Overwatch 2 is one of the more popular live-service video games. With that many players cycling through the game each day, sometimes you're bound to run across some issues.
These problems usually come in the form of in-game bugs or errors and can range from minor to absolutely game-breaking, sometimes not even allowing players to get into the game. One of these issues is the infamous "Failed to Connect to Server" error, which has affected millions of players.
So, here's how you can easily fix the Overwatch 2 Failed to Connect to Server error.
What is the Failed to Connect to Server error in Overwatch 2?
Overwatch 2 "Failed to Connect to Server" error prevents players from connecting to the game's servers. The error usually appears when players try to join a server that is either full, temporarily down, or experiencing issues.
Upon encountering the error, players can log into Overwatch 2 but won't be able to get into the game's servers, which means that they won't be able to play the game.
Unfortunately, this is a very common error that prevents players from enjoying Overwatch 2. Because of that, this is easily the most annoying Overwatch 2 error.
So, let's take a look at how you can fix it.
How to fix the Failed to Connect to Server error
There are several ways to go about fixing the Overwatch 2 "Failed to Connect to Server" error.
Some are easier and quicker than others, so make sure you start with the most simple solutions, such as restarting your PC or console. If those don't work, then you might need to try and swap to a different DNS.
You can take a look at the best solutions for this problem below.
Check Overwatch 2 server status
The first thing you can do is check Overwatch 2's server status. Seeing as how the error sometimes occurs because Overwatch 2's servers are struggling, it's worth going through this first.
You can check Overwatch 2's server status through two methods: the Blizzard CS X account and downdetector.com
The Blizzard CS X account is Blizzard Entertainment's official Customer Support X account, if any issues occur with any Blizzard title, they will most likely post about it there.
If the Blizzard CS X account did not yield the results you wanted, it's time to try Downdetector. This website provides information and monitors server outages in real-time, giving a detailed timeline of any issues in the past day.
If Overwatch 2 is down, make sure to take a look at this website. All you have to do is visit the website, write down Overwatch 2, and look at the information provided.
Check your internet connection
If you checked Overwatch 2's server status and found that the servers are up, then the next thing up is restarting your internet connection. One of the oldest tricks in the book.
First and foremost, check if your PC or console is connected to the internet, if not, connect it, if so, move on to restarting your router. You can restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in. Once that's done, reload the game.
Swapping to a different DNS - PC only
If you've tried all of the above and are still experiencing issues try swapping your Domain Name Server or DNS.
Here are all the steps you need to follow to so do on PC:
- Press WIN + R to open the control box and type in ncpa.cpl
- Right-click your internet connection when Network Connections appear
- Click on Properties
- Double Click on Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4)
- Select "Use the following DNS server addresses"
- Type in 8.8.8.8 for "Preferred DNS server" and 8.8.4.4 for "Alternative DNS server"
- Click OK and restart your PC
Restart your PC or console
Tried everything stated above and it didn't work? Then it's time to try restarting your PC or console.
You can do the regular restart, by pressing the restart button (PC), or you can unplug your PC or console for about 30 seconds to a minute. Once you've waited the time allotted, plug it back in and turn it back on.
Uninstall and Re-Install Overwatch 2
If all else fails, then you need to use the oldest trick in the book, uninstalling and reinstalling Overwatch 2.
Doing that will depend on what platform your Overwatch 2 game is installed on. If it's on PC, then visit the Battle.net app, click on Overwatch 2, go to the cogwheel labelled "Options" and click on "Uninstall.
For consoles, the process is a little bit different. On Xbox consoles, open My Games & Apps, look for Overwatch 2, press the menu button, and select "Uninstall."
On PlayStation consoles, highlight Overwatch 2, press the Options button, and press "Delete." Lastly, for the Nintendo Switch, go to Settings, follow that up with Data Management, select Overwatch 2, and press "Delete Software."
We hope this article answered all of your questions about the Failed to Connect to Server error and how you can fix it. For more Overwatch 2 guides and all the latest news, visit RealSport101.