How To Download ‘Overwatch 2’ For Free On All Platforms
Overwatch 2 is now live.
Blizzard Entertainment
Update: if you ever played Overwatch on PC, or have done so on console between June 9, 2021 and now, you’ll no longer need to add a phone number to your account to play Overwatch 2. More details:
Original story follows:
In case you missed the memo, Overwatch 2 is now live! If you weren’t able to pre-download the game (new players had to wait until launch anyway), here’s how to install it on PC and consoles.
If you still have Overwatch 1 on your system, Overwatch 2 will install by itself if you have automatic updates enabled. Otherwise, go to the Overwatch game tile on your console or the Overwatch page on Battle.net, open the options menu and select “check for updates” (the language may be slightly different depending on the platform).
No matter which platform you want to play on, you’ll need a Battle.net account. You can create one here if you need to. You will need to include a valid mobile phone number on your account to play Overwatch 2. More details about that here:
Console players will need to link their PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo account to Battle.net. You can do that either in the game after you’ve downloaded it or on the web. Blizzard has a useful support article that explains the process.
This is important, because several people have asked me about it. You don’t need to buy the $40 Overwatch 2 Watchpoint Pack to play the game. Overwatch 2 is free-to-play.
The Watchpoint Pack includes access to the Season 1 premium Battle Pass (worth $10), seven Legendary skins (including two new Space Raider skins), five Epic skins, 2,000 Overwatch Coins (worth $20) and an Overwatch 2 Player Icon.
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Download ‘Overwatch 2’ On PC
Before you install Overwatch 2, be sure to check the system specifications to make your your PC is compatible. Find those here:
- If you haven’t already, download the Battle.net launcher from Blizzard’s website. This link should start the download.
- Follow the steps to install the launcher.
- Log in with your Battle.net credentials.
- Go to the Overwatch 2 page.
- Hit install.
Overwatch 2 is approximately a 50GB download on PC. To maximize the download speed, click the Battle.net icon in the top left of the launcher, then select Settings. In the Downloads tab, make sure to uncheck the box for the option that reads “Limit download bandwidth.” It’s probably a good idea to make sure no-one else on your WiFi is on a Zoom call before you do that.
Overwatch 2 limit bandwidth download option
Blizzard Entertainment
On consoles, Overwatch 2 is around a 30GB download.
Download ‘Overwatch 2’ On PS4 And PS5
Search for Overwatch 2 on your PS4 or PS5. You can also download it to PS4 or PS5 remotely from the PlayStation Store or PS App.
Download ‘Overwatch 2’ On Xbox
Search for Overwatch 2 on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. You can also start downloading it to your console via the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app.
Download ‘Overwatch 2’ On Nintendo Switch
Search for Overwatch 2 on your Nintendo Switch store. You can also start downloading it from the Nintendo eShop.
Junker Queen is now available to all Overwatch 2 players.
Blizzard Entertainment
That’s pretty much all you need to know about inst—
Hey, wait a second! There’s one platform I might have overlooked.
Download ‘Overwatch 2’ on Steam Deck
I’m impatiently waiting for my Steam Deck to show up. You can bet the first thing I do with it (after a round or two of Vampire Survivors) is to install Overwatch 2. I obviously haven’t been able to personally install the game on Steam Deck as yet, so I can’t walk you through the process.
However, another journalist was able to set the game up on their Steam Deck. While this YouTube video they consulted focuses on Overwatch 1 installation, you should be able to follow the same process to get Overwatch 2 on your Steam Deck. I hope it helps!
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