Ever since its explosive debut, Overwatch has garnished a wide audience that enthusiastically plays the game. Over time, as the popularity of the game grew, one question has been ignited among players residing on other platforms about whether Overwatch 2 is cross-platform or not. Continue reading as we explore whether Blizzard’s latest creation is available to play cross-platform.
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Is Overwatch 2 Cross-Platform?
Overwatch is indeed cross-platform as the game is available on the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S. Along with that, the game also supports cross-progression. That means you only need one account to play the game across any platform you want, and any progress you make will be carried over to each platform and stored on your Battle.net account. Make sure you use the same account across any platform you want to play Overwatch 2 on in order to take advantage of cross-progression.
That said, in order to take advantage of cross-progression on all your platforms, you’ll need to do an Account Merge if you are looking to play from a console. Here is how you can do it:
- Launch Overwatch 2 on the platform of your choice (PS, Xbox, Switch) and log in with your account.
- After that, follow the on-screen prompts and your phone to scan a QR code.
- Verify your number if prompted.
- Lastly, use your phone to connect your Battle.net account to the account on the platform of your choice. Or, instead, create a new one entirely.
This method will link your console Overwatch 2 account with your Battle.net account, allowing you to share the same progress whether you play on your PC or console.
Does Overwatch 2 Support Cross-Play?
Unlike its predecessor, Overwatch 2 does support cross-play where players across different platforms can play together in a single lobby. That said, the cross-play feature is enabled for all game modes except for Competitive matches. While the introduction of this feature in Overwatch 2 was definitely much welcome, it did receive its fair share of criticism regarding how Blizzard implemented this feature.
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Problem with the Cross-Play Feature
Many fans have pointed out the fact that if you are a console player who wants to play with a PC player, you’ll be playing in a lobby with other PC players. There is no guarantee that there will be other players on a console playing in the same lobby. While Blizzard will try to put you in a mixed lobby, that might not happen every time.
How to Enable Cross-Play on Xbox?
While cross-play is enabled by default on most platforms, Xbox users have to turn it on manually. Here is how you can do it:
- Navigate to your Xbox dashboard and open your settings.
- From there, select Privacy & Online Safety and go to Xbox Privacy.
- Next, select View Details and Customise.
- Head to Communication & Multiplayer.
- Once there, change You can join cross-network play and choose Allow.
Doing this will allow you to play in cross-play parties with your friends regardless of what console you use.
Conclusion
Available on a variety of platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC, Overwatch 2 is a cross-platform game with cross-progression and cross-play capabilities as well. By allowing friends to play together regardless of their platform is definitely a step in the right direction by Blizzard; However, it is not without its challenges. If you’re a controller-only player be prepared for a steep learning curve as you go up against mouse-and-keyboard players with your PC friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Overwatch 2 Competitive Mode Have Cross-Play?
Overwatch 2 Competitive mode doesn’t support cross-play. The cross-play feature in the game is only reserved for other game modes. Just like its predecessor, both PC and console players have their separate ranked lobbies.
How to Invite Cross-Play Friends to Party on Overwatch 2?
To invite your friends playing on different platforms in a cross-play party, make sure they all have a Battle.net account which is connected to their console account.
Is Overwatch 2 Free to Play on All Platforms?
Overwatch 2 is free to play on all platforms, namely, the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.