However, there are other factors that may cause the user to face such errors for example, if the game is blacklisted from the firewall it won’t be able to send data packets over the network thus causing errors similar to the one in the discussion. Now let’s head over to troubleshooting methods.
1. Check Server Availability
Before we explore troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue, we will identify if Overwatch servers are online, as sometimes servers can be offline during maintenance or even development. When game servers are offline, a user can’t do much except wait for the developers to resolve the issue at the backend. Follow these steps to check Overwatch’s server status: If the servers are offline, there is nothing to be done at this stage except wait for a few hours and keep an eye on the server status. However, if the servers are up and running, follow the next steps to fix the connectivity issues on Overwatch 2.
2. Restart your router
Before applying any advanced fixes, try restarting the router. Restarting the router restarts all components inside the device, also clearing the cache data stored on it. Follow these steps to restart your router using the graphical interface:
3. Allow the game through controlled folder access
Windows security sometimes automatically blacklists specific programs from accessing necessary folders. Once blacklisted, that application won’t be able to access the root directories of the application. In this method, we’ll be allowing the game through the windows controlled folder access. Follow these steps to do so:
4. Add Overwatch 2 to the Windows Firewall whitelist
It is possible that, for some reason, Overwatch 2 on your computer is either not added to the firewall whitelist or is blacklisted. Blacklisted applications from the windows firewall cannot send data packets over the network; hence in our case, Overwatch will be unable to access the game server. Follow these steps to add Overwatch to the whitelist: Once done, Try launching the game. If the problem persists, continue to the next method.
5. Enable Windows auto-tuning
Window auto-tuning improves the performance of programs that receive TCP data. It dynamically adjusts the receiver buffer size to the throughput and latency of the link. Simply put, it is supposed to help users reach an overall efficient data transfer rate over the network. If disabled, it could cause users to face problems with applications that send larger chunks of data online. Follow these steps to enable Windows autotuning: Once done, try launching the game to identify if it is working fine now or not. If it isn’t, jump to the next fix.
6. Disable Manual proxy
Windows comes built-in with a feature that allows users to connect to proxies. We don’t want that to happen in our case, as it makes our network private and sometimes causes connectivity problems for many games. Follow these steps to disable manual proxy.
7. Run network troubleshooter
Windows comes built-in with a feature specifically designed to diagnose and troubleshoot network-related problems. In such cases, it is a good idea to let the windows network troubleshooter take care of the error. Follow these straightforward steps to run the network troubleshooter: Once the troubleshooter has done troubleshooting, try launching the game.
8. Reconfigure connectivity settings
In this method, we’ll be reconfiguring/resetting the connectivity settings to default. Due to some issues, your settings may have been configured falsely, which might interfere with the smooth working of the game. Follow these straightforward steps to do so:
9. Perform Network Reset
Like the previous step, Windows has a built-in utility tool that automatically helps you reset network configurations. This will essentially reset the network configuration to factory settings. If you’re using WiFi, make sure you have the password to your internet connection. Follow these steps to reset the network: Once your computer has restarted, Try launching the game.
10. Scan and repair game files
Even though connectivity issues aren’t usually related to corrupt game files, it is advised to repair and scan games just to be sure. The Blizzard launcher comes built-in with a feature that allows users to scan and repair game files. Follow these steps to repair the Overwatch 2 game files:
12. Use an Ethernet connection.
Suppose you’re using WiFi to provide internet to your computer. Switching to an ethernet connection is highly advised as it is considerably more reliable and can provide a relatively faster connection. Users with ethernet connections tend to face fewer issues. Also, users will typically experience better latency on an ethernet connection.
