With the rise of cross play in popular games like Fortnite and Call of Duty, it’s no surprise that Overwatch players are wondering, “Is Overwatch cross-platform?”
The good news is that Blizzard Entertainment has made significant changes over the years to ensure that players across different platforms can enjoy the game together.
In this article, we’ll break down what crossplay means, how it works in Overwatch 2, and what limitations still exist.
What Does Crossplay Mean in Overwatch?
Crossplay in Overwatch is a feature that was introduced to bring players from various platforms together, enhancing the social and competitive aspects of the game.
Prior to crossplay, players were restricted to matching with others on the same platform, but now, whether you’re using a controller on a console or a mouse and keyboard on PC, you can team up with or compete against friends across platforms.
This feature encourages more flexibility and opens up larger player pools, which can result in shorter queue times for matchmaking. However, ranked play remains separated by input type, meaning PC players using mouse and keyboard won’t be matched against console players using controllers in competitive mode, to ensure a fair playing field.
Overwatch and Crossplay: A Quick History
Initially, Overwatch did not support cross-platform play. For years, players were restricted to their respective platforms. However, with the release of Overwatch 2 in June 2022, Blizzard introduced crossplay, allowing players from various platforms to team up and compete together.
Now, whether you’re playing on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Switch, you can group up with friends, regardless of their platform. This feature was a game-changer and brought Overwatch up to par with other popular games that have long supported crossplay.
Can You Play Competitive Overwatch Cross-Platform?
While crossplay is enabled for casual modes, competitive mode is a different story. In competitive Overwatch, PC players are only matched with other PC players, while console players are grouped with other console players.
This separation is intentional to prevent any unfair advantages, as PC players using a mouse and keyboard generally have more precise control compared to console players using controllers.
That said, if you’re in a mixed group of PC and console players, you’ll be placed into a PC matchmaking pool. Console players will also lose access to the Aim Assist feature in this scenario, so keep that in mind when teaming up for competitive play.
Mouse and Keyboard Players on Console: What You Need to Know
In Season 10 of Overwatch, Blizzard addressed the issue of console players using a mouse and keyboard. These players are now grouped with others who use the same input method, regardless of the platform.
This prevents any imbalance in the game and ensures that all players are on an even playing field. So, if you’re using a mouse and keyboard on a console, expect to be matched with PC players.
This forced crossplay setup only applies to console players using alternative input devices like a mouse and keyboard. Console players using standard controllers won’t be affected by this change.
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How to Enable Crossplay in Overwatch?
Crossplay is automatically enabled for most players in Overwatch 2. However, if you’re on a console and prefer not to play with PC users, you have the option to disable crossplay. Here’s a quick guide to enabling or disabling crossplay:
- Create or Log Into Your Battle.net Account: Overwatch 2 is deeply integrated with Battle.net. To enable crossplay, you’ll need to sign up or log into your account.
- Link Your Platform: Once logged in, link your platform (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox) to your Battle.net account. This step is crucial to allow crossplay functionality.
- Add Friends: After linking your account, you can add friends from different platforms via your Battle.net friends list. From there, it’s as simple as launching the game and playing with or against your friends, no matter which platform they are on.
What About Cross-Progression?
Cross-progression is another key feature that was introduced with Overwatch 2. This means that your in-game progress, such as ranks, skins, and achievements, is linked to your Battle.net account.
If you switch from playing on Xbox to PlayStation, for example, all your progress carries over as long as you’re logged into the same Battle.net account.
This is fantastic news for players who frequently switch between platforms. It eliminates the need to start from scratch on a new system, giving you the flexibility to play where you want while maintaining all your progress.
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Summary
Overwatch has made significant strides in keeping up with the demand for crossplay and cross-progression. With the release of Overwatch 2, players can now enjoy cross-platform gaming with friends, regardless of whether they are on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Switch.
While there are still some limitations in competitive mode, the introduction of crossplay has undoubtedly enhanced the game’s appeal. If you’re looking to enjoy Overwatch with friends across different platforms, the setup is simple, and the experience is seamless. Now that crossplay and cross-progression are fully integrated, Overwatch is set to remain a top-tier choice for team-based shooters.