Overwatch fans have been waiting years to see more of Overwatch 2 in action, and they finally got their wish at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. Blizzard not only released a new trailer for Overwatch 2, but also confirmed the game's early access release date, the fact that it's going free-to-play, and that the long-rumored Junker Queen is finally coming to the roster as a playable hero.
As announced at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, Overwatch 2 will be available in early access beginning October 4. When the game launches, Overwatch fans will be able to play as previously-revealed new hero Sojourn, as well as the newly revealed Junker Queen. Overwatch fans can get a look at Junker Queen's abilities in the trailer, though more specifics on what her character will entail will have to wait for later this week.
A special Overwatch 2 event has been confirmed for Thursday, June 16, at which point fans will learn more about the game and Junker Queen. The event is scheduled to take place at 10am PT, so Overwatch fans should mark their calendars accordingly.
In the meantime, it was also confirmed that Overwatch 2 PvP will be free-to-play when it launches in early access on October 4. While some fans may be worried about what this could mean for Overwatch 2's economy, it could wind up being a good thing in the long run. After all, Overwatch 2 being free-to-play should ensure an influx of new players, which could do wonders for the game's troubled matchmaking.
The Overwatch 2 story campaign will presumably not be free-to-play, though it remains to be seen when exactly that will be available. Blizzard has not announced a release date for the Overwatch 2 campaign content at the time of this writing. However, more information should come to light in the months ahead, especially as we get closer to the Overwatch 2 early access launch date of October 4.
In the meantime, one has to imagine that there will be more Overwatch PvP betas between now and when the game launches in early access in October. Blizzard has not detailed any specific plans about future Overwatch 2 PvP betas, but since console gamers were left out last time, one would think that a console beta would be in the cards. Perhaps more information will come at the Overwatch 2 event on June 16, but fans will just have to tune in to find out for sure.
Overwatch 2 launches in early access on October 4.