Overwatch Free Weekend Is Now Live On PS4, PC, And Xbox One

The popular first-person shooter Overwatch turns two years old this week. To celebrate the occasion, not only is Blizzard running a big anniversary event, but it's also doing a free play weekend on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. If you haven't played this strategic, colorful shooter, you can download the free version to see what you've been missing these past two years. Just make sure you get in some play time between now and May 28.

This isn't one of those severely limited free trials, either. All 27 heroes and 18 maps are available to play, as are most of the modes. You can level up, collect Loot Boxes, and unlock things like outfits, emotes, and sprays for the characters. And if you decide to buy the game, you'll get to keep anything you earned during the free weekend--just make sure you're using the same Blizzard, Sony, or Xbox Live account.

While Xbox One owners need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to take part in the free weekend, PS4 owners don't need a PS Plus account to participate. Windows PC owners will need a Battle.net account to download and play the free trial.

The free-play window runs between May 25 at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET and May 28 at 11:59 PM PT / May 29 at 2:59 PM ET. For the start time in other regions around the world, check out Blizzard's post to find a useful chart. Read on for instructions on how to access Overwatch for free on the various platforms.

For Windows PC:

• Step 1: Download and install the Blizzard Battle.net desktop app, if you haven't already, and launch it.
• Step 2: Create a FREE Blizzard account, or log in with an existing account.
• Step 3: Click the "Overwatch" icon, located on the left-hand side of the Blizzard desktop app.
• Step 4: Select your region from the drop-down menu, then click "Install" to begin the installation process.
• Step 5: Once installed, click "Play" to begin!

For PlayStation 4:

• Step 1: Turn on your PlayStation 4 and log in to your preferred local user.
• Step 2: Go to PlayStation Store and select "Search" from the top menu.
• Step 3: In the search field, type in "Overwatch."
• Step 4: Select "Overwatch Free Weekend" from the search results and then click "Download."
• Step 5: Once the download and installation process is complete, click "Start" to begin!

For Xbox One:

• Step 1: Turn on your Xbox One and log in to your Xbox Live account.
• Step 2: Go to the Xbox One Store, then select "Search."
• Step 3: In the search field, type in "Overwatch."
• Step 4: Select "Overwatch: Origins Edition" from the search results and then click "Free Trial."
• Step 5: Once the download and installation process is complete, click "Launch" to begin!