Overwatch 2 is really happening; PvP beta begins in April

It’s been a while, but Overwatch 2 looks like it’s finally moving forward. Blizzard announced Thursday that a PvP beta will launch in late April for PC players.

Interested players can sign up on the Overwatch website (although at the time of this writing, the page says the website is “undergoing maintenance”).

Addtiionally, Blizzard announced it would be “decoupling” Overwatch 2’s PvP and PvE to get PvP content out sooner while the team continues to work on PvE.

Game Director Aaron Keller was also on hand to host a development update on YouTube, which you can watch below.

Here are the new features that’ll be available during the beta:

• 5v5 PvP gameplay
• New hero: Sojourn
• Four new maps
  • Circuit Royal – Escort map
  • Midtown – Hybrid map
  • New Queen Street – Push map
  • Colosseo – Push map
• New mode: Push
• Hero reworks for Orisa, Doomfist, Bastion, Sombra
• New ping system.

Updates on Overwatch 2 have been scarce since it was announced at BlizzCon in 2019. The original announcement said it would feature PvE gameplay, upgraded visuals on a newer engine, and would be moving to a 5v5 PvP experience. It would also feature a new multiplayer mode called “Push,” which will be available during the beta.

However, in November, Blizzard announced it would be delaying Overwatch 2, along with Diablo 4, further than originally planned to give developers more time and to account for leadership changes and turnover. Activision Blizzard has been in a state of turmoil since the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a lawsuit against the company for its toxic, “frat” workplace culture. This has resulted in a number of accounts regarding harassment against women and people of color, and retaliation.

Additionally, Activision Blizzard is set to be acquired by Microsoft following approval from the FTC and other governmental bodies.

This story is developing.