Blizzard Entertainment just started the open beta for the anticipated Overwatch shooter, and the testing phase covers all major platforms.
Players may join the Overwatch beta at no cost between May 5 and May 9 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.
Users who preordered the game have a few extra play days, as the beta reached them earlier this week. For the rest of FPS fans, here are the links for each platform: Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
With the beta version of Overwatch, gamers will get a chance to toy around with each of the 21 heroes in four modes: Play vs. AI, Quick Play, Weekly Brawl and Custom Game.
Should you want to learn the ropes before jumping in the fire, Blizzard prepared Practice Range, Practice vs. AI and Tutorial modes for you.
A total of 12 maps are open for immersive gameplay and four multiplayer modes put them to good use.
On Assault mode, players will engage each other on the Volskaya Industries, Temple of Anubis and Hanamura maps. The Escort mode pits gamers against one another on the Route 66, Watchpoint and Dorado and Gibraltar maps. Those who prefer the Assault/Escort Hybrid mode will get to explore the maps Numbani, King's Row and Hollywood. Last, but not least, the Control mode works with the Nepal, Lijiang Tower and Ilios maps.
PC gamers should know that they need to free up 6.5 GB of space for the beta, while console players are looking at an 11 GB download. The full instructions on installing the beta are available on the game's official site.
To get the game running on Xbox One, an Xbox Live Gold subscription is mandatory. Luckily for PlayStation owners, PlayStation Plus is not a must. It should be noted that it will be, however, after the full release of Overwatch.
Keep in mind that your progress from the beta will not pass into the full game release.
You might want to check out the PC system requirements on the official game's website, where an additional set of important information is provided (such as supported language pack).
Blizzard announced that Overwatch, the latest franchise of the gaming company, will come in full release on May 24. Keeping up with its tradition, Blizzard wrote an interesting narrative to accompany the fast-paced game, and you can learn more about it by reading our coverage.
