The timer’s ticking down until the free-to-play Overwatch 2 is set loose upon the world. It’s an exciting time for any fans of the first game, but it does bring with it the sad occasion of the original Overwatch shutting down, meaning this is your last weekend to play it if you’re after one last hit.
We’ll let you know exactly when Overwatch 2 is going to launch, when Overwatch 1 is set to shut down, and how you can pre-load the game right now.
When does Overwatch 2 release?
Overwatch 2 is actually releasing in two parts, as alongside the usual PvP game, there is a PvE mode on the way. The PvE mode is set for an as-yet unannounced date in 2023, but if you’re after the PvP mode, then the date to save is October 4 at 11am PST/2pm EST/7pm BST/8pm CEST. Of course, this could change if there are problems with servers, but that is the current plan.
When does Overwatch 1 shut down?
Unfortunately, if you were planning to play right up until Overwatch 2 came out, then you’ll be sad to learn that Overwatch will be shutting down 27 hours beforehand. What should you do with all that free time? Go outside and read a book or something. Either way, you’ll no longer be able to play the original game on October 3 at 8am PST/11am EST/4pm BST/5pm CEST.
How to pre-load Overwatch 2
For some strange reason, pre-loads are being limited with Overwatch 2. In order to be able to pre-load the game, you need to either already own Overwatch 1 or have bought the Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack. On top of this, they’re going live at different times on PC and consoles.
On PC, you can pre-load the game starting September 30 at 1:30pm PST/4:30pm EST/9:30pm BST/10:30pm CEST. On consoles, the pre-loads start on the day of release, October 4 at 9am PST/12pm EST/5pm BST/6pm CEST.
Written by Ryan Woodrow on behalf of GLHF.
