Overwatch 2 opens its second beta today for PC and console players at 11 a.m. PT. The beta runs through July 18, giving players three weeks to try out Junker Queen and the new map. The developers have laid out their goals for the beta, which include testing server capacity and hero balance.
This beta adds Junker Queen, a new tank hero who was first teased in-game in 2017. Fans have been hoping to play her ever since, and five years later, we’re finally getting the chance. The new beta also adds a new hybrid map, Paraiso. This time, players will get the chance to play a game mode that mirrors traditional competitive games — meaning teams will both attack and defend on payload maps — while still allowing backfills for players who leave matches.
Overwatch 2 is the sequel to Blizzard’s class-based shooter, featuring two teams of five players fighting over objectives. Overwatch devs announced in June that the game will be free to play and will launch in early access on Oct. 4. The first beta injected a frantic pace into the game, which was a welcome change from the slower, more grinding pacing that’s plagued Overwatch in recent years. The free-to-play PvP element will bring the game more in line with other competitive shooters, like Valorant and Apex Legends.
How do I download the Overwatch 2 beta?
Console players should get a code to download the beta. PC players will be able to download the beta directly from the Battle.net launcher. Here’s how that worked in the first beta:
1. Log in to your Battle.net account and navigate to Overwatch on the game launcher.
2. In the bottom left, click the Game Version drop-down.
3. Select Overwatch 2 Tech Beta to install.
4. When the download is complete, hit the blue Play button to start.
Junker Queen’s ultimate ability helps her close distance and end fights quickly.
BlizzardJunker Queen abilities
The new beta finally gives fans a chance to play as Junker Queen, a hero we’ve all been excited about and/or thirsting over since she was first teased on the Junkertown map. Here’s what we know about Junker Queen’s abilities, from the Overwatch Twitter account:
New Hybrid Map: Paraiso
The beta also adds Paraiso, a new hybrid map that explores Lucio’s home, including the DJ’s Clube Sinestesia. As with all hybrid maps, players will start by attacking or defending a control point, and if the attackers succeed, players will spend the rest of the map attacking or defending a payload.
Clube Sinestesia is where support hero Lucio found fame as a DJ.
BlizzardHow to get into the Overwatch 2 beta
Anyone can sign up for Overwatch 2’s second beta, but it’s not technically an open beta. Overwatch developers have said they’ll add people gradually as they ramp up server capacity, and the first big wave of beta access will happen on July 5, according to the beta FAQ page. Even if you were in the previous beta, you’ll need to sign up again.
Here’s how to sign up:
1. Go to the Overwatch 2 beta site.
2. In the top right corner, log in to your Blizzard Account.
3. At the bottom of the Overwatch 2 beta page, choose your platform (and region for PlayStation players).
4. Then hit Request Beta Access.
Players also have the option to purchase the Watchpoint Pack ($40) for guaranteed access. In addition to beta access on day one, you’ll also get two legendary character skins, a unique player icon and enough digital currency to buy the first two battle passes.
For more Overwatch 2 news, check out everything we learned from the Overwatch 2 reveal event.
