Overwatch 2 Beta Begins Soon, Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Twitch drops integrated with community streams from select streamers

Overwatch 2 Beta Featured Image

The Overwatch 2 PvP Beta begins in a few hours. At 11 AM Pacific Time, to be exact. Selected players have begun to receive invites to join the PvP Beta. And Blizzard answers some frequently asked questions players might want to know.

Here’s a list of FAQs being asked about the Overwatch 2 PvP Beta:

How will I know if I’m selected to participate in the Overwatch 2 PvP Beta?

Players selected to participate in the PvP Beta will receive a welcome email from the Overwatch team with instructions on how to gain access to the build. We will begin rolling out beta access to selected participants. While players selected initially should all receive access on the first day, we may extend invitations to more at later periods in this test.

How can I opt-in to the Overwatch 2 PvP Beta and how are players selected?

Visit the Overwatch 2 PvP Beta page to opt-in for the beta. You can learn more about what’s included in the PvP Beta and sign up for beta testing!

Do I need an Overwatch license to play in the beta?

Yes, all players will need to own and install Overwatch prior to participating in the PvP Beta. Those who were invited to the PvP Beta but do not own Overwatch can download and install Overwatch as a free trial during the Beta period.

What platforms will the PvP Beta be on?

The first beta is currently on PC only. However, we do plan on including console players in our future testing plans.

Will there be future Betas?

Yes, we are planning additional tests beyond this first PvP Beta.

What gameplay regions is the PvP Beta available in?

The beta is currently available in India, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America/Brazil, Korea, Australia/New Zealand, and Taiwan.

What languages are supported in the PvP Beta?

The PvP Beta is currently supported in English(US) and partially supported in other languages. Our team is working towards localizing all the new, exciting content in Overwatch 2, but players may still find variations of text or audio that still play in English(US) during this Beta test. We are committed to supporting our global player base and delivering a fully localized experience on release.

If I get invited to the PvP Beta, can I stream or create content about the game?

Absolutely! We love it when our community plays the game and creates content, so we look forward to seeing what you make Please make sure you comply with the Overwatch Terms of Service.

Will any progress I make during the PvP Betas carry over to the live game?

None of your progress will carry over to the live game because the beta is a work in progress and a method for the team to test out our current Overwatch 2 build. You can expect the game to evolve and refine significantly before launch.

Why are some features from Overwatch not available in the Overwatch 2 PvP Beta?

Since the Overwatch PvP Beta is still evolving, some features from the current game live game won’t be present in the beta. Some examples include Competitive mode, profiles, and endorsements. This reflects that game’s work-in-progress state as well as our initial areas of focus for testing.

What are the system requirements for the PvP Beta?

  • Minimum (targeting 30fps)
    • Operating system: Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack) 
    • Processor: Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD Phenom™ X3 8650
    • Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 600 series, AMD Radeon™ HD 7000 series 
    • Memory: 6 GB RAM 
    • Storage: 50 GB available hard drive space 
  • Recommended (targeting 60fps on medium settings)
    • Operating system: Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
    • Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 
    • Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 or AMD R9 380
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM 
    • Storage: 50 GB available hard drive space 

Will Mac users be able to participate in the PvP Beta?

No, this beta has been developed for Windows-based PCs and a Mac-specific Beta will not be provided.

The limited-time campaign begins April 27th, 2022 at 10:00AM PT and lasts until 6:00PM PT. Viewers will need to tune in to watch a select group of streamers broadcasting the Overwatch PvP Beta under the Overwatch category.

You will be eligible for Twitch drops after watching any participating channel for four hours. Your watch time will accrue no matter what stream you are watching from the list below:

A_SeagullBroYouWachDullachannGetQuakedOn
AAlBagoniBruninho S07DyrusGuru
AceofSpacesBusechoflexHal
AdeCDNThe3rdEeveeAHammerkick
adepththebestCh1ckenkunEnyungHighscoreHeroes
AnaeeChangSikElectraHoshizora
angelxoxoCheomyeomEllohimeiddqqd
AngrodtralarichipsaEmiliathimaqtpie
AnneMunitionCrayatorEmonggitmeJP
AomdicrendorEskayIvajpro
Arcang3lonCresjcentEviltoasterIzeef
ArrgecuppcaakeFareehaIzgerte
AryllCustaFDGod_OWJake
AspenDaniel FennerFextralifeJay3
augustDattoFindingKyKyJesseSMFI
AVRLDavid OrelusFitzyhereJinsei
BazzagazzaDexbonusFlatsJotum
BeaPlaysdianamonstersFroggerJoum
BeaverDohyeonFukiJoystickOW
BeyacaDominoJackGale Adeladekabaji
BigheadDPSDekuGaviKarQ
BriggsycakeDragoneddyGeguriKATIE
KephriiNamunlboRunnerTallNQuirky
KimjaewonNarullsbackyardRyujehongTekkudesu
KimtongsooNevesSaebyeolbeTex
KragieNiandraSaltyPhishThe Darkness
KristenRaeNitraoSamitoThemarinekr
KssarplayzNoserinoSesukothexboxlucio
LassizOasisShiphturToniki
Last ChanceOne_shot_gurlSisimeTyr0din
LeetaejunOputoSkiestiVale
LegDayOverpoweredSolmyrViolet
LeiaovileemaySomjuuW_NTED
LemonKiwiOWGrandmaSomnusWarn
levelupliftingPeterParkTVSooshiWoogying
linkzrPhyrexStrippinXenofly
LuLuLuvleyPlayerOverwatchStylosaXQC
macroPokelawlsSummerpieXQQ
mendoPokimaneSunshinebreadYBT
MercifulPotxecaSupertfYeatle
MetroPunkdllsurefourYourOverwatch
MirageQueenEsvbYuuie
MissySkywalkerRammySypherPKYznsa
ml7RubenSargasmta1yoZardoide

You will gain access to the Overwatch 2 PvP Beta when you redeem a Twitch drop, and you will need to install the game version on the Battle.net Launcher.

  • Link your Battle.net and Twitch accounts to earn a beta drop.
  • To redeem an Overwatch 2 PvP Beta drop, you must have an Overwatch license associated with your account.
  • Players who don’t already own Overwatch will still be able to access the build through a free trial that will be offered throughout the PvP Beta.
  • While it’s not necessary to install Overwatch, doing so may reduce download and install times for the beta build. 

Here are the download instructions for those who gain access:

  1. Log in using the Battle.net account that you synced with Twitch drops.
  2. Click the Overwatch icon located at the top of the launcher homepage.
  3. Navigate to the Game Version drop-down menu located at the bottom left of the Overwatch game page.
  4. Select Overwatch 2 Technical Beta, install, and press the blue Play button to start.

If you don’t get into the PvP Beta initially or via the drops program, don’t worry!

There will be Overwatch 2 beta streams and content available for everyone to watch, and we will have more information on how to gain access to future betas!