Competitive Play Challenge Overwatch 2: How To Unlock Competitive

The Competitive Play challenge in Overwatch 2 is extremely important for players to complete if they intend to take part in the game's Competitive mode and rise through the ranks. Overwatch 2 is the free-to-play sequel to the massive hero shooter, and it makes a few different changes to the game, including new characters, maps, modes, and an overhaul for how to play Competitive. If you want to know what the Competitive Play challenge in Overwatch 2 is all about, and how to unlock Competitive, we've got you covered. 

• If you want to play competitive in style, make sure to check out how to get the Overwatch 2 legendary Kiriko skin, which requires you to earn Twitch drops. 

How To Unlock Competitive Play In Overwatch 2 

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Before you can unlock Competitive play in Overwatch 2, you will need to meet some criteria, however, this is only for certain players. Any player who has created an account for the game on October 4 (launch day) or after will first need to go through the guided First Time User Experience (FTUE). This is a way of onboarding players by introducing them to the game and its systems gradually, meaning Competitive is locked. 

After finishing the FTUE, you will also need to complete the Competitive Play challenge, which requires you to win 50 Quick Play games. You can find this challenge and track your progress by selecting 'Challenges' from the main menu, then 'Competitive.' The challenge will likely take a bit of time, but it's for the benefit of newer players as it allows them to become familiar with maps, characters, and the various objectives in-game. 

If you were an Overwatch player previously and unlocked the Competitive mode, you won't need to go through this lengthy process. In a blog post posted to the official Overwatch website before launch, Blizzard stated, "this only affects accounts made on or after the October 4th release date: anyone who has Competitive unlocked prior will have access to Competitive in Overwatch 2."

That's all for our explainer of the Competitive Play challenge in Overwatch 2, and now you know how to unlock the Competitive mode and enjoy the challenge of rank-based gameplay. 

We also have a walkthrough for how to get Overwatch coins for free in Overwatch 2.