Pre-install Overwatch 2 on your chosen platform right now so you can play the hero shooter sequel as soon as it launches later today. The pre-download can be launched on any platform (i.e. PC via Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles) from now until the games start at 12:00 PM PDT on October 4. However, there are a few differences depending on which platform you want to pre-install Overwatch 2 on, such as requirements and varying file sizes. Here’s everything you need to know about pre-downloading Overwatch 2 so you can play the game as soon as possible.
How to pre-download Overwatch 2
Option to preload Overwatch 2 Overwatch 2 launch time Oct 4 at 12:00 PDT available on any platform, but only Returning Overwatch 1 players or those who have purchased the Watchpoint Pack On their platform of choice – if you already own Overwatch 1, you also get the Watchpoint Pack for free, so no worries.
Note that you don’t need Overwatch 1 or the Watchpoint Pack to play Overwatch 2 – the sequel is free but requires a linked phone number on a unified Battle.net account, so you’ll need to setup. SMS protection for Overwatch 2 first. There are also a few caveats depending on which platform you’re going to pre-download Overwatch 2 on, so you can start the Overwatch 2 bootloader like this:
– PC players via Battle.net: Overwatch 2 is preloadable on Battle.net now. The Overwatch 2 update should start on its own if you have automatic updates enabled on Battle.net, but you can manually initiate the download by clicking the gear icon next to the ‘Play’ button on the Battle.net Overwatch page and ‘Check for updates’.
– Console players: Could be Overwatch 2 now It can be pre-installed on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. If you have automatic updates for your console, the game should be automatically upgraded to Overwatch 2, but otherwise, you’ll have to manually check for any updates in your console’s game library or storefront to start the boot.
– New players: If you’re a new player and haven’t played Overwatch or don’t have the Watchpoint Pack, you won’t be able to pre-install Overwatch 2, but you can start installing the game as soon as you start it. 12pm PDT on October 4th.
Overwatch 2 size and PC system requirements
Overwatch 2 is around 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 experience performance or graphics 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 hardware:
Minimum Requirements
- OS: 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 of RAM
- To store: 50 GB of available hard disk space
- Screen resolution: At least 1024 x 768
- Broadband internet connection
Recommended Features
- OS: 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
- To store: 50 GB of available hard disk space
- Screen resolution: At least 1024 x 768
- Broadband internet connection
If you’ve already started downloading Overwatch 2 now, you should be able to jump right into the game when the servers go live on October 4 at 12pm PDT. For more information and help downloading Overwatch 2 ahead of time, be sure to check this out. Prepare to Launch article (opens in new tab) On the Overwatch website.
