Buzz
Blizzard has unveiled the closed beta for Overwatch 2's PvP multiplayer today. This beta offers the Overwatch community its first opportunity to experience the new PvP gameplay, following the earlier closed alpha phase. To participate, you must either register or secure an invitation. Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed.
Invitations for the Overwatch 2 PvP beta will be distributed starting at 11 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. EDT), but they won’t be sent to everyone simultaneously. Blizzard will prioritize invites based on several factors, including the timing of your registration. The sign-up page has been active since March 10, meaning many eager players are already ahead in the queue.
If you’re registering today, don’t expect an immediate invitation. However, there’s always a chance Blizzard aims to expand the beta’s reach, and your late sign-up on April 26 might still grant you access.
To register, visit Overwatch 2's official opt-in website. Click “OPT-IN NOW,” followed by “SIGN UP NOW,” and log into your Battle.net account. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create an account. (Remember, a Battle.net account is required to play the original Overwatch as well.)
Complete the required security steps and accept the terms. The site will redirect you to the Overwatch 2 beta page, where a confirmation message will appear, indicating your successful registration. Now, all that’s left is to wait! Be sure to check your inbox starting at 11 a.m. PDT for an invitation. If chosen, follow the provided instructions and enjoy the experience!
How to secure a place in the Overwatch 2 closed beta
Even if you don’t receive an email invite, you might still gain access quickly. Blizzard is offering a Twitch drops campaign for the game, allowing you to enter the beta by watching Overwatch 2 PvP streams on Twitch. This promotion begins on April 27 at 10 a.m. PDT and ends at 6 p.m. PDT the same day. To qualify, link your Battle.net account and watch any of the designated streamers on this page for a minimum of four hours. You can switch between streamers, and your viewing time will accumulate as long as you stick to the approved list.
If you secure access through a Twitch drop, here’s how to join the beta:
Sign in to your Battle.net account.
Select the Overwatch icon located at the top of the page.
Navigate to the “Game Version” menu in the bottom-left corner.
Select “Overwatch 2 Technical Beta,” proceed with installation, and click the blue “Play” button.
Regardless of whether you gain access through an invitation or a Twitch drop, you must own the original Overwatch to participate in the Overwatch 2 PvP beta. Additionally, the beta is time-limited, running only until May 17. If selected, you may want to focus on playing Overwatch 2 during this period. However, Blizzard has announced future testing phases, so this won’t be your only opportunity to experience the game before its official release, anticipated in 2023.
[Polygon]
