Here's Exactly When Overwatch Beta Begins on PS4, Xbox One, PC [UPDATE]

[UPDATE] The early access phase of Overwatch's open beta is now live. Anyone who preordered by April 29 can now jump in and play.

The original story follows.

A new beta for World of Warcraft developer Blizzard Entertainment's new shooter Overwatch begins this week. If you're wondering exactly when it will be available for you, Blizzard has now provided those details.

People who preordered Overwatch by April 29 will get into an "early access" beta pool beginning on May 2. The open beta, meanwhile, runs May 4-9 for everyone across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Both waves of the beta will go live in all regions at the same time. The early access play period begins on May 2 at 4 PM PST, while the open beta starts at the same time on May 4.

Check out the reference maps below to learn when Overwatch's beta begins where you live.

The Overwatch beta includes the following content:

• All 21 heroes
• Quick Play, Play vs. AI, Custom Game, and Weekly Brawl modes
• Tutorial, Practice Range, and Practive vs. AI
• 12 maps and 4 multiplayer modes
  • Assault: Hanamura, Temple of Anubis, and Volskaya Industries
  • Escort: Dorado, Route 66, and Watchpoint: Gibraltar
  • Assault/Escort Hybrid: Hollywood, King's Row, and Numbani
  • Control: Ilios, Lijiang Tower, and Nepal

In terms of size, the PC beta is about 6.5 GB, while console players can expect an 11 GB download. You can see full installation instructions for the Overwatch beta here on the game's website.

Another thing to note is that an Xbox Live Gold subscription is required for Xbox One, but PlayStation Plus is not needed (though it will be come launch). Also, progress will not carry forward from the beta to the full game.

For more on the Overwatch beta, including a list of supported languages and PC system requirements, head to the game's website.

Overwatch, Blizzard's first new franchise in 18 years, arrives in full on May 24.