Overwatch 2: Invasion (and Season 6) kicks off with new story missions on August 10

Big updates are on the horizon when Overwatch 2 begins its sixth season — the shooter is introducing multiple new modes, playstyles, and maps when Season 6 kicks off. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming to Overwatch 2: Invasion.

Let’s start with the timeline. Season 6 will begin on August 10. Since Invasion is bringing so much new content, the season is breaking the standard policy of alternating new maps and heroes. Because, as the great meme says: “Why not both?”

PVE modes arrive at last

The fancy name for this season is because Overwatch 2 is finally introducing some of the PVE content that was part of the initial pitch for re-launching the game as a sequel. There are three Story Missions that will start exploring the narrative of the in-game world, with the looming threat of Null Sector to be discovered and defeated. The missions will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and Gothenburg.

The other big promise of the Overwatch reboot was some specialization for individual heroes. While that’s no longer in the cards per se, Invasion will bring a new Hero Mastery mode, where you’ll be put to the test with special challenges based around the kits for a selection of characters. For the competitive-minded, there will be leaderboards to track global high scores for each Hero’s challenge. The first batch appears to be Mercy, Reinhardt, Sojourn, Tracer, and Winston; however the reveal livestream indicated that each hero might only be available on certain weeks during Season 6. More heroes are slated to roll out with their own Hero Masteries in future seasons.

More new game modes and maps — and a new Hero

In addition to the above PVE content, there will be a new game mode and accompanying maps rolling out this season. Flashpoint matches begin with one randomly chosen capture point. The teams will fight to fully capture that area, like in the Control mode, but a new spot will be randomly chosen once the first is secured. With your usual five-person crew, your goal is to capture three of those designated flashpoints before your opponents. The sprawling new maps for this play style are Suravasa and New Junk City.

If that wasn’t enough, there will also be a new co-op mission that takes place on the King’s Row map. And if that wasn’t enough, Overwatch 2 is also getting yet another a new support hero, silhouetted dramatically in the image above. Details will hopefully be forthcoming in the lead-up to Invasion.

What will it cost?

As with previous seasons, there will still be a Battle Pass for getting new unlocks. Season 6 will be paired to all the new content with a Null Sector theme. Combined with the introduction of the PVE content, that means a couple different bundles. The Overwatch 2: Invasion Bundle is slated to cost $15, and will offer permanent access to the Story Missions, permanent unlock of Sojourn, plus a legendary Sojourn skin and 1,000 Overwatch Coins. The Overwatch 2: Ultimate Invasion Bundle includes all of the aforementioned unlocks, as well as the Premium Battle Pass, 20 levels in said Battle Pass, a further 1,000 Overwatch Coins, and new legendary looks for Cassidy and Kiriko. It’ll run you $40. There are also bundles designed more for new players who are just joining the Overwatch 2 fray.

Again, it all begins on August 10. Prepare for a big patch!