Overwatch 2 is Finally Bringing Back the Summer Games

The Overwatch 2 Summer Games 2025 are finally coming to the game at some point on or after August 26 as a part of Season 18. Though many assumed Overwatch 2 was skipping the Summer Games this year, Blizzard is surprising players with a return of the popular game modes at the last possible moment.

The Summer Games are an Olympics-themed in-game event that Overwatch has run nearly every July or early August since the original game launched in 2016, with 2022 – shortly before the release of Overwatch 2 – being the only exception. However, as the months of 2025 went on, Blizzard made no mention of the Summer Games, leading many to believe Overwatch 2 would be skipping this year.

overwatch 2 wuyang hero trial limited time longer

New Overwatch 2 Hero is Playable for a Limited Time

Players can dive into Overwatch 2 right now to try out Wuyang, the new support hero coming in Season 18, for a limited time ahead of his release.

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By Eric Law

Overwatch 2 Summer Games 2025 Coming Season 18

However, Overwatch 2 just surprised fans with a last-minute announcement. In a post on Twitter, Overwatch 2 confirmed the Summer Games would be returning during Season 18. Summer may be almost over, but Overwatch 2 is keeping the season’s spirit alive with the limited-time event once the next major content update arrives.

At press time, Blizzard has shared little information about what exactly this run of the Summer Games will include, but a look at previous events can give players a decently clear picture. The soccer-like Lucioball game mode is confirmed to be returning, but fans can expect Winston’s Beach Volleyball from Overwatch 2’s Summer Games 2023 to come back, too. There will probably be several in-game challenges to complete through these game modes as well, likely with sporty sprays, icons, and other cosmetics featuring Juno, Hazard, Freja, and Wuyang – the heroes released since last Summer Games.

While exact dates have not been shared yet, it is safe to assume the Summer Games will begin alongside Season 18 on August 26, as it would let the event kick off before summer is over. Every other Summer Games event in Overwatch 1 and 2 has lasted for three weeks, so assuming it follows precedent, this run will likely be available until September 16.

Season 18 is bringing a bunch of other exciting stuff to Overwatch 2 as well. One of the most game-changing parts is Wuyang, an aquatic support hero with high mobility, excellent crowd control, and a unique controllable primary fire. Beyond this new Overwatch 2 hero, players will see a Mythic skin for Sojourn, a Competitive rank reset, the Payload Race game mode for Stadium, and a massive Perk system refresh. Fans can expect to learn even more about this new season throughout the week ahead of its launch on August 26.

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