Is Overwatch 2 free to play? – what is and isn’t free in Overwatch 2 in 2024

Is Overwatch 2 free to play? – what is and isn’t free in Overwatch 2 in 2024
Annie Thelen Updated on by

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Need to know if Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play game? The hero shooter from Blizzard received massive popularity and acclaim in its first iteration, and it’s a great time to jump into the sequel.

With Season 8 in full swing, including the new hero Mauga and the new Season 8 battle pass, filled with cosmetics and Season 8 skins to unlock, it’s never been a better time to join in the fun. The hero shooter has a large roster of characters to play with, and newcomers want to know if they can join in the fun for free. We’re here to give you all the details.

Can you play Overwatch 2 for free?

Yes, Overwatch 2 is completely free to play. The game, including all the online multiplayer and modes, is available for free to download on all platforms. This includes PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

The full game of Overwatch 2 besides the story missions is free to play, and you can unlock every playable hero through gameplay. New heroes like Sojourn, Kiriko, Ilari, Lifeweaver, Mauga, and Ramattra require players to complete certain tasks through gameplay to unlock.

How to download Overwatch 2 for free

Overwatch 2 characters in Junkertown
Image via Blizzard

To get Overwatch 2 for free, simply choose below which console or platform you’d like to play on:

This will take you to the store where you can add the game to your library. Once it’s been downloaded onto your console, you’re good to jump into the game.

What do you have to pay for in Overwatch 2?

Like many games, Overwatch 2 has a battle pass system that requires you to pay for the full pass. Currently, the game is in its ninth season and has a Season 9 Battle Pass for purchase.

However, there is a free tier of the battle pass that still lets you earn rewards. All of the rewards in the battle pass, both free and paid tiers, are cosmetic only, so you don’t lose out on any gameplay.

Purchasing the battle pass does get you some perks, though, like unlocking new heroes quicker, and earning exclusive skins and other cosmetics.

As mentioned above, the game’s story missions are also not free. They are $15 to unlock in the game, which you can purchase through the Invasion Bundle. You get three full story missions with this bundle.

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Invasion Bundle

The Invasion Bundle and story missions were introduced with Season 6 of Overwatch 2. While there was backlash over them being paid content, they have remained at a cost for a while now. There’s no telling if Blizzard will ever make them free in the future.

Overwatch 2 also has an in-game shop that allows you to purchase cosmetics for Overwatch Coins, which are an in-game currency used for battle pass purchases and more. You do not need to purchase any Overwatch Coins to play the game.

That’s everything you need to know about whether Overwatch 2 is free to play. Be sure to check out the Overwatch 2 hero tier list so you can know the best characters to play. Also, check out how to rank up in Overwatch 2 so you can climb Competitive Play easily.

Is Overwatch 2 free FAQs

Is Overwatch 2 completely free?

Yes, everything but the story missions are free to play in Overwatch 2. Some modes and heroes need to be unlocked, but this is done through gameplay.

What do you have to pay for in Overwatch 2?

If you want to play the Invasion story missions, these need to be bought for $15 in the Invasion Bundle. There are also many skins and other cosmetics that require players to purchase the Premium Battle Pass to unlock.