Overwatch 2 Triumphantly Returns to China on February 19th

After a two-year absence, Overwatch 2 is making a comeback to China on February 19th, kicking off with a technical test on January 8th. This marks the end of a long wait for Chinese players who missed out on 12 seasons of content.

The game's return is a significant event, culminating in the first live Overwatch Championship Series event in 2025, set to take place in Hangzhou. This event will celebrate the game's re-entry into the Chinese market.

The hiatus began on January 24, 2023, following the termination of Blizzard's contract with NetEase. This resulted in the unavailability of numerous Blizzard games in China, including Overwatch 2. However, a renewed partnership in April 2024 paved the way for the game's return.

A short video from Walter Kong, global general manager of the Overwatch franchise, confirmed the February 19th launch, coinciding with the start of Overwatch 2 Season 15. The preceding technical test (January 8th-15th) allows Chinese players to experience all 42 heroes, including the new tank Hazard (from Season 14), and the classic 6v6 mode.

A Lot of Catching Up to Do

Chinese players have missed substantial content, including six new heroes (Lifeweaver, Illari, Mauga, Venture, Juno, and Hazard), new game modes (Flashpoint and Clash), maps (Antarctic Peninsula, Samoa, and Runasapi), the Invasion story missions, and numerous hero reworks and balance changes.

A Potential Missed Celebration?

Unfortunately, the 2025 Lunar New Year event in Overwatch 2 is likely to conclude shortly before the game's return, potentially leaving Chinese players unable to participate in this in-game celebration, including new skins and the Prop Hunt mode's return. Hopefully, Blizzard will consider a delayed event to allow Chinese players to fully enjoy the festivities.