending keys giving access to the beta version of Overwatch 2 to selected players. Do not worry if your mailbox is still empty - the action is to be distributed over time.
When a little over a month ago Blizzard Entertainment announced that beta testing of Overwatch 2 would begin on April 26th, fans of the popular 2016 online shooter may have shouted: "Finally!". Blizzard kept us in the dark for a long time about the shape of the sequel, but that's over - the first testers will lay their hands on the game later today.
This will happen around 11 am PT. Selected players - who have previously signed up on this page - will begin receiving invitations to participate in the beta test. If you don't find such message in your email inbox, don't let your guard down - Blizzard doesn't rule out another round. There is also an opportunity to check out the game via Twitch Drops (more on that in a moment).
Overwatch 2 beta testing - essential info
The studio has announced guidelines for beta testers.
- It is necessary to have installed the first Overwatch. If you do not have it, you will be able to download the trial, made available specifically for testing.
- The tests will last until May 17, although this date is subject to change.
- Any progress made during beta will not be carried over to the actual game when it is released.
- This has to do with the fact that the game is still evolving. For the same reason we won't see in it some of the characters and modes from the first game (for now).
- Only the English-language version of the game will be available for testing.
- These beta tests will be conducted in multiple countries, but only on Windows PCs (see the system requirements at the end of this post). Mac, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch owners must wait for further tests. Blizzard plans to organize beta for them as well, but did not specify when.
- Fortunately, those who will already play Overwatch 2 today, will be able to stream the game, so everyone interested will get the opportunity to form an opinion about the game.
Overwatch 2 - how to get Twitch Drops?
What's more, for watching broadcasts of selected Twitch users at the right time - the list can be found here - you can receive invitations to the beta tests of Overwatch 2 (through the so-called Twitch Drops). These particular streams will take place from tomorrow 11 am PT to April 28, 18 pm. PT.
In order to receive the invitation, you will need to link your Battle.net account to your Twitch profile beforehand. If you are lucky enough to not have the first Overwatch - which, as I mentioned earlier, is necessary to take part in the tests - you will be able to download a special trial version. Detailed instructions can be found here.
Overwatch 2 PC Beta - minimum system requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i3 / AMD Phenom X3 8650
- Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 600 series / AMD Radeon HD 7000 series
- Memory: 6 GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10 64-bit version and with the latest service pack / update
- Disk space: 50 GB
With this configuration you can count on about 30 frames per second. The developer also recommends updating GPU drivers.
Overwatch 2 PC Beta - recommended system requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD R9 380
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit version and with the latest service pack / update
- Disk space: 50 GB
With this configuration you can count on about 60 frames per second at medium settings. The developer also recommends updating GPU drivers.
