Players can now log in and play as Kiriko, the recently revealed support heroine, or the soon-to-be-released tank heroine Junker Queen, as well as the damage heroine Sojourn. Three new game-changing women will thus round out the playable squad, which now includes 35 heroes.

Starting today, there will also be updated looks for all heroes, numerous revisions to hero abilities, a new five-on-five multiplayer format, six new maps, the new game mode Thrust, a new ping system, a redesigned ranked mode, and much more - all with revamped graphics and audio engines. In addition, the varied cadre of characters will come to life like never before, as the game receives over 40,000 new spells.

The Premium Battle Pass, which grants instant access to new heroes among other benefits, costs 1,000 Overwatch coins(the equivalent of 10 euros) per season and unlocks in-game skins and other content. Players:inside can earn Overwatch coins each season through in-game challenges without investing any money themselves. The saved Overwatch Coins can then be used to purchase the Premium Battle Pass or other extras in the store.

Overwatch 2 launches with Season 1 and includes cyberpunk-style items for both the free and premium Battle Pass: skins, emotes, victory poses, highlight intros, player icons, weapon talismans, sprays, spells and more. Season 1's Premium Battle Pass includes the first-ever mythic skin for Genji - a new customizable skin level in Overwatch 2.

Season 2 will introduce a new yet unreleased tank hero and a new map to Overwatch 2. A new season will launch every nine weeks, each of which will feature a unique theme and brand new collectibles.

Overwatch 2 's PvE mode is still in development and is expected to be available next year. Exact release plans will then be announced at a later date.

"Today marks a tremendous new beginning for the Overwatch community, and we can't wait for players to experience not only everything that is being released now, but everything that will be added in the months and yearsto come," said Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard Entertainment. "We know that players:inside expect a vibrant, exciting, action-packed and polished gaming experience, and we're looking forward to exceeding those expectations with Overwatch 2. But of course, we're also looking forward to welcoming new heroes from around the world to PC and console in this bright and hopeful vision of the future that this gaming universe has always represented."