Overwatch 2: How to crossplay

As is commonly expected with multiplayer games, Overwatch 2 provides crossplay, a handy feature considering all the places people play. Now that Overwatch 2 is practically on every platform that can run it, the question then becomes: how do all these players on all these platforms interact with each other?

Overwatch 2 is currently playable on: PC (through Battle.net and Steam), PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2. It is free-to-play on all these platforms and, to make the most of it, Blizzard’s hero-shooter added crossplay functionality.

We’re taking a closer look at Overwatch 2 crossplay, breaking down how it works, what platforms can play together, if there is cross-progression, and any restrictions for those using crossplay to get involved with their friends.

When answering ‘Does Overwatch support crossplay?’ the initial response was no, up until 2022 with its sequel. The process is relatively simple and requires a Battle.net account. PC players require a Battle.net account by default, even when playing on Steam, whereas console players need to link their console accounts to a Battle.net one.

To link these accounts:

Once the accounts have been linked, teammates on other platforms must be added as friends on Battle.net. This can be done in the social menu on the main screen. From here, friends on other platforms can be added to a party and battle with one another, although, despite the Overwatch crossplay model being relatively efficient, there are a few caveats.

When looking at the Overwatch cross-platform model, it should be noted that there are restrictions because of the nature of FPS titles. Console players will no longer have aim-assist when playing with PC teammates to make matches more fair. 

The inherent differences between PC and consoles also mean that only non-competitive game modes are cross-platform. This makes sense, given that the console and PC Overwatch metas are different. Console players with PC teammates will enter the PC matchmaking pool, regardless of who is in the party.

PC players cannot join the console matchmaking pool, and this is something to bear in mind for those looking to take advantage of Overwatch 2 crossplay. PC players will have inherent advantages as a result, with the match feeling no different, while console players have to live without aim assist.

It should be noted that the OWCS (Overwatch 2’s esports league) is played exclusively on PC due to typically higher frame rates, lower input lag, and more precise control with keyboard and mouse. These are likely the same reasons why PC and console players cannot compete together competitively.

Overwatch 2 has cross-platform progression. While console players have to be in the PC matchmaking pool, they can still increase their hero and progression levels during these matches. Once these matches are finished, and Overwatch cross-platform teams have been disbanded, PC and console players alike can pick off straight where they left off when they play again.

Of course, because cross-platform teams cannot go into competitive play, they cannot rank up together. This means that ranked cross-progression isn’t an option, although all other forms of progression are still available.  

The answer to ‘Does Overwatch support crossplay?’ is a simple one on the surface: yes, although this crossplay comes with a few restrictions. While progression is largely unrestricted, console players have to deal with being in a PC matchmaking pool and competitive play is blocked.

Still, given the nature of FPS games, this is a small sacrifice to play alongside friends on different platforms, considering that Overwatch crossplay wasn’t a feature until its sequel, despite the original’s popularity on several platforms. 

This crossplay model isn’t too unusual among FPS titles, and while it can be annoying not to play competitively with friends on different platforms, it is the fairest option. Still, now that you can answer ‘How does crossplay work in Overwatch?’, you can make a team with your friends, no matter what platform they are on.