The Overwatch 2 release time arrives the day after Overwatch 1 Shutdown.
It’s rare to see a game complete and its sequel begin in just over 24 hours – but Blizzard’s approach is designed to see its entire community transition from game to game.
For Overwatch fans, it’s a bittersweet week – so here’s the Overwatch 1 shutdown time so you can fit in one last match, before playing the Overwatch 2 release A little after.
On this page:
Overwatch 1 server shutdown time: When does Overwatch 1 shut down?
Unlike previous Activision Blizzard games – such as Destiny, Call of Duty or Diablo – the original Overwatch servers are down before the free sequel.
The downtime between games is pretty short though – so you won’t have too long to wait. If you wish to participate in a final match, the Overwatch 1 server downtimes are as follows:
- UK: 5:00 p.m. (BST)
- Europe: 6:00 p.m. (EST)
- US East Coast: 12 p.m. (EDT)
- United States West Coast: 9:00 a.m. (PDT)
Blizzard says the times above are approximate – so it’s possible you could cram in an extra session or two after the above. Either way, it’s worth taking part in one last round of play now.
Be aware that as an owner of the original Overwatch, you will receive the Founder’s Pack – unlocking the new hero Kiriko, as well as automatic access to all other heroes.
Overwatch 2 Release Time: When is Overwatch 2 coming out?
Overwatch 2 will release at the following launch times on PC and Console:
- UK: 8pm (BST)
- Europe: 9pm (EST)
- US East Coast: 3 p.m. (EDT)
- United States West Coast: 12 p.m. (PDT)
Blizzard says the times above are approximate. As this is a live match, it’s possible things will be delayed – so be prepared for times to slip a bit while the finishing touches are put on.
While you wait, new players should create a Battle.net account if you haven’t already and set up two-factor authentication. This is a requirement on all platforms, including consoles.
If you’re new, be aware that you must play 100 matches to unlock the entire roster. For returning players, the full roster will be available to you. There’s a new Battle Pass system to learn, though – here’s Bertie with everything you need to know.
If you’re already an Overwatch player, you can start merging your progress from the original game into the sequel, even if you switch platforms. Here is the official blog to know how it works.
You can also start preloading in advance so you can start playing as soon as the servers come online…
Overwatch 2 time and preload size
Before Overwatch 2 launches, you can start preloading the game, which means you can start racing after the release time has passed.
Preloading on PC is available now, while on consoles they go live at the following times:
- UK: 5:00 p.m. (BST)
- Europe: 6:00 p.m. (EST)
- US East Coast: 12 p.m. (EDT)
- United States West Coast: 9:00 a.m. (PDT)
Meanwhile, the download size will be around 50 GB on PC and around 30 GB on console.
