Yes, Overwatch 2 is free. Blizzard runs it as a free-to-play game on PC (Steam and Battle.net), PS5, PS4, Xbox and Nintendo Switch including Switch 2, and crossplay lets you team up with friends on other platforms. Since February 2026 the game is officially called just Overwatch, so that is the name we mostly use below. Here is where to download it, how progress carries over between platforms and what you can actually spend money on. Everything is checked as of 20 October 2026.
Overwatch or Overwatch 2?
It is the same game. Since the start of the “Reign of Talon” year on 10 February 2026, Blizzard uses only the name Overwatch: on Steam, in the PlayStation Store, in the Microsoft Store and in the official patch notes. The last season released under the Overwatch 2 name was Season 20: Vendetta on 9 December 2025.
The rename also reset the season numbers. 2026 started again from Season 1, so when you see “Season 5” today, it means Reign of Talon – Season 5: A Grim Doctrine. Our current season guide covers what it adds. People still search for “Overwatch 2”, which is why our guide hub keeps that name.
Where you can play Overwatch
Blizzard Entertainment is both developer and publisher. The game is free-to-play, meaning free to download and play, and you only pay for optional in-game purchases. This is what the official stores show, for example on Steam, in the PlayStation Store or in the Nintendo eShop:
| Platform | Where to get it | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC | Steam, Battle.net | free | on Steam since 10 August 2023, Windows only |
| PS5 and PS4 | PlayStation Store | free | store release date 4 October 2022 |
| Xbox | Microsoft Store | free | Xbox bundle |
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo eShop | free | eShop release date 4 October 2022 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo eShop | free | officially launched with the 14 April 2026 patch |
On PC, the Steam version runs on Windows only, with no Mac or Linux build. For disk space and hardware, see our system requirements guide.
Crossplay and cross-progression
Overwatch supports crossplay (playing together across platforms) and cross-progression (shared progress). On its official site Blizzard says you can play across multiple platforms and devices and access your unlocks, progress and accolades anywhere, any time. It also promises you can team up with friends regardless of platform. On Steam the game carries the “Cross-Platform Multiplayer” tag.
We do not walk you through linking accounts here. The official Blizzard Support articles were not available to us on the verification date, and we would rather not give advice based on unverified sources.
What costs money in Overwatch
The game itself is free, and some heroes are unlocked gradually as you play. You pay for the Premium version of the Battle Pass (the seasonal reward track), for in-game currency and for bundles. On 20 October 2026 the Czech Steam store listed these items:
| Steam bundle | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Battle Pass Bundle 2026: Season 5 | €39.99 | Premium Battle Pass + 20 tiers, 2 Legendary skins, 2,000 Overwatch Coins |
| Starter Pack 2026: Season 5 | €9.99 | 1,000 Overwatch Coins + Haunted Emre skin |
| Invasion Bundle | €14.99 | contents not covered in our sources |
Overwatch Coins are the in-game currency. The Microsoft Store sells Coins in packs of 500, 1,000, 2,000 + 200, 4,000 + 500 and 6,000 + 900, plus Mythic Prisms in packs of 10, 30 and 50 and the Starter Pack 2026: Season 5. Local prices did not load from the Microsoft Store catalogue, so we leave them out.
Season 5 also introduced Unvaulted Battle Passes. Next to the current Battle Pass you can progress one older pass from Season 1–15. Progress carries over and an Unvaulted Pass stays on your account permanently. They do not include Overwatch Coins, XP Boosts, Mythic Prisms, Prestige Titles or Mythic skins.
Online only, rated 12+
Overwatch is an online-only game. On Steam it only has multiplayer and co-op categories and lists a broadband internet connection in the requirements, and the PlayStation Store says “Online play required”. There is no offline campaign.
Blizzard describes the game as a team-based 5v5 action game. According to the PlayStation Store, every match is a 5v5 or 6v6 brawl, with 40+ heroes and 25+ maps, and a match holds 10 online players. The age rating is PEGI 12 and USK 12, and in-game purchases are listed as optional. To learn what each role does, read our beginner’s guide.
Not sure whether Overwatch or a similar free hero shooter suits you better? Check our Marvel Rivals comparison.
Join our Discord to find Overwatch teammates across platforms and get help picking your first role: GamersTogether Discord.
FAQ
Yes. Steam lists it as free-to-play, the Czech PlayStation Store as free for PS5 and PS4, and the Microsoft Store at zero cost. You only pay for optional items such as the Premium Battle Pass, Overwatch Coins or bundles.
Since 10 February 2026 Blizzard has used only the name Overwatch and restarted season numbering from one. The game is the same; the last season under the old name was Season 20: Vendetta.
Yes. Blizzard says you can team up with friends regardless of platform and access your unlocks and progress on every device.
No. The game needs an internet connection, Steam only lists multiplayer categories and the PlayStation Store states that online play is required.
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 version officially launched with the 14 April 2026 patch and is downloaded from the Nintendo eShop.
Information verified on 20 October 2026. More guides are in our Overwatch 2 guides.