Overwatch 2: Can’t Spectate Friends

Overwatch 2, the sequel to the Game of the Year winner Overwatch, continues to have a dedicated and loyal fanbase of players who can't wait to log in to the game and play with their friends. However, spectating friends when you aren't in the same game as them is a core part of any online shooter, but the game can sometimes stop players from doing that.

Today. We're here to go through the various reasons you might not be able to spectate your friends. After all, there are a number of requirements or conditions that must be met before players can spectate their friends and we're about to go through all of them here.

So, if you want to start spectating your friends, keep reading. If you're tired of spectating average players and want to play alongside some truly professional-level players then we recommend you hire a booster from Eloking. Just remember to use the code "BoostToday" for an excellent 20% discount.

What are the advantages of spectating in Overwatch 2?

First things first, why should you even spectate other players in Overwatch 2? Surely playing the game for yourself is more effective if you want to improve how you play the game, right? Well, not necessarily.

You see, it all depends on what type of player you're spectating and whether that player is actually trying to win the game. For example, if you want to learn how to play Silder 76 better and you spectate a player who's very good at that hero, then you can potentially absorb some of that skill and technique to learn valuable strategies.

On the other hand, if you're spectating a player or friend who's just straight-up bad at the game, then at least you'll get a good laugh out of spectating their game. Basically, the entire act of spectating is pretty important to the overall Overwatch 2 experience, which is why not being able to spectate friends can be so infuriating.

Can't Spectate Friends

Are you having trouble spectating your friends in Overwatch 2, then these are some fixes you can potentially try to get rid of this issue once and for all:

• Ensure you're following all of the requirements for spectating a friend that we mention below
• The friend you want to spectate has to be in your friend list
• Ensure your internet isn't messing up
• You and your friend might have a version difference if one of you have been logged in for a while. Consider having both restart the game

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How to spectate friends in Overwatch 2

So, to ensure you can spectate your friends, we'll be going through the steps and requirements to spectate other players, regardless of whether you want to spectate a regular match or a custom game. 

Spectating regular matches

First things first; how do you spectate your friends when they're playing regular matches? If you're looking to spectate an Unranked, Quick, or Arcade game in Overwatch 2, then the following requirements must be met:

1. You must have already added that player to your friend list
2. The player must be online at the time and in a match

Once all three requirements are met you can get to spectating the friend. Just go to the socials tab, interact with the friend you want to spectate by right-clicking on their player card and click the spectate option that pops up.

Spectating custom matches

Alternatively, what do you do if you want to spectate a custom game? Unlike regular games, there's a separate option for players to queue in a custom game as a spectator before the game even starts. To do so:

1. Enter the Play tab.
2. You can either create your own custom game or enter an existing one.
3. If you create your own game, there are two slots for spectators.
4. To enter as a spectator in an existing custom game, pick one and click on it.

And voila! As a spectator in a custom game, you'll be able to see the match unfold in an unbiased third-party perspective, as you'll get the option to float around wherever you want on the map.

Overwatch 2 Spectator Controls

Finally, before we sign off, we figured we'd also go through the general controls for when you're spectating a friend in Overwatch 2. 

FAQs

Why should I spectate other players in Overwatch 2?

Spectating in Overwatch 2 offers several advantages. It allows you to observe skilled players and learn strategies to improve your own gameplay. Additionally, spectating can provide entertainment, whether you're watching impressive plays or amusing mishaps. Ultimately, spectating enhances the overall Overwatch 2 experience by offering insights and entertainment beyond your own gameplay.

How can I spectate friends in Overwatch 2?

To spectate friends in Overwatch 2 during regular matches, ensure the following criteria are met:

1. The player must be on your friend list.
2. Your friend must be online and in a match.

Once these conditions are fulfilled, navigate to the social tab, right-click on your friend's player card, and select the spectate option. For custom matches, either create your own game with spectator slots or join an existing custom game as a spectator through the Play tab. This grants you the ability to observe matches from an unbiased third-party perspective.