Is Overwatch 2 Free-to-Play?

For many, Overwatch 2 is more of an ‘Overwatch 1.5’ than it is a complete and total successor to the first title. When it was first released in October 2022, it adopted a refreshed operating model, but fundamentally, it looked, played, and behaved in an almost identical fashion to Overwatch (2016). However, there are some key differences with Overwatch 2, the most important of which is how players actually buy the game. With that in mind, we’re answering the question, ‘is Overwatch 2 free-to-play’?

These days, many games – particularly those that feature competitive multiplayer modes – succeed as free-to-play games. For instance, there’s Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Fall Guys. These games are all free-to-play, and they’re remarkably popular, but is Overwatch 2 free-to-play?

Let’s find out.

Is Overwatch 2 Free-to-Play?

It’s incredibly fun, but is Overwatch 2 free-to-play?

It was a massively appreciated change to the existing model when Blizzard revealed that, yes, Overwatch 2 would be free to play. As a step towards becoming as accessible as possible, it was determined that going forward, Overwatch 2 would be totally free of charge, with a battle pass model tagged on as an optional extra. Furthermore, Blizzard opted to remove the long-standing loot box model from the game, deciding instead to settle on the offering of direct-purchase packs and the seasonal battle pass model.

At launch, with the Overwatch 2 price equalling a grand total of absolutely nothing, the game became a roaring success overnight, topping charts with ease. While some players complained about the Overwatch 2 battle pass model, it was, for the most part, accepted as a good decision overall. There’s something positive to be said about a game becoming free-to-play overnight, as it always seems to boost the audience immeasurably.

And, when added to the fact that Overwatch 2 is a crossplay game, it means that Blizzard has truly created a seamless ecosystem.

How to Claim Your Overwatch 2 Free Download

Well, it isn’t really a case of ‘claiming’ a free Overwatch 2 download, so much as it is just downloading it for free. There really are very few requirements that you’ll need to follow to secure your copy of Overwatch 2, and that’s the same regardless of what platform you’re playing on. If you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, you’ll just need to navigate to the in-built storefront, click install, and that’s it – your Overwatch 2 journey has begun.

If you’re on PC, you’ll need to install the Battle.net launcher (ideally), granting you access to the game’s files. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be free to explore the best Overwatch 2 maps, grinding to unlock both old and new Overwatch 2 heroes. Presently, Overwatch 2 is enjoying quite a positive period of growth, fuelled by the fact that it costs nothing to enjoy the game – so make sure you’re getting involved as soon as possible to enjoy that boom.

We hope that this guide comprehensively answers the question, ‘is Overwatch 2 free to play’?

Best of luck out there.