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How to unlock competitive mode

Who needs to unlock competitive mode

Game Overwatch 2 with all its modes it can get pretty fun, but we all know that's where things get really serious – competitive matchmaking. When you play competitively, you clash head-to-head in an organized fashion with other players of similar skill, which means (ideally) there will be fewer trolls and more goal-oriented people.

A screenshot of the Overwatch characters at Hanamura.

Overwatch 2: Classic Event Guide

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The team behind Overwatch 2 has changed the conditions to enter competitive mode. That's why we've created this guide that tells you everything you need to know. Follow these steps and you'll be playing competitively in no time.

How to unlock competitive mode

The Overwatch 2 Challenges menu displays the completed Competitive Play Skill Challenge.-1

To access competitive mode, you must complete the First-Time User Experience (FTUE) and win 50 games in Quick Play (complete the Competitive Play Qualification challenge). FTUE is basically a regular FPS tutorial that shows you the basics of the game. Quick Play is what other games would call casual or unranked matches.

You can track the progress of the Skill Challenge in competitive play by going to Main Menu > Challenges > Life.

The change was introduced after October 4th, 2022, so that new players jumping into the game who don't know much about heroes or gameplay wouldn't ruin the matches of more experienced players.

Overwatch 2 Reinhardt and Mercy prepare to defend a point.-1

Even though getting 50 wins might sound like a big grind, it really isn't getting there will familiarize you with how all 41 heroes work. If you don't want to play some or most of them, it's essential to understand how they work so you can help them when they are on your team or counter them when they are on the opposing team.

Completing the initial two challenges will not earn you a competitive rank. Next you will need to complete the calibration fits which will help the game determine your starting rank.

Who needs to unlock competitive mode

Overwatch 2 Moira being healed during a match.-1

Not all players need to complete competitive play qualification challenge and FTUE. First, if you you've completed challenges in the past and come back to Overwatch 2 after a while, the game will keep your progress and you'll be able to jump right into competitive play.

Second, if you purchased Overwatch before Overwatch 2 was introduced, you won't need to complete the initial two challenges.