Overwatch 2’s beta is going live tomorrow, which means this will be a large portion of the community’s first experience with the highly anticipated sequel. Despite looking and playing a lot like the original, developer Blizzard has made some noticeable changes to various heroes, game modes, and even shaved down the number of people per team from six to five. While some players got into the beta via a sign-up some time ago, all hope is not lost as you still have a chance to get your hands on this game.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Overwatch 2 beta:
How to Join the Overwatch 2 Beta
There are two ways to join the Overwatch 2 beta. The first is getting chosen via signing up on the official Overwatch 2 homepage. The selection is based on a variety of factors that Blizzard doesn’t fully explain, but you can still fill this form out at the time of writing this article. Keep in mind that you need to own the original Overwatch to participate in the beta regardless of what method you get in.
The second, and what I suspect most popular method, is gaining access via Twitch Drops from specific streamers. You will need to tune in to one of these streams on April 27 from 10:00 a.m. PT to 6:00 p.m. PT. This is the only time that Overwatch 2 beta Twitch Drops will be active. You will need to accrue a total of four hours across any number of the streamer channels listed below to become eligible for these Twitch Drops. Remember that you will need to link your Battle.net account with your Twitch account to claim this drop.
Don’t worry if you can’t get into this beta since Blizzard has confirmed there will be additional betas in the future. This beta of Overwatch 2 will run from April 27 to May 17.
Here is every participating streamer you can watch to potentially earn Overwatch 2 beta access:
- A_Seagull
- AAlBaqoni
- AceofSpades
- Ade
- adepththebest
- Anaee
- angelxoxo
- Angrodtralari
- AnneMunition
- Aomdi
- Arcang3lon
- Arrge
- Aryll
- Aspen
- august
- AVRL
- Bazzagazza
- BeaPlays
- Beaver
- Beyaca
- Bighead
- Briggsycake
- BroYouWack
- Bruninho S07
- Bus
- CDNThe3rd
- Ch1ckenkun
- ChangSik
- Cheomyeom
- chipsa
- Crayator
- crendor
- Cresjcent
- cuppcaake
- Custa
- Daniel Fenner
- Datto
- David Orelus
- Dexbonus
- dianamonsters
- Dohyeon
- DominoJack
- DPSDeku
- Dragoneddy
- Dullachann
- Dyrus
- echoflex
- EeveeA
- Enyung
- Electra
- Ellohime
- Emiliath
- Emongg
- Eskay
- Eviltoaster
- Fareeha
- FDGod_OW
- Fextralife
- FindingKyKy
- Fitzyhere
- Flats
- Frogger
- Fuki
- Gale Adelade
- Gavi
- Geguri
- GetQuakedOn
- Guru
- Hal
- Hammerkick
- HighscoreHeroes
- Hoshizora
- iddqqd
- imaqtpie
- itmeJP
- Ivajpro
- Izeef
- Izgerte
- Jake
- Jay3
- JesseSMFI
- Jinsei
- Jotum
- Joum
- JoystickOW
- kabaji
- KarQ
- KATIE
- Kephrii
- Kimjaewon
- Kimtongsoo
- Kragie
- KristenRae
- Kssarplayz
- Lassiz
- Last Chance
- Leetaejun
- LegDay
- Leia
- LemonKiwi
- leveluplifting
- linkzr
- LuLuLuvley
- macro
- mendo
- Merciful
- Metro
- Mirage
- MissySkywalker
- ml7
- Namunlbo
- Narullsbackyard
- Neves
- Niandra
- Nitrao
- Noserino
- Oasis
- One_shot_gurl
- Oputo
- Overpowered
- ovileemay
- OWGrandma
- PeterParkTV
- Phyrex
- PlayOverwatch
- Pokelawls
- Pokimane
- Potxeca
- Punkdll
- QueenE
- Rammy
- RubenSargasm
- Runner
- Ryujehong
- Saebyeolbe
- SaltyPhish
- Samito
- Sesuko
- Shiphtur
- Sisime
- Skiesti
- Solmyr
- Somjuu
- Somnus
- Sooshi
- Strippin
- Stylosa
- Summerpie
- Sunshinebread
- Supertf
- surefour
- svb
- SypherPK
- ta1yo
- TallNQuirky
- Tekkudesu
- Tex
- TheDarkness
- Themarinekr
- thexboxlucio
- Toniki
- Tyr0din
- Vale
- Violet
- W_NTED
- Warn
- Woogying
- Xenofly
- XQC
- XQQ
- YBT
- Yeatle
- YourOverwatch
- Yuuie
- Yznsa
- Zardoide
Overwatch 2 Beta System Requirements
Since this beta is only for PC, some players may wonder if their computer is strong enough to handle Overwatch 2. Thankfully, Blizzard has sent over both the minimum and recommended system requirements. This beta will not be available for Mac users. Chances are you should have no trouble running Overwatch 2 if you can run the original Overwatch.
Minimum System Requirements
- Operating System – Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 10 64-bit
- 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 System Requirements
- Operating System – Windows® 10 64-bit
- 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
Overwatch 2 Beta Details
As stated previously, the Overwatch 2 beta will run from April 27 to May 17. Modes such as Competitive will be disabled; however, you can play any of the characters confirmed for Overwatch 2, including all of the reworked characters like Doomfist, Orisa, and Echo, as well as newcomer Sojourn. Gameplay is now 5v5 instead of 6v6, with teams consisting of one tank, two damage dealers, and two support. Additionally, any player who gets into the beta is free to stream their experience.
While you’ll be seeing guides around Overwatch 2 from us, we’re reporting on the Activision-Blizzard allegations as they happen. In case you aren’t up to date, we highly encourage you to read more about recent events, including the story on the alleged interference from a California governor, the attempts to lift the mandatory vaccination mandate while the COVID-19 pandemic continues rampant, the announcement of US-based QA workers being promoted to full-time staff following a strike, which excluded Raven employees who have been working on unionizing since the beginning of the year, as well as the lawsuits regarding sexism and discrimination and wrongful death in an employee’s death by suicide.
