Overwatch 2 launches as a free-to-play early access title in October Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Overwatch 2 launches as a free-to-play early access title in October Junker Queen revealed. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Published on 12 Jun 2022 4 comments Blizzard has announced an early access release date for Overwatch 2, which arrives as a free-to-play game for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on 4th October. This release will contain "dynamic new PVP content" with cross-platform play and progression, and promises the addition of fresh heroes, maps and modes. Oh, and skins you can buy. At launch, new tank hero the Junker Queen, the "ruthless Australian-born ruler of Junkertown" will join the franchise's roster. Watch on YouTube Fresh maps will take you to New Queen Street in Toronto and Midtown Manhattan. There's also the game's new Push mode - "a symmetrical map type where teams battle to take control and advance a centrally-located robot deeper into enemy territory than the opposing team". A reveal livestream will provide more detail on Overwatch 2's live-service model and seasonal content plan later this week on Thursday, 16th June at 6pm UK time. "We can't wait to roll out the beginning of the Overwatch 2 experience on 4th October and introduce an exciting new competitive vision, featuring amazing new content and a reimagining of the iconic heroes, maps, and gameplay that made the original game so compelling," Blizzard boss Mike Ybarra said in a press release today. "This is the beginning of an always-on and always-evolving era for the franchise, and a recommitment to serving players with frequent and substantial updates planned well into the future to keep Overwatch 2 fresh and fun for many years to come." Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store