Overwatch 2 Invasion release date, time, Invasion Bundle, Hero Mastery and more

Overwatch 2 developer Blizzard is about to release the game’s biggest update yet. Adding co-operative story missions to the game, the Invasion update has an August 10 release date on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Unlike traditional Overwatch 2 updates, the Invasion content has a delayed 8pm BST UK start time, which means fans will be waiting longer than usual to access the material. As you can see from the image below (plus the trailer further down the page), Invasion also adds a new Support Hero, plus lots more. 

The Invasion update adds three new story missions set in Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and Gothenburg.

According to Blizzard, the “massive maps” feature a host of “complex objectives” with “in-depth storyline that will guide you along the way”.

Blizzard explains more: “You’ll fight against the intensified forces of Null Sector, who will continue to attack until you’ve completely dismantled them.

“Stay alert for challenging enemies that haven’t been encountered before, such as the powerful Artillery and the deadly Stalkers.”

For permanent access to the story missions fans will need to purchase the Invasion or Ultimate Invasion Bundle.

The regular Invasion Bundle also contains 1,000 Overwatch Coins, as well as a brand-new Sojourn Legendary skin, and permanent access to Sojourn as a playable hero for new players.

Overwatch 2 Ultimate Invasion Bundle, on the other hand, features permanent access to the Invasion Story Missions, the Invasion Premium Battle Pass featuring over 80 tiers of cosmetics, including an all-new Mythic skin for Ana, 20 Battle Pass Tier Skips, 2,000 Overwatch Coins, and two exclusive Legendary Null Sector themed skins for Cassidy and Kiriko.

Elsewhere, players can check out a new co-op mission on King’s Row, as well as the launch of a PVP mode called Flashpoint.

Available for all players in Quick Play or Competitive Play, Flashpoint features two new locations that are described as Overwatch 2’s biggest PVP maps to date.

“Teams will fight for control of key positions across the map called “flashpoints,” aiming to capture three of them before their opponents do,” reads the official description.

“You’ll have no time to relax once a point is captured, as the next one will already be waiting.

“Not only will this mode test your mechanical skills, but also your ability to plan ahead—stopping opponents from moving on to the next flashpoint will be a huge key to victory.”

Blizzard will also add Hero Mastery mode later in the season. Hero Mastery is made up of new training courses specifically designed to master each character, beginning with a select few.

Hero Mastery also contains global leaderboards, as fans compete to finish the courses with as many points as possible.

Likewise, the Practice Range also gets a big update, adding a brand-new firing range  with a host of training settings.

Finally, the new season adds a new Support hero named Illari. The new character can be unlocked by purchasing the Season 6 premium Battle Pass, or by reaching level 45 in the free Battle Pass.