Featuring Junker Queen and a new map
Leading into the Overwatch 2 “reveal event” on June 16, Blizzard let it out that the next phase of testing is just around the corner. Sign-ups and full details will be shared during the stream (which starts at 10:00 a.m. Pacific), but for now, we know that the Overwatch 2 beta will begin on June 28, and it’ll include PC and console players this time around.
#Overwatch2 Beta begins June 28
🎮 PC & Console
👑 Junker Queen & a New Map
✋ Sign-Ups & more details coming June 16 pic.twitter.com/XPJOhfeVjE— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) June 14, 2022
In terms of new content for this beta, an unnamed “new map” will join the rotation, and this will be players’ first crack at Junker Queen, a long-time-coming Tank hero who appeared during Sunday’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. If you missed it, Blizzard also confirmed that Overwatch 2 will be free-to-play and launch on October 4, 2022.
My big takeaway recently as a Support player? Moira’s deteriorating arm! Did you spot it?
PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
While Overwatch 2 is coming to all consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch), it would somewhat unsurprisingly seem that this beta will be limited to PlayStation, Xbox, and Battle.net based on those logos in the announcement image.
So far, PvP has been front and center, but plenty of lapsed Overwatch players are holding out for something special with PvE to bring them back into the fold — I hope the June 16 event gives us some much-needed clarity on that front. My time with the previous Overwatch 2 PC beta was short and not that sweet, and Chris wasn’t really feeling it either in his initial check-in. After some updates (I’m still laughing about Zenyatta’s high-impact kick) and admissions that there’s much more to be done, I feel like there is a way to eventually ignite widespread excitement for the sequel, but it’s been pretty dicey so far.
According to the team, they’ve “only just scratched the surface.” So let’s hear it!
