How to pre-load Overwatch 2 – Pre-download, times, & OW1 server shutdown

Overwatch 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to Blizzard's Overwatch and will release on October 4, 2022. Fortunately, Blizzard is allowing players to pre-load the title, allowing players to get into the action early on launch day. This may leave you wondering when the Overwatch 2 pre-load goes live and how to pre-download it.

How to pre-load/pre-download Overwatch 2

The method for pre-loading Overwatch 2 will vary depending on whether you play on a PC or console. Either way, the method is not terribly involved, so you will want to make sure you have Overwatch 2 pre-downloaded and ready to go on launch day. Here is how to pre-load Overwatch 2 on PC and consoles.

How to pre-download Overwatch 2 on PC

To pre-load Overwatch 2 on PC, make sure you have automatic updates checked on your Battle.net app. This will allow Overwatch 2 to download automatically. Those who do not have this feature enabled will have to click the Check for Updates button to the right of the Overwatch play button to begin their pre-load.

Related: Is Overwatch 2 Free-To-Play?

How to pre-download Overwatch 2 on Consoles

To pre-load Overwatch 2 on consoles, search Overwatch 2 in your respective store or select Check for Updates on Overwatch. You must wait for the Overwatch 2 pre-load to go live, as consoles have no automatic download feature.

When can you pre-load Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2's pre-load time varies depending on whether you play on a console or PC. Those on PC who own Overwatch can begin pre-loading Overwatch 2 on Sept. 30, 2022, at 1:30pm PT. Those on consoles can begin their Overwatch 2 pre-download on Oct. 2, 2022, at 9m PT. Be sure to do so, as this ensures you are ready to get into Overwatch 2 early.

When do Overwatch 1 servers shut down?

Sadly, with Overwatch 2 launching, Overwatch 1 will be shutting down, and its servers going inactive. Overwatch will shut down on October 2, 2022, and Overwatch 2 will release on October 4, 2022. This means one day when Overwatch and Overwatch 2 will not be available. So make sure you merge your accounts to be ready to jump into Overwatch 2 on day one.

For more information on Overwatch, check out Overwatch 2 SMS Protection, Explained and How To Set Up and When do Overwatch 1 servers shut down? on Pro Game Guides.