Overwatch Goes Free-to-Play Over the Holidays

If you feel like checking out Overwatch over the holiday period, then this free trial is the perfect way to get stuck in.

Who doesn't love free games? Especially around Christmas. Kicking off the festive spirit this year, Overwatch will be offering a free trial period to any one who has yet to buy the game. The trial runs until Jan. 2, with players having access to the full 32 Heroes, 28 maps, and all game modes.

The trial is available on multiple platforms, including: PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. PC players will require a Battle.net account in order to play. Naturally, Xbox players will need an Xbox Live Gold membership, while PlayStation players will need PS Plus in order to take advantage of the offer.

There's extra good news for those who try the game and end up purchasing it at a later date - all progress will be retained. So, if you manage to level up a bunch, earn Loot Boxes, or cosmetics, your progress will carry over to the full version of the game should you choose to purchase it. Of course, you'll need to be using the same account that you used for the free trial in order for this to work.

Now is a great time to see what Overwatch has to offer. With this year's Winter Wonderland event well underway, and Overwatch 2 in the (hopefully) not too distant future, new players will certainly have a treat on their hands.

The Overwatch free trial period will run until Jan. 2, 2022. The 2021 Winter Wonderland event is set to end on Jan. 6.