Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Illari charging a solar-powered ability in Overwatch 2
Screengrab via Dot Esports

When does Illari release in Overwatch 2?

She'll be here faster than you expect.

Blizzard dropped a trailer for upcoming Overwatch 2: Invasion, season 6, content, and with it, fans finally got the confirmation they’ve been looking for surrounding the game’s newest support hero: Illari.

Recommended Videos

Illari will serve as the latest addition to the game’s roster of nearly 40 heroes in total, and as the trailer thoroughly previewed, her solar-charged powers have the potential to be quite menacing. Though Blizzard didn’t announce any specifics regarding Illari in the trailer itself other than to tease some gameplay footage of her, there are a few things we can confirm about the new hero based on precedent that the devs have set for new heroes in Overwatch 2.

When can you get Illari in Overwatch 2?

Illari will be available to players as soon as Overwatch 2: Invasion, season six, begins on Thursday, Aug. 10. Typically, Blizzard has a rolling start to the season shortly after 1:00pm CT, but it could be later or earlier. We’ll just have to keep our eyes peeled on Thursday to hear word from Blizzard regarding the exact timing.

Once the season begins, players that purchase the premium season six battle pass will immediately gain access to the new hero. Those that chose to to play the game without buying the battle pass will have to grind to tier 45 before unlocking Illari.

Related: New Overwatch 2 support hero Illari’s abilities shown off in season 6 trailer

As is tradition with new hero additions, you should expect to see someone playing Illari in practically every game of Quick Play for the first two weeks of the season because she will not be available in Competitive.

Usually OW2 seasons start on a Tuesday, so I’m unsure if Blizzard will make us wait until Aug. 24 to play Illari on the competitive ladder, or if they will give her to us on Aug. 22. Either way, you’ll have somewhere between 10-14 days to test her out before worrying about your rank being on the line.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Max Miceli
Max Miceli
Senior Staff Writer. Max graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a journalism and political science degree in 2015. He previously worked for The Esports Observer covering the streaming industry before joining Dot where he now helps with Overwatch 2 coverage.