Overwatch 2 Beta Length – How Long Will Overwatch 2 Beta Last

It's going to keep running for quite a bit

By Erickson Melchoron
Overwatch 2

Yesterday, June 28, the Overwatch 2 opened its second beta for PC and, for the first time, console players at 11 AM PST. The beta will run for 20 days, ending at an undetermined time on July 18.

Players can choose to play one of their select reworked heroes or they can take control of the newest member of the roster, the Junker Queen, and get right into the thick of it! This is a chance for players to familiarize themselves with 5v5 gameplay, explore new maps, and be part of the chosen few to experience the new age of Overwatch.

This iteration of the Beta features maps from the previous Beta:

  • New Queen Street
  • Colleseo
  • Circuit Royale
  • Midtown

Plus, the newly unveiled hybrid map:

  • Paraiso

Also, Blizzard released the first round of Patch Notes for this technical beta. Check it to find out the latest changes introduced to the beta.

How to access the Overwatch 2 Beta

  1. Download the Battle.net desktop app if you haven’t already and launch it.
  2. Log in using the Battle.net account that you used to request Beta access.
  3. Click the Overwatch Icon located at the top of the launcher homepage.
  4. Navigate to the Game Version drop-down menu located at the bottom left of the Overwatch game page.
  5. Select Overwatch 2 Beta, install and press the blue Play button to start.

For players on consoles like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, all they need is an active subscription to have access to multiplayer on their chosen platform.

For players on PC, here are the minimum specs you need to access Overwatch.

Overwatch 2 Minimum Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack) 
  • Processor: Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
  • Video Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 600 series, AMD Radeon™ HD 7000 series
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM
  • Storage: 50 GB worth of space
  • Operating System: Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 or AMD Ryzen™ 5
  • Video Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 or AMD R9 380
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Storage: 50 GB worth of space

Is Overwatch 2 an open beta?

No, it is not. The only way for players to participate in the second Overwatch 2 beta is one of two ways:

  • Opting in from the Overwatch main page.
  • Paying for guaranteed immediate access.

Do I need to buy Overwatch 2 if I have Overwatch 1?

When Overwatch 2 goes live as a free-to-play live service game on October 4th, it will completely replace the Overwatch 1 game on the launcher. The good news for OW1 players though, the cosmetics they have unlocked in the first game will automatically carry over into Overwatch 2.

As for the second beta, players on console who purchase the Watchpoint Pack ahead of launch will have instant access to the current beta.

That’s it for our guide on Overwatch 2 Beta Length. You can check out our other Overwatch 2 content including news, guides, and features here.

Also, check out this video from Youtuber KarQ where he talks about all the hero changes to all the hero changes for the second beta.

Erickson Melchor
Senior Editor
Erickson is not just an indie game developer but also a discerning critic who aspires to see his games make a positive impact someday. In the meantime, he diligently works on his craft and immerses himself in a variety of games. You never know when and where inspiration might strike. As a Destiny 2 enthusiast, Erickson spends a considerable amount of time exploring the world of Guardians. Furthermore, as an editor for Sirus Gaming, Erickson blends his game development insights with a critical eye, aiming to enrich your gaming experience while sharing his unique perspective on the industry.