Announced in 2019, Overwatch 2 suffered a lot of delays due to the pandemic. The game was to feature a new campaign mode where groups of players had to fight against computer-controlled opponents and a multiplayer mode similar to what currently exists in Overwatch.
Image credits: Blizzard Entertainment
To try to boost the popularity of the game, which seems to be running out of steam, Activision Blizzard has decided to bring forward the release of Overwatch 2’s multiplayer mode, leaving the campaign mode to come out later. The pros as well as several online streamers had a chance to try out the alpha, and now it’s a chance for plenty of gamers to try the Overwatch 2 beta.
What does this beta contain and how do I access it? You missed your first chance but there will be others.
Some important changes to the formula
If you’re unfamiliar with Overwatch, it’s a first-person shooter where your team of six players must defeat the other team of six players. Each player must choose among the 32 heroes of the game which are divided into three categories either tank, damage or support.
Activision Blizzard had changed the game slightly by opting for a configuration of two tanks, two damage and two supports per team. It had brought a freshness to the game for a while.
But suddenly, when Overwatch 2 was announced, we were told that we would go to five against five, i.e. two damage, two support and a single tank. It is partly to test this new configuration that Blizzard Activision is testing for Overwatch 2.
Other novelties
While we had had several new heroes since the release of Overwatch in 2016, no new heroes have been added since March 2020. We knew that the second opus was going to bring several other heroes and the designers introduced us to Sojourn a new Canadian heroine at the unveiling. It is only during this new beta that you will finally have the opportunity to see her abilities and even play her.
She arrives with the new map of Toronto which will be used for the new Push game mode which consists of accompanying a robot which pushes a block to the other side of the map. As long as it remains in your control, it will push the block but as soon as your opponents take control of it, it will move towards their block to push it.
Another map called Colosseo which is found in the enchanting setting of Rome will also be used for Push Mode. In addition, two other maps also join the game, Midtown which is a hybrid map in a city reminiscent of New York as well as Circuit Royal. The latter will ask you to escort the freighter through the beautiful city of Monte Carlo as you battle it out on, you guessed it, the race track.
How to participate in the beta?
Overwatch 2 beta invites have already been distributed in a first wave to those who signed up by email or tuned in to four hours of Twitch streaming from multiple Twitchers on April 27. Luckily, you’ll get another chance by tuning into Overwatch’s Pro League season opener this weekend between May 5 and May 8.
Every hour you will have the chance to get one of 1500 randomly drawn keys from all viewers of selected league matches (check the lien following in English to see the regulations). It will also be a good opportunity to see the pros try out the new mechanics, the new cards and the new heroine.
The Overwatch 2 beta is available now only on PC and will end on May 17. You will surely have other opportunities to participate in other betas during the year. Overwatch 2 game will be available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch at the end of the year for multiplayer mode and next year for campaign mode.