Overwatch Season 1 begins on February 10, and you can prepare in advance by downloading the update before launch. Early access to the files helps you avoid delays and ensures you can play as soon as the season goes live.
This update also sets expectations for what Season 1 brings throughout 2026, including gameplay changes and broader direction for the game. Understanding the scope of the patch and future updates helps you plan your time and stay current as new content rolls out.
Overwatch Season 1 pre-download
You can download the update early through Battle.net to avoid launch delays. Follow these steps:
- Sign in to Battle.net
- Select Overwatch from your library
- Open Settings
- Choose Check for updates
- Wait until pre-release content downloaded appears
How to download Overwatch Season 1 automatically
You can enable automatic updates directly in the Battle.net launcher so Season 1 downloads without manual steps.
- Select the gear icon next to Play
- Open Game Settings → Downloads
- Under Game Updates, enable automatic updates and pre-release downloads
- Click Done to save changes
Overwatch Season 1 patch notes 2026
You enter the Reign of Talon era with five playable heroes launching at once: Mizuki, Emre, Domina, Anran, and Jetpack Cat. Each new arrival ships alongside a refreshed subrole system, which also applies to the existing roster and clarifies team responsibilities in matches.
You gain access to a Battle Pass packed with cosmetic updates. Key highlights include:
- Mythic hero skin: Celestial Guardian Mercy
- Mythic weapon skin: Juno’s Star Shooter
- Mid-season mythic: Mei hero skin
| Content Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| New Heroes | Launch day, Feb. 10 |
| Mythic Skins | Season start and mid-season |
You download the update before release to jump in immediately when servers open.
Overwatch Season 1 Battle Pass and shop skins
You unlock several character skins through the Season 1 Battle Pass, giving you cosmetic updates tied to active play. Battle Pass highlights include looks for:
- Tracer, Genji, Sojourn
- Vendetta, Emre
- Moira, Mauga
You also find rotating premium cosmetics in the shop. Featured releases include Loverwatch Hazard and Loverwatch Soldier: 76, plus new items for Kiriko, Domina, Ana, Anran, Mizuki, Juno, Symmetra, and Hanzo. Blizzard previews additional themes such as Void, Rainy Day, and Stadium variants for select heroes.
More Overwatch Season 1 updates
You get a Conquest meta event alongside a full ranked reset that refreshes competitive play.
New Crimson Wolf weapon skins arrive for Domina, Junkrat, Mercy, Reaper, and Vendetta.
You can also use Vendetta as a Stadium hero and experiment with the Stadium hero builder.
UI and UX updates streamline menus and match flow, and a Hello Kitty crossover adds light cosmetic flair.
