How to preload Overwatch 2 and play it at launch

Preload Overwatch 2 right now on your chosen platform so that you can hop in and play the hero shooter sequel as soon as it launch later today. The pre-download can be started on any platform – that’s PC via Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles – between now and the games launch at 12pm PDT on October 4 . However, there are a few differences depending on what platform you want to preload Overwatch 2 on such as requirements and varying files sizes. Here’s everything you need to know about pre-downloading Overwatch 2 so that you can play the game ASAP.

How to pre-download Overwatch 2

The option to preload Overwatch 2 before the Overwatch 2 release time on October 4 at 12pm PDT is available on any platform but only to returning Overwatch 1 players or those that have purchased the Watchpoint Pack on their platform of choice – if you already own Overwatch 1, you also own the Watchpoint Pack for free, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Be aware that you do not need Overwatch 1 or the Watchpoint Pack to play Overwatch 2 – the sequel is free-to-play but does require a linked phone number on a unified Battle.net account though, so you’ll need to set up SMS protect for Overwatch 2 first. There are also a few caveats depending on which platform you’re going to pre-download Overwatch 2 on, so here’s how you can start the Overwatch 2 preload:

- PC players via Battle.net: Overwatch 2 can be preloaded on Battle.net now. If you have automatic updates enabled on Battle.net, the Overwatch 2 update should start on its own, but you can manually start the download by clicking on the gear icon next to the ‘Play’ button on the Battle.net Overwatch page and select ‘Check for Updates’.

- Console players: Overwatch 2 can now be pre-loaded on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. I fyou have automatic updates on for your console, the game should upgrade to Overwatch 2 automatically, but otherwise you need to manually check the game for any updates on your console’s game library or storefront to start the preload.

- New players: If you’re a new player and have not played Overwatch or do not own the Watchpoint Pack, you will not be able to preload Overwatch 2, but you can start installing the game as soon as it launches at 12pm PDT on October 4.

Overwatch 2 size and PC system requirements

Overwatch 2 review — (Image credit: Activision)

Overwatch 2 is approximately 50GB on PC, but only 30GB on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch Consoles. The game should run pretty smoothly on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 but may suffer performance or graphical drops on older hardware – Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4. If you’re playing Overwatch 2 on PC, these are the minimum and recommended system requirements for your rig:

Minimum Requirements

Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600 series, AMD Radeon HD 7000 series
Memory: 6GB RAM
Storage: 50 GB available hard drive space
Display resolution: At least 1024 x 768
Broadband internet connection

Recommended Specifications

Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060/ GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD R9 380/AMD RX 6400
Memory: 8GB RAM
Storage: 50GB available hard drive space
Display resolution: At least 1024 x 768
Broadband internet connection

If you’ve now started pre-downloading Overwatch 2, you should be able to hop right into the game when the servers go live on October 4 at 12pm PDT. For more information and help with pre-downloading Overwatch 2, be sure to check out this Prepare For Launch article on the Overwatch website.

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