Summary
- Overwatch 2 will return to China on February 19 after a two-year absence, with a technical test on January 8.
- Chinese players have missed 12 seasons.
- The first live Overwatch Championship Series event in 2025 will take place in Hangzhou to celebrate the game's triumphant return to China.
Overwatch 2 is set to make a highly anticipated return to China on February 19, following a two-year hiatus. Fans in China can participate in a technical test starting January 8, allowing them to experience the game's latest updates, including all the heroes, game modes, and features from the 12 seasons they missed.
The absence of Overwatch 2 in China began on January 24, 2023, when the partnership between Blizzard and NetEase ended, resulting in the unavailability of nearly all Blizzard games in the region. However, in April 2024, the two companies reconciled and started the process of bringing Blizzard's games back to China, one of the world's most populous countries.
In a video announcement by Walter Kong, the global general manager of the Overwatch franchise, Blizzard confirmed that Overwatch 2 would return to China on February 19, coinciding with the start of Season 15. Prior to the official launch, an open technical test will run from January 8 to 15, allowing Chinese players to explore all 42 heroes, including the new tank hero Hazard from Season 14, and the classic 6v6 game mode.
Overwatch 2 Returns to China on February 19
Adding to the excitement, Overwatch esports will make a strong comeback in 2025 with the Overwatch Championship Series, featuring a dedicated China region. The first live event of the series in 2025 will be held in Hangzhou, marking the game's triumphant return to China.
To highlight the extent of what Chinese players have missed, their servers went offline during Overwatch 2 Season 2, with Ramattra being the latest hero at that time. Since then, six new heroes have been introduced: Lifeweaver, Illari, Mauga, Venture, Juno, and Hazard. Additionally, new game modes like Flashpoint and Clash, maps such as Antarctic Peninsula, Samoa, and Runasapi, and the Invasion story missions have been added, along with numerous hero reworks and balance adjustments. Chinese players will have a lot to catch up on.
Unfortunately, the 2025 Lunar New Year event in Overwatch 2 is scheduled to end just before the game's return to China, meaning Chinese fans might miss out on the event's new skins and the return of the Prop Hunt game mode. Hopefully, Blizzard will organize a special event to allow Chinese players to celebrate their new year in the game and enjoy their return to Future Earth.
