Season 18 of Overwatch 2 is almost here, and Blizzard has lined up one of the most exciting seasonal updates yet. With the introduction of Wuyang, the new Support hero, a fresh Hero Progression 2.0 system, Stadium Quickplay, and the highly anticipated Persona 5 collaboration, fans have plenty to look forward to. To make sure players can dive in immediately when the season launches, Blizzard has rolled out preloading across select platforms.
Preload Start Date
The preload for Overwatch 2 Season 18 began on August 23, 2025, and is available worldwide. Players on Battle.net (PC) and PlayStation can already begin downloading the update. Other platforms like Xbox may see staggered availability depending on regional timing.
File Size
Blizzard has confirmed that the preload on PC via Battle.net will require 5GB of storage. File sizes for PlayStation and Xbox may vary slightly but are expected to remain in the same range. Compared to full seasonal updates of the past, this is relatively lightweight, making it easier for fans to prepare in advance.
How to Preload on PC
If you are playing on Battle.net, you can preload Season 18 by following these steps:
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Open the Battle.net client and log into your account.
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Navigate to your game library and select Overwatch 2.
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Scroll to the launch section of the game’s page.
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Look for the option labeled Download pre-release content under the Launch button.
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Click it to start the download.
Once complete, your game will be ready to play the moment the update goes live.
Why You Should Preload
Preloading ensures you can skip the massive queues that usually hit on update day. With the update already installed, you will avoid download errors and login delays, giving you instant access to the new hero Wuyang, fresh balance changes, and the much-hyped Persona 5 crossover event.
Season 18 also marks the return of the Cowboy Bebop collaboration skins, which will be available for a limited time. By preloading now, you ensure you are first in line to grab these fan-favorite cosmetics before they disappear again.
Final Thoughts
Season 18 of Overwatch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates yet, with new heroes, crossovers, and balance changes that could shake up the competitive meta. Preloading ensures you don’t miss a moment of the action and are ready to jump in the second servers go live.
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