Blizzard and server issues with a new game launch, name a more iconic duo.
Overwatch 2 launch day woes

Overwatch 2 technically launched today, and you may be inclined to believe that were you able to actually get into the game. Unfortunately for most people not in a special priority queue, you have been met with long login wait times or just no response from the server at all.

According to Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, the Overwatch 2 servers have been hit with "a mass DDoS attack." According to Ybarra's tweet, this attack is "causing a lot of drop/connection issues" for players. Blizzard is aware of the issues and are "working hard" to deal with the attack.

If you are still excited for Overwatch 2, at least when you're able to actually get in and play, there are some new gameplay features you may want to be made aware of. The game, though largely based on the first Overwatch, which is no longer actually a thing, does have some differences. For instance, games are now 5v5 instead of 6v6 matchups. That's a pretty big change, but let's see what else you can expect in Overwatch 2.

Log in today to play as the recently unveiled support hero Kiriko: a fierce protector with a heart of gold. She joins tank hero Junker Queen and damage hero Sojourn as three game-changing women rounding out a playable roster that now includes 35 heroes. And what’s a new era without a new look and feel? Going live today are updated appearances for every hero, numerous hero ability kit reworks, a new five-versus-five multiplayer format, six new maps, the new Push game mode, a new ping system, a redesigned competitive mode, and more—all experienced through updated graphics and audio engines. Additionally, the diverse cast of characters has never felt more alive, with over 40,000 new voice lines in the game.

Overwatch 2 launches today with an all-new item shop replacing the previous Loot Box system, a free Battle Pass for all players, and a purchasable Premium Battle Pass for each season. Both versions of the Battle Pass deliver a slew of features for players to enhance their Overwatch 2 experience and will add new heroes at periodic intervals after the first two seasons.

The Premium Battle Pass, which provides instant access when new heroes are added in addition to other benefits, is priced at 1,000 Overwatch Coins per season (equivalent of $10 USD), unlocking in-game skins and other content. All players will have the ability to earn Overwatch Coins at no cost through in-game challenges each season, which can be saved up and used to purchase a Premium Battle Pass or other items available in the shop.

Season One, now live, features cyber punk-themed items for both the free and paid Battle Pass tracks: skins, emotes, victory poses, highlight intros, player icons, weapon charms, sprays, voice lines, and more. The Season One Premium Battle Pass includes the first ever Mythic skin—a customizable skin tier new for Overwatch 2—for Genji.

Season Two will feature a new to-be-announced tank hero and new map. Seasons are planned to roll over every nine weeks, each complete with a unique theme and brand-new collectibles with which players can customize and personalize their Overwatch 2 experience.​
Overwatch 2's PvE mode still isn't available yet. That is expected to begin rolling out some time in 2023. Overwatch 2 is out now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Battle.net. All platforms are currently experiencing the same connection issues at the time of this news post going live.