So far, the beta makes Overwatch 2 feel like it could have been an email
The state of Blizzard is constantly in flux, and in the midst of Diablo Immortal coming to PC and making that big “mobile-only” reveal fiasco all for nothing, we’re also seeing the wide rollout of the Overwatch 2 beta. Quick vibe check? I’m game for more Overwatch, but you shouldn’t expect much right now if you’re diving directly into the beta.
Upon booting it up, I wouldn’t blame people for thinking they accidentally launched a public test server build for the original Overwatch.
At the moment there are two options on the main menu: versus, and heroes (which provides a list of playable characters). That list consists entirely of old Overwatch heroes, some of whom have new facial hair (feel free to peruse above), plus the newcomer Sojourn. That list will grow over time, but that’s what we have to work with now, and I’m sure it’ll underwhelm some folks who are coming into the Overwatch 2 beta expecting the newness sheen of a sequel.
Clicking on versus grants you access to an unranked queue, as well as a custom game menu and a training option (it’s the same practice range as Overwatch 1). In my first game, I queued into a match on Ilios: a map I’ve played several hundred times. For snap moments I forgot I was playing a sequel, even using the new character. One of the chief changes, the 5v5 format, was also tough to notice at first. Make no mistake: it will change high-level play on a fundamental level, and usher in all sorts of new meta discussions and strategies. At a glance, it’s going to feel like the same basic gameplay for most people, with the same sound effects, on many of the same maps, with the same announcer.
The full map list available in the beta (at launch) includes: Ilios, Lijiang Tower, Oasis, Circuit Royal,
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