Overwatch 2 has had many seasons since its release, but you might wonder exactly when each one began and finished. If you want a complete list of every Overwatch 2 season’s start and end dates, here’s a simple breakdown with all the details you need.
Countdown to Overwatch 2 Season 17 End & Season 18 Start
All Overwatch 2 season start and end dates
| Season Number | Season Name | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | – | August 26, 2025 | October, 2025 |
| 17 | Powered Up! | June 24, 2025 | August 26, 2025 |
| 16 | Stadium | April 22, 2025 | June 24, 2025 |
| 15 | Honor and Glory | February 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |
| 14 | Hazard | December 10, 2024 | February 18, 2025 |
| 13 | Spellbinder | October 15, 2024 | December 10, 2024 |
| 12 | New Frontiers | August 20, 2024 | October 15, 2024 |
| 11 | Super Mega Ultrawatch | June 20, 2024 | August 20, 2024 |
| 10 | Venture Forth | April 16, 2024 | June 20, 2024 |
| 9 | Champions | February 13, 2024 | April 16, 2024 |
| 8 | Call of the Hunt | December 5, 2023 | February 13, 2024 |
| 7 | Rise of Darkness | October 10, 2023 | December 5, 2023 |
| 6 | Invasion | August 10, 2023 | October 10, 2023 |
| 5 | – | June 13, 2023 | August 10, 2023 |
| 4 | (Lifeweaver) | April 11, 2023 | June 13, 2023 |
| 3 | – | February 7, 2023 | April 11, 2023 |
| 2 | (Ramattra) | December 6, 2022 | February 7, 2023 |
| 1 | Game Release | October 4, 2022 | December 6, 2022 |
Knowing the season dates makes it easier to plan your time in Overwatch 2. If you want to rank up or just take part in special events, keeping track of the timeline helps you get the most out of every season.
Why the Season Timeline Matters
Overwatch seasons typically last around 8 to 12 weeks. This gives both casual and competitive players enough time to enjoy the game. Having a clear timeline helps you prepare for what's ahead - especially if you're aiming for rewards or trying to rank up.
Each season is set up to run for a set time, giving players structure and allowing them to plan their playtime. It helps you line up your game sessions with the competitive cycle.
How Long Is an Overwatch 2 Season?
Overwatch 2 sticks to short and active seasons, each lasting roughly two months. These shorter seasons keep things fresh and exciting for players of all levels.
With every new season, Blizzard adds updates to keep the game from getting stale. These updates may include balance changes, quality-of-life improvements, or bigger additions like new heroes and maps. So, knowing when the season starts helps you jump into the action early.
New Additions Each Season
When a season ends, you can usually expect something new in the next one. Overwatch 2 often introduces new heroes, game modes, or changes to existing maps. These updates bring fresh challenges and give players something to look forward to.
Since Season 17 is expected to end on August 26, 2025, players should use this time to finish their ranked matches and earn any rewards still up for grabs.
Keep in mind: dates might shift slightly if the developers make any changes.
All Overwatch 1 (Legacy) Season Start and End Dates
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | July 8, 2022 | October 2, 2022 |
| 34 | May 5, 2022 | July 7, 2022 |
| 33 | March 3, 2022 | May 5, 2022 |
| 32 | January 6, 2022 | March 3, 2022 |
| 31 | November 4, 2021 | January 6, 2022 |
| 30 | September 2, 2021 | November 4, 2021 |
| 29 | July 2, 2021 | September 2, 2021 |
| 28 | May 6, 2021 | July 2, 2021 |
| 27 | March 4, 2021 | May 6, 2021 |
| 26 | January 7, 2021 | March 4, 2021 |
| 25 | November 5, 2020 | January 7, 2021 |
| 24 | September 3, 2020 | November 5, 2020 |
| 23 | July 2, 2020 | September 3, 2020 |
| 22 | May 7, 2020 | July 2, 2020 |
| 21 | March 5, 2020 | May 7, 2020 |
| 20 | January 2, 2020 | March 5, 2020 |
| 19 | November 9, 2019 | January 2, 2020 |
| 18 | September 3, 2019 | November 7, 2019 |
| 17 | June 30, 2019 | August 13, 2019 |
| 16 | May 1, 2019 | June 30, 2019 |
| 15 | March 1, 2019 | May 1, 2019 |
| 14 | January 1, 2019 | March 1, 2019 |
| 13 | November 1, 2018 | January 1, 2019 |
| 12 | August 31, 2018 | October 28, 2018 |
| 11 | July 2, 2018 | August 28, 2018 |
| 10 | May 1, 2018 | July 1, 2018 |
| 9 | February 28, 2018 | April 28, 2018 |
| 8 | January 2018 | February 25, 2018 |
| 7 | November 1, 2017 | December 29, 2017 |
| 6 | September 1, 2017 | October 28, 2017 |
| 5 | June 1, 2017 | August 28, 2017 |
| 4 | February 28, 2017 | May 28, 2017 |
| 3 | December 1, 2016 | February 21, 2017 |
| 2 | September 2, 2016 | November 24, 2016 |
| 1 | June 28, 2016 | August 18, 2016 |
Main Differences Between Overwatch and Overwatch 2 Seasons
Average Length: Both Overwatch and Overwatch 2 usually run seasons for about two months. This gives players plenty of time to climb the ladder and earn rewards.
Start and End Timing:
- Overwatch: Seasons mostly started in early June, mid-August, and late October, ending in early August, mid-October, and late December.
- Overwatch 2: The dates shifted a bit, with seasons starting in early January, mid-March, and late May, then ending in early March, mid-May, and late July.
These changes help Overwatch 2 fit better with today’s gaming schedules. Even with the updates, the steady flow of new seasons keeps the game interesting and gives players regular chances to compete and make progress.
What Happens at the End of a Season?
When the season wraps up, players often wonder what comes next. This is when Blizzard prepares the game for the next season, which usually starts right after.
Downtime and Updates
There might be a small gap for updates or maintenance, but it's usually short. This brief pause is used to improve the game and get it ready for the next wave of content.
Time to Reset and Plan Ahead
As a new season approaches, it's a good chance to look at how you performed. Set new goals or try out different heroes. Blizzard may also tease upcoming changes during this period.
Short on Time? Let Us Boost Your Rank
Sometimes things like work, travel, or family can make it hard to play as much as you want. If you don’t have enough time to reach the rank you want this season, our Overwatch 2 rank boosting can help. We’ll play for you and help you get to the rank you choose.
Here’s a quick look at what typically happens:
| Event | Purpose | What It Means for Players |
|---|---|---|
| Game Updates | Improve the game and fix issues | Smoother experience next season |
| Rank Reset | Clear competitive stats | Everyone starts fresh |
| New Content Teasers | Build interest in what's coming | Gives players something to look forward to |
When does Overwatch Season 18 start?
If everything goes right and no delay occurs, Overwatch 2 Season 18 should start from August 26, 2025, right after Season 17 ends. The official name for the season is yet to be revealed by Blizzard Entertainment. Like every season, we can expect the 19th iteration to bring in new content in the form of new maps and possibly reworks, a fresh battle pass, heroes, collabs with other franchises, and more.
Final Thoughts
If you're serious about playing Overwatch, keeping track of season start and end dates can help a lot. It's not just about knowing when to play - it’s about getting the most out of each season.
Overwatch 2 brings regular updates, new content, and changes that keep the game exciting. By following the season timeline, you stay ahead of the curve and enjoy every update to the fullest.
Whether you play to relax or to rank up, knowing when each season begins and ends helps you plan better. It also gives you more chances to earn rewards and test your skills.
FAQ
When do Overwatch seasons usually start and end?
They last about two months. For example, Overwatch 2 Season 16 ran from April 22, 2025, to June 24, 2025. Season 17 started right after, on June 24, 2025.
How long is an Overwatch season?
Most seasons run for about two months, but it can vary slightly depending on updates or changes.
Where can I find season dates?
You can check the Overwatch game client, Blizzard forums, social media, or the official website. The in-game menu also shows how much time is left in the current season.
What happens when a new season starts?
New seasons reset ranks and usually bring updates like new heroes, maps, or game changes.
Is there a break between seasons?
Usually not. The next season often starts right after the previous one ends.
Do Overwatch and Overwatch 2 follow the same schedule?
Yes, both games use a two-month season cycle with set start and end dates.
Can I still play when a season ends?
Yes, other modes like Quick Play, Arcade, and custom games stay open even when competitive mode resets
