Released in 2016, Overwatch was Blizzard’s first new IP in 18 years, following StarCraft in 1998. The game evolved into the sequel Overwatch 2 in 2023, and as of 2026, with the 'Season of Talon's Dominion,' it dropped the numbering to continue service simply as Overwatch. Now, a major change is coming: **Nexon’s PC service for Overwatch in Korea.**.

Starting August 12, the PC version of Overwatch in Korea will be serviced through Nexon. While it may seem as simple as 'Nexon is now handling Overwatch in Korea,' the reality is more complex. With Battle.net and Steam services already active on PC, alongside console play, this transition introduces changes to account linking and the matchmaking pool for players.

We have compiled a guide on what will change, what will remain the same, and the steps you need to take for the transition to Nexon.

The news of Nexon publishing Overwatch on PC in Korea was first announced on March 30. Further details were revealed on June 4, followed by account linking on July 7 and pre-downloads on August 7. The new service structure officially takes effect on August 12 at 3:00 AM, roughly six months after the initial announcement.

Nexon’s PC Overwatch service begins with linking your Battle.net account to a Nexon account. As the term 'linking' implies, your existing progress remains intact. All game data, including skins, hero progression, credits, and competitive tiers, will be preserved.

You can still play via Battle.net. PC players can continue to launch Overwatch through the Battle.net client as they always have. Additionally, you will be able to access the game through Nexon’s launcher, 'Nexon Plug.' However, installing Nexon Plug is not mandatory; if you prefer to continue using Battle.net, you can do so without installing the new launcher.

Conversely, players on Steam or consoles who have their Battle.net accounts connected can continue playing as they currently do, without needing to link a Nexon account.

Pre-linking is available until 11:59 PM on August 11, the day before the official service launch. You can still link accounts after the official launch, but during the pre-linking period, you can freely cancel or change your linked account 10 minutes after registration. After the pre-linking period ends, if you unlink a Battle.net account, you will be unable to re-link it to a Nexon account for 12 months. Please choose your account carefully.

So, what exactly changes with the account link? As mentioned earlier, the primary change is in matchmaking.

Korean players who have linked their Nexon accounts will be matched only with other players who have also completed the link. Linking a Nexon account is mandatory for playing Overwatch via the Korean Battle.net PC platform. Consequently, linked users will only be matched with other Korean-region Overwatch players accessing the game through the Korean Battle.net platform or the Nexon launcher. Battle.net accounts linked to a Nexon account will be restricted from accessing Overwatch via Steam.

Naturally, players who choose to enjoy Overwatch via Steam without linking a Nexon account will not be matched with those who have completed the link. This applies to both game matchmaking and party play.

The use of resources will also change. Previously, Overwatch items could be purchased using 'Overwatch Coins,' which could be acquired through cash payments or by using Battle.net’s currency, 'Battle.net Balance.'

After the transition, your existing Overwatch Coins will remain usable. However, Battle.net Balance cannot be used on accounts linked to Nexon. Instead, you can use Nexon’s 'Nexon Cash' to purchase Overwatch items. Essentially, the platform-specific currency usage has shifted due to the change in service provider.

Note that this change in currency usage applies only to Overwatch under Nexon’s PC service. Battle.net Balance remains usable for unlinked Overwatch accounts and other Blizzard titles like Diablo, StarCraft, and Warcraft.

As we have emphasized this is a PC Overwatch service, console players on PS5, XSX, and Nintendo Switch will not have access to the game via Steam-like connections if their Battle.net account is linked to a Nexon account.

There are also additions. Blizzard and Nexon have announced that while maintaining the core identity of Overwatch, they plan to introduce content specifically for the Korean region.

Nexon will host an 'Overwatch Day' event at BEXCO on August 22 and 23. The event will feature a talk session with Blizzard developers, including Game Director Aaron Keller, creator special matches, live drawing shows, cosplay contests, and fan meetings with voice actors and the OWWC Korean national team. Seven experience programs themed around 'Mecha Unit Operations' will also be available.

Furthermore, internet cafe (PC Bang) benefits will be enhanced, and game support will be tailored to the Korean service.

Account linking is available through the Nexon Overwatch website.

Currently, linking is being processed through the pre-linking event page. If you complete the link by 11:59 PM on August 11, you will receive pre-linking rewards: #1 'Nexon’s Legendary Loot Chest' (contains 4 legendary skins), #2 'Splash D.VA Skin', #3 20 Mythic Prisms for the Mythic Shop, #4 5 Legendary Loot Chests, and #5 a Nexon cosmetic set including a player icon, profile card, and title.

As shown, the migration of Korean PC Overwatch to Nexon is straightforward but involves many details to check due to changes in platforms and the core matchmaking pool. We have summarized these points in the Q&A below.