Do you see a ‘lost connection to game server’ error on Overwatch 2?
It can be annoying when Overwatch 2 starts normally then shows an error that says ‘lost connection to game server’ and closes after a few seconds.
This leaves you staring at your desktop without any clue of what went wrong.
There are various reasons for this error message on Overwatch. Trying to fix this issue by troubleshooting should not take longer than 30 minutes.
In this article, we are going to walk you through the process of how to address this error on Overwatch 2.
Let’s get right into it!
1. Check Game Servers.
If Overwatch 2 doesn’t even make it to the main menu, it usually indicates a problem with the game servers.
Due to this, we suggest checking Blizzard’s servers using third-party sites like Downdetector.
If there are reported problems with the game within the last 24 hours, it is likely that the servers are down.
Sadly, server-related issues can only be resolved on Blizzard’s end. Check in from time to time so you’ll know once the game is up and running.
On the other hand, you can proceed to the next step if there’s nothing wrong with the servers.
2. Restart Your Computer.
Before changing your system configurations, try restarting your computer first.
While this might look very basic, restarting your device does a lot of things. For one, it flushes your memory so that it’s free from corrupted data.
Restarting your computer also reloads crucial resources that could be causing network problems and errors.
Here’s how you can restart your PC:
- Click on the Windows icon in the Taskbar.
- Now, access the Power Options tab.
- Choose Restart from the pop-up menu.
After restarting your computer, relaunch Overwatch 2 and check if the error message would still occur.
3. Check Your Network Connection.
A problem with your network could also trigger the ‘lost connection to game server’ error on Overwatch 2.
To confirm this, perform a test on your network using Fast.com to see if you’re getting the correct speeds indicated on your monthly plan.
If not, restart your modem or router to re-establish the connection with your ISP.
- Unplug your router’s power cable from the outlet.
- Wait for at least five seconds.
- Plug back in the power cable to restart your router.
Rerun the test afterward to check if the restart worked. If not, report the issue to your service provider and ask them to resolve the issue.
4. Allow Overwatch 2 Through Windows Firewall.
Windows Firewall is a tool that protects your system from network-based threats.
However, this can prevent Overwatch 2 from accessing your network, explaining why you can’t connect to the game servers.
To fix this, make sure that Overwatch 2 is allowed through your firewall.
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start Menu.
- Now, look for ‘allow an app through Windows Firewall’ and click Open.
- Inside Windows Firewall, click on Change Settings in the upper right corner.
- Find Overwatch 2 and ensure that it’s allowed to access your Public and Private networks.
Relaunch Overwatch 2 and check if the problem is solved.
5. Change Regions.
There are times when the problem with Overwatch 2 is isolated to a specific server or region.
To check if this is the case, try switching to another region before launching Overwatch 2.
Note
You might experience lags and stutters when playing Overwatch 2 in a different region.
- Open the Battle.net launcher on your computer.
- Go to your game library and click on Overwatch 2.
- Under Game Version, click on the Globe icon on the right side.
- Choose a different region from the pop-up menu.
Launch Overwatch 2 and see if the connection with the servers will still drop.
6. Disable Antivirus.
Like Windows Firewall, your antivirus also prevents network-based threats by controlling which applications can access your network.
However, Overwatch 2 might not be allowed from your antivirus, preventing it from connecting to the game servers.
To avoid problems, disable your antivirus before playing the game.
On the other hand, you can also add Overwatch 2 in your antivirus exception list if it has that feature.
7. Update Network Drivers.
Faulty or corrupted network drivers can cause internet-related issues on your computer. This can be the reason why Overwatch 2 can’t maintain a stable connection with the game servers.
To rule this out, ensure that you have the latest network drivers for your system.
Follow the steps below to update your drivers:
- First, press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard.
- Inside the Quick Menu, click on Device Manager to open it.
- Now, expand the Network Adapters tab.
- Right-click on your network controller and choose Update Driver.
- Follow the prompts to continue with the update.
Restart your system to apply the changes. Go back to Overwatch 2 to confirm if the problem is solved.
8. Flush DNS (Domain Name System).
DNS cache is a temporary database that stores all information about the websites you visit and servers you connect to.
When you reconnect to the same server, your computer already knows the address and can redirect you faster.
However, DNS caches can get corrupted and cause issues over time.
If you can’t connect to the game servers, it’s possible that your DNS cache got corrupted.
See the steps below to flush your DNS:
- Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Look for Command Prompt.
- Next, click on Run as an Administrator. This should launch the tool with administrative privileges.
- Inside the Command Prompt, type ‘ipconfig /flushdns’ and hit Enter on your keyboard.
- Wait for the message that says “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.
Restart your system afterward and check if the problem is solved.
9. Contact Blizzard Support.
At this point, the last thing you can do is report the issue to Blizzard and ask for assistance.
Head to Blizzard’s support page and get in touch with their team to report the problem you’re experiencing with Overwatch 2.
When asking for help, make sure to provide these information to make it easier for their team to assess the situation:
- Complete Account Details (Name, Username, etc..)
- Country or Region
- Service Provider (AT&T, Mediacom, etc..)
That brings us to the end of our guide on how to fix the ‘lost connection to game server’ error on Overwatch 2.
If you have other concerns, voice them out in the comment section, and we’ll do our best to help.
