Overwatch 2 is launching its second beta today for PC and console players at 11 a.m. PT. The beta runs until July 18, giving players three weeks to try out Junker Queen and the new map. The developers have outlined their goals for the beta, which include testing server capacity and hero balance.
This beta adds Junker Queen, a new tank hero first teased in the game back in 2017. Fans have been hoping to play her ever since, and five years later, we finally have the chance. The new beta also adds a new hybrid map, Paraiso. This time, players will have the chance to play a game mode that mirrors traditional competitive games — meaning teams will attack and defend on maps — while allowing backfill for players who drop out of matches.
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Overwatch 2 is the sequel to Blizzard, with two teams of five players battling for objectives. The Overwatch developers announced in June that the game would be free-to-play and would launch into early access on October 4. The first beta version gave the game a frenetic pace that was a welcome change from the slower, more grueling pace that has plagued Overwatch in recent years. The free-to-play PvP element will bring the game into line with other competitive shooters, such as Valorant and Apex Legends.
How can I download the Overwatch 2 beta?
Console players will need to receive a code to download the beta. PC players will be able to download the beta directly from the Battle.net launcher. Here's how that worked in the first beta:
- Log in to your Battle.net account and go to Overwatch in the launcher.
- At the bottom left, click the Game version drop-down menu.
- Select Overwatch 2 Tech Beta to install.
- When the download is complete, press the blue Play button to start.
The new beta finally gives fans the chance to play as Junker Queen, a hero we've all been excited and/or thirsty for since she was first shown on the Junkertown map. Here's what we know about Junker Queen's abilities, courtesy of the Overwatch Twitter account:
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The beta also adds Paraiso, a new hybrid map that explores Dj Lucio's home, including Clube Sinestesia. As with all hybrid maps, players will start by attacking or defending a control point, and if the attackers succeed, players will traverse the rest of the map by attacking or defending a payload.
How to register in the game?
Anyone can sign up for the second beta of Overwatch 2, but it's not technically an open beta. Overwatch developers said they'll be adding people gradually as they increase server capacity, and the first major wave of beta access will happen on July 5, according to the beta FAQ page. Even if you were in the previous beta, you'll have to sign up again.
Here's how you can register:
- Go to the Overwatch 2 beta website.
- In the top right corner, log in to Blizzard account.
- At the bottom of the Overwatch 2 beta page, select your platform (and region for PlayStation players).
- Then, tap Request Beta Access.
Players also have the option to purchase the Watchpoint Pack ($40) for guaranteed access. In addition to beta access on day one, you'll also receive two legendary character skins, a unique player icon, and enough digital currency to purchase the first two battle passes.
Source: cnet.com
