Overwatch 2 PvP Public Closed Beta Coming In April, Will Include New Hero Sojourn And Four New Maps

It's been 84 years (roughly) since we last got any news about Overwatch 2 from Blizzard. The long silence ended today, as Blizzard opened up applications to try out the game's PvP, which will be available in beta form next month, as well as making several more announcements regarding the game's state and what players can anticipate over the coming months.

In a video blog accompanying the announcement, Game Director Aaron Keller admitted that communication and visible work on the game has been non-existent over the past year-plus, bluntly stating that "we've let you down when it comes to delivering Overwatch content." He said that his team is "committed to more continual updates on all things Overwatch 2," which is something developers have said many times after they've gone radio silent, only to issue one update and then go dark again for an extended period of time. Maybe that won't be the case here, but it will take more than reassuring words to make that point valid.

Note: Activision Blizzard is still under investigation by the state of California for serious harassment charges. CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to have known about such actions within his company – and performed some himself – and shielded the perpetrators from consequences.

Today's news, at least, does fill that void. PvP and PvE will be "decoupled," so that the PvP part of the game can arrive sooner -- a much-needed change, since the Overwatch League starts in just under two months and will be using Overwatch 2. In addition to the previously announced changes, such as a 5v5 format, new "Push" mode, and hero changes, a "ping" system will also be added to the game.

#Overwatch2 PVP Beta is coming soon.

🎮 OW2 PVP Beta begins late April
🍁 New heroes, maps, and modes
✋ Beta Sign Up https://t.co/jC3gYjfdBc
💯 It's been 0 days since the last Overwatch 2 update pic.twitter.com/OFg0DAqJQR

— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) March 10, 2022

An alpha for Overwatch 2 PvP is underway now, limited to Blizzard employees and "key partners," like Overwatch League pros. The first closed beta will take part in late April, and you can sign up for it by following this link. More public PvP betas will come later in the year, offering new features, maps, and heroes.