The sequel to the team-based shooter sets a new Overwatch record, with peak daily players almost triple that of the original game through its first ten days
Overwatch 2, Blizzard Entertainment’s cross-platform and free-to-play team-based action game, has seen over twenty-five million heroes join the fight in the first ten days since its launch on Windows PC via Battle.net, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch consoles. The game has proven to be a global phenomenon, already achieving a daily player base spread near-even across EMEA, Asia, and the Americas that’s nearly triple the previous daily player peak from the original Overwatch.
“The launch of Overwatch 2 has been such an important moment for Blizzard. We’re thrilled to bring new players from around the world into Overwatch’s vibrant universe while welcoming back the existing Blizzard community,” said Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard Entertainment. “This is only the beginning—there are so many possibilities to explore in the world of Overwatch, and we cannot wait for players to experience everything the team is building for the live game.”
The newest Support hero to join the roster, Kiriko, has been a popular pick in matches so far, with players having successfully charged and unleashed her Kitsune Rush ultimate ability over two million times in the first week alone. Also new to Overwatch 2 is cross-platform progression, a new five-versus-five multiplayer format, six new maps, the new Push game mode, a new ping system, a redesigned competitive mode, updated appearances for every hero, numerous hero ability kit reworks, updated graphics and audio engines, and much more.
The launch is just the first step in the future of Overwatch. Overwatch 2 will receive regular seasonal updates, often including new heroes, maps, game modes, and cosmetics—read about it all at PlayOverwatch.com. Planned to begin rolling out next year, release plans will be announced at a later date for the game’s much-anticipated PvE mode.
A Thank You to Players
As a thank you to players for their enduring support, any player who logs in from October 25 through to the end of Season One will receive an all-new Cursed Captain Reaper Legendary skin and a Health Pack Weapon Charm! Additionally, players can expect to earn double match XP on the following weekends:
- Starting October 22 at 2:00 a.m. GMT+8, ending October 25 at 2:00 a.m. GMT+8
- Starting October 29 at 2:00 a.m. GMT+8, ending November 1 at 2:00 a.m. GMT+8
- Starting November 25 at 3:00 a.m. GMT+8, ending November 29 at 3:00 a.m. GMT+8
About Overwatch 2
An optimistic vision of near-future Earth, Overwatch 2 is about a world worth fighting for, where super soldiers, scientists, cyborgs, and omnics clash for control of real-world-inspired locations from around the globe. Featuring 35 unique heroes—each armed with potent abilities and weaponry—battling across a variety of lively maps and locales, where players must work together and adapt to a variety of unique situations.
Overwatch 2 features a new in-game shop, a free Battle Pass for all players, and a purchasable Premium Battle Pass for each season. Both the free and paid Battle Pass tracks for Season One feature cyber punk-themed items such as skins, weapon charms, victory poses, highlight intros, sprays, player icons, and voice lines. The Season One Premium Battle Pass also includes a Mythic skin for Genji—a customizable new skin tier for Overwatch 2.
