Overwatch Season 23: Release Date, Heroes, Summer Games, New modes And More

Overwatch is about to enter its 23rd season and players are getting incredibly excited.

Despite the announcement of Overwatch 2, the follow-up to Blizzard's 2016 mega-hit, the focus has remained on the debut title within the franchise.

We know that no further characters are coming, but if you're looking for a rank reset and any further changes coming to the game, here's what we know so far.

Overwatch Season 23 Start Date

Given that the majority of the game's seasons tend to kick off on a Thursday, and that we know it'll be starting in early July, we'd hazard a guess at either July 2 or July 9.

Of course, once we know more we'll update this page, so be sure to check back.

Overwatch Season 23 Key Features

Summer Games

Season 23 is likely to see the return of the popular Summer Games. This mode offers some of the most colourful skins in the game, representing the country of origin of each hero.

Mode Shakeup

Game Director Jeff Kaplan has confirmed that the Competitive Open Queue mode, currently found in the Arcade menu, will be sticking around after some downtime.

The team is aiming to bring a version of the mode into the game in June, with the Competitive Open Queue mode making the jump to the Competitive menu coming in Season 23.

You can find out more below:

Hero Balancing

In the same video, Kaplan confirms multiple characters will receive buffs and nerfs. Bastion will be buffed, as is Mercy, while Zenyatta's discord orb is being reverted to its previously more powerful state.

Ana's healing is being nerfed, while the team is "trying a bunch of changes with Moira". These may take effect before Season 23, but expect further balancing.

Overwatch Season 23 Price

Good news, Overwatch players - the season will be free.