Overwatch has had a handful of sizable patches in the past, but the next major one—which presumably will include new hero Ashe—is going to necessitate a full reinstall of the game.
Blizzard chalks the inconvenience up to under-the-hood changes that go deeper than just a fresh coat of paint.
“The next major patch will have some pretty fundamental changes to the game client,” a Blizzard customer support rep said on Overwatch’s forums. “The number of back-end changes we’re putting in is substantial enough that we can’t just patch over the current content efficiently. As a result, when the next patch comes out, the client will fully reinstall itself to handle these changes. We know that this isn’t ideal for people on metered connections, so hopefully this announcement helps you prepare for this coming update.”
On the upside, Overwatch’s file size isn’t particularly huge. Unlike most modern triple-A games—which often clock in at over 50 GB--Overwatch has historically weighed in at a svelte 13 GB.
My guess? This is about B.O.B. He’s a big, effortlessly charming robo-boy, and the game’s old foundations just can’t contain him.[Update - 6:00 PM, 11/9/18: In an email, Blizzard called this a “remaster” patch and said it’s intended to improve load times, optimize memory for “constrained systems,” reduce hard drive space used by the PS4 version, fix bugs “across many maps,” and make changes to data formats to “support future content.” The dev team also clarified that this will apply to PC and consoles, but if you’ve downloaded the public test server version of the game on PC, your redownload with be “significantly smaller.” So I guess it’s not about B.O.B after all.]
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Aug 24, 2018 - The game can be downloaded and played for free for a limited time. Download and install the Blizzard Battle.net desktop app and launch it.
Overwatch’s next major patch does not currently have a release date, but parts of it, such as new hero Ashe, are in testing on the PC public test server right now.
Happy holidays and welcome new players to Overwatch! I am very happy that you have joined our great community and wish you the best of luck and fun in Overwatch. This guide is a quick review of common steps to installing Overwatch on your PC or gaming console.PC Players
Check system requirements
First please make sure your PC is ready to install Overwatch. Here are the recommended requirements to run Overwatch without any problems.
- Operating System: Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Phenom™ II X3 or better
- GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 660 or AMD Radeon™ HD 7950 or better
- RAM: 6 GB RAM
- Storage: 30 GB available hard drive space
- Internet: Broadband internet connection
- Display: 1024 x 768 minimum display resolution
You can learn more details about installation requirements here: https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/Overwatch-System-Requirements
Update your system drivers
When you do install Overwatch on your PC, it is highly recommended to make sure all your drivers and operating system is fully up to date. This guide will detail steps on how to do this, if you do not do this regularly on your PC:
https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/Updating-Your-Drivers-and-Operating-System
Installing Overwatch
When you do install Overwatch, these days I recommend downloading the entire client directly from the Battle.net app launcher and not use any DVD-ROM disk from any store package. Simply use the serial number on the disc case found in your store-bought package to activate the game license. Overwatch has had many patches since launch including a major rework of the file system in version 1.13. So it may be a little faster to download the current version of the game straight from Battle.net.
1. Download and install the Blizzard Battle.net App Launcher: https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/apps/battle.net/desktop
![New Overwatch Download Game Installing New Overwatch Download Game Installing](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126050391/519579028.jpg)
3. Click on Overwatch and click redeem key code. Enter the redemption code found on the DVD-ROM case.
4. Click the big blue “Install” button and wait for the game to download. Unlike other Blizzard games, this game requires the entire client to download in order to start playing.
5. Once installed, click the big blue “Play” button.
Console Players
Installing Overwatch
Overwatch is compatible for all system models for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. If you have a store-packaged, disc. Simply insert the disk and follow your console menu instructions to install. Please note, there will be large update if you are installing Overwatch on your console for the first time. Console versions does have the ability to access certain modes and limited heroes before the full installation, however I recommend allowing the full game to download before you start playing.
Active Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus Subscription
![Blizzard download Blizzard download](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126050391/840433366.jpg)
Overwatch is an online multiplayer game and therefore an active subscription to Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus is required.
- Purchase Xbox Live Gold subscription: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/xbox-live-gold-membership-digital-code/cfq7ttc0k5zm/0002
- Purchase PlayStation Plus subscription: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/playstation-plus/
You can also purchase subscription cards at your favorite video game retailer and many convenience stores. (Target, Walmart, Fry’s, Best Buy, 7-Eleven, etc.)
Overwatch Download Free
Additional benefits with linking a Battle.net accountIn order to get full forum posting privileges and additional benefits (such as promotional cosmetics for your heroes) for your console Overwatch account, we recommend linking a Battle.net account to your console account. First sign up for a Battle.net account if you have not done so already by clicking the log-in button at the top of this webpage. Once a Battle.net account is created, you will need to link it to your PlayStation Network or Xbox Live account by following these steps:
https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/65162
Hopefully these steps will get you started and into the world of Overwatch! If you have any questions or if you encounter any problems getting started, check out the stickied forum posts in this forum as they contain a great deal of troubleshooting for the most common problems players could encounter. Also post a new topic if you have any specific issues, where a player such as myself may be able to lend a hand. Once again, Happy Holidays and welcome to Overwatch.
Common F.A.Q.
I purchased the “Game of the Year” edition, but the 10 loot boxes are only Standard loot boxes. Isn’t there an event running right now?
Promotions for free Loot Boxes often only issue standard Loot Boxes, this includes the 10 free loot boxes for those who purchased the Game of the Year edition.
I have a friend on one platform (PC/XB1/PS4) but I play on a different one. Can we group up?
Unfortunately, no. Overwatch gameplay features including grouping up with friends requires you to both be on the same platform.
I have an account on a certain platform (PC/XB1/PS4) if I purchase Overwatch for a different platform, can I transfer my stats and collected items over?
Unfortunately, no. Due to licensing restrictions between platforms, players cannot move from one platform to another.
Overwatch New Game Mode
I paid for overwatch license key but it still saying no license found
I paid for overwatch license key but it still saying no license found
First verify your license appears in the account management page:
https://us.battle.net/account/
If the license is listed in your purchased games try doing a complete sign out and back in from the App Launcher. Otherwise you will need to start a web ticket to resolve any game key purchase issues.
For the system requirements, I checked the page and the supported video cards list on that page, but I am still unsure if my video card (2GB AMD Radeon 530) will run the game. Can I get clarification on that?
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