Overwatch 2 September update release time, date, World of Warcraft event and FREE skins

Blizzard is gearing up for a busy week with Overwatch 2, which adds a new World of Warcraft crossover, complete with bonus skins and game modes.

By Liam Martin, Gaming Editor

Overwatch 2 World of Warcraft event

Overwatch 2 World of Warcraft event (Image: BLIZZARD)

Overwatch 2 fans are about to be treated to big week of new content, including a huge World of Warcraft crossover. It's all part of the Overwatch 2 mid-season update, which has a September 17 release date and a 6pm BST UK launch time. The headline feature is the World of Warcraft event, which adds new WoW outfits including the Reinhardt Lich King skin, alongside Sylvanas Windrunner Widowmaker, Thrall Zenyatta and a new Torbjorn variant. That's on top of a new Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft game mode featuring the Alliance and Horde. The new World of Warcraft crossover event can be seen in the trailer further down the page.

In addition to the World of Warcraft crossover, Blizzard has announced plans to bring Overwatch 2 to Xbox Game Pass (despite the fact that it's already free-to-play).

While it may not sound like a big deal, Overwatch 2 fans can bag a selection of free skins by linking accounts.

Blizzard explains more: "Link your Battle.net account to an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass for Console, or PC Game Pass account by November 11 and log back in to unlock a cache of exclusive benefits that will elevate your Overwatch 2 cosmetics to new heights."

Beginning with the September 17 update, fans who link accounts will receive Cardboard Reinhardt, Turtleship D.Va, Cyberdragon Hanzo, Street Runner Genji, Bee Mercy, and Cleric Lifeweaver skins. 

Link before November 11 and you'll also receive a 30 Mythic Prisms, which can be used to purchase Mythic Shop cosmetics and upgrades.

Elsewhere, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will receive "select Overwatch 2 Shop cosmetics from the past three seasons", as well as an additional 10% XP boost for the Battle Pass.

Needless to say, the mid-season update isn't just about free cosmetics. Blizzard will use the update to make various balance changes and gameplay tweaks.

Interestingly, however, Blizzard isn't planning on making any big changes to new character Juno, who will remain in her current form until later in the season.

Clash, however, will receive a number of tweaks, including plans to incentivise attacking objectives A or E for the attacking team.

Blizzard also wants to increase the overall feeling of fairness, keep Clash clear and understandable and decrease the current stomp rate.

Daily Express will be back with the full list of patch notes later this week.

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