Overwatch 2: Every way to fix "lost connection to game server" error

Overwatch 2 has been around for a while. While the game was released to much controversy, mostly because many fans of the first game believed the sequel was something no one asked for, Blizzard has since recovered much of its reputation. While a lot of that is thanks to the 6v6 classic mode returning, it’s also because of the hero changes and revamped gameplay.

However, regardless of how old a game may be or how many updates it may get, every game has some issues that slip through the cracks. The most common issue Overwatch 2 players face is the “lost connection to game server” error that pops up and ruins the fun for many players. Fortunately, there are various ways players can potentially fix this.

Here is every way to fix the “lost connection to game server” error in Overwatch 2.

Check server status

The first step a player should take when encountering the "Lost Connection to Game Server" error is to check the server status. This error can be due to server issues or maintenance. People can check Blizzard's official forums, social media pages, or Overwatch 2 communities like Reddit to see if others have the same problem or if Blizzard has mentioned it. If the servers are offline, the player can’t do anything except wait for the company to fix the issue.

Reconnect network

This problem could be caused by a network issue on the player’s system. Restarting their modem or router can help with connectivity issues. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the router or modem from power.
2. Wait for about 20 seconds.
3. Reconnect the device and wait for the indicator lights to stabilize.

After this, try launching Overwatch 2 and check if the problem persists.

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Restart system

A player can try restarting the system they game on, whether it’s a console or a PC, to fix any glitches that may be messing up the connection. To restart the system properly, they should turn it off and unplug. Then, they should hold the power button for 10 seconds to power cycle it. While regularly restarting the platform is also a decent idea, power cycling is a way to go the extra mile to ensure a software issue isn’t causing the error to pop up.

Test network performance

One of the leading causes for losing connection to the game server in Overwatch 2 is the player’s internet. There are two primary ways players can troubleshoot to ensure this isn’t the case, as having an innate internet problem can be hard to detect and even harder to solve.

End applications using high bandwidth

Players can try using websites like Speedtest. net to determine whether their internet connection is stable and working properly. If the internet is unstable, they can try closing off background applications that consume a lot of bandwidth, such as OneDriverive or Dropbox. To check what’s consuming a lot of bandwidth, follow these steps.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager
2. In the Processes tab, select Network to make it in descending order
3. Check applications that use a lot of bandwidth and close them by right-clicking them and pressing End Task.

Try opening Overwatch 2 again after following these steps.

Switch to Ethernet

If turning off bandwidth-heavy applications didn’t fix network stability, the player should try switching to a wired Ethernet connection if they were using Wi-Fi. Using an Ethernet cable can provide a stable connection and fix disconnection issues.

Reset Winsock Data

If the player is on a Windows system, they can try resetting Winsock data to fix connection issues. To reset Winsock data, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
3. Restart PC

Try relaunching Overwatch 2 once the PC restarts.

Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause connection issues. Players can update their drivers by following these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run window.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter to open Device Manager
3. Expand the Network Adapters section.
4. Right-click on whatever network driver is active and click the Update Driver button.
5. Select “Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software.”
6. Once Windows updates the drivers, restart the PC.

Check if Overwatch 2 is running smoothly after the driver updates.

Change Firewall Settings

There’s a chance that Windows Firewall might be blocking Overwatch 2 from accessing the internet, so players might have to change its settings to prevent that from happening. Here’s how to make sure the Firewall doesn’t interfere:

1. Open Windows Security and select Firewall & Network Protection.
2. Select the Allow an app through the Firewall option.
3. If Overwatch 2 isn’t listed, select “Change Settings” and press “Add Another App.”
4. Find the Overwatch 2 .exe file and add it to the list.
5. Save the changes.

After that, try relaunching the game.

Change DNS Server 

Switching to a different DNS server can help fix errors if the user encounters routing issues. Here’s how to change to Google’s DNS:

1. Open the Control Panel and go to the Network and Sharing Center
2. Select “Change adapter settings.”
3. Rick-click the active network connection and go to its properties.
4. Under the “Networking” tab, double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4(TVP/IPv4.”
5. Go to the General tab.
6. Select the “Use the following DNS server addresses.” button.
7. Type 8.8.8.8 for the preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 for the alternate DNS server.
8. Click the “OK” button.

After changing the DNS server, relaunch Overwatch 2 to check if the issue is fixed.

Check what Blizzard is saying about it

If all of these methods don't fix the person’s issues, then it’s likely a fault from Blizzard’s side. Blizzard provides updates on known issues on its Twitter account or forums, so the user should try checking official platforms for statements or patches talking about the issue. If nothing is present, try submitting a support ticket to Blizzard for more assistance.

While very unlikely some countries may entirely ban certain games thanks to them having some features or going against the cultural values of some countries. This may happen with Overwatch 2 at some point in time, in which case you’ll likely have to use a VPN or find a different workaround.

FAQs

Can you play Overwatch 2 without the internet?

Overwatch 2 is an always-online game. Therefore, it makes sense that players must have a constant and stable internet connection to play the game. Unfortunately, players can’t even go to the shooting ground without having an internet connection.