Overwatch 2 Closed PvP Beta Begins In April: How To Sign Up

Blizzard has announced plans to split its "Overwatch 2" player-versus-environment (PvE) and player-versus-player (PvP) modes so that it can launch the latter sooner. With this change comes some important details, not the least of which is the upcoming game's PvP beta for gamers who want to try it out.

Ahead of the beta, Blizzard said in a blog post that it has kicked off alpha testing for this game mode with its employees, as well as some professional players and others who were given the honor of helping out. Everyone else will have the opportunity to try the beta in April, however, assuming you're in a supported region and play "Overwatch" on PC. Those who get to participate can expect to see a bunch of different content, including new maps and the new ping system, plus there will be the new hero Sojourn and some general "hero reworks."

This will be a closed beta, mind, so there's a good chance you won't be able to participate even if you're located in a supported region. Blizzard says it will seek feedback from the players who get access, hopefully helping it refine the experience before it eventually arrives for everyone. Specifically, the company says it wants to test some of the key aspects of the mode — content, systems, and features, namely — before it moves on to server stress testing.

As for what you can expect, Blizzard says the hero reworks will apply to Sombra, Orisa, Bastion, and Doomfist. There will be four new maps total, as well, including one hybrid, two push (the new game mode), and one escort map: Circuit Royal, Colosseo, Midtown, and New Queen Street.

If that sounds exciting, Blizzard explains you'll need to sign up on the "Overwatch" website — this process puts in your request to participate in the beta, but it doesn't guarantee you'll get access to it. The company plans to add players to the PvP beta in phases, and it's possible you could end up getting an invite to one of the future beta tests Blizzard has planned. This initial beta will take place in "late April," and the company promises it will drop more details about it ahead of its launch.