[Update #2]: Overwatch 2 is looking to rework Junkrat, Symmetra and Moira, as well as give Mercy a proper super-jump.

[Update]: Overwatch 2 beta update has rebalanced supports and given Zenyatta a mighty kick.

After a whole bunch of teasers and previews, the very first Overwatch 2 closed beta has now finally arrived. It brings with it Sojourn as a railgun-wielding new DPS hero, reworked versions of Orisa, Doomfist, Sombra and Bastion, a whole bunch of changes to the other heroes, as well as an assortment of new maps to toy around with.

If all of that sounds like something you'd love to sink your teeth into, you'll be happy to hear that Blizzard has announced a guaranteed way to get in. All you have to do is watch four hours of partnered Overwatch 2 streams on April 27th between 10am and 6pm PT, and you'll be guaranteed an entry. Just don't forget to link your Blizzard and Twitch accounts before you do so!

As for whether the Overwatch 2 beta is worth the time and effort, I would say the answer is a definite yes. Despite playing it for around five hours at this point, I'm already itching to dive back in and try some more stuff!

Perhaps the biggest bit of praise I can offer is to say that Blizzard has managed to make Orisa, a hero I used to completely despise, into one of my favorites. Instead of sitting half-asleep behind a shield, Orisa is now all about throwing spears into people's faces and body-slamming her way through any opposition! So if you're wondering which hero to start your beta journey with, you really can't go wrong by choosing Orisa.

You can learn more about the Overwatch 2 beta, as well as check which streamers Blizzard has partnered with, over at the official website. Enjoy, and I hope to see you in-game!