Given the popularity of the original Overwatch, it stands to reason that people want to know if Overwatch 2 is cross-platform. After all, not everyone owns the same consoles, and being able to play with or against anyone has an understandable appeal.
So we'll explain exactly what we know about the cross-platform status of Overwatch 2, along with other nuggets of helpful information. Here are the details you need.
Is Overwatch 2 Cross-Platform?
Yes, not only Overwatch 2 is both available on Steam and several consoles, but you can have fun playing cross-platform multiplayer.
In fact, Overwatch 2 does not simply offer cross-platform play. Perhaps just as importantly, it also offers cross-platform progression.
At this point, people can start to become a little confused about the differences between cross-platform, cross-play, cross-progression, and cross-save. So if you find yourself in that camp, we'll explain the differences, and what they mean, next.
What Does Cross-Platform Actually Mean?
It's understandable that people are sometimes confused by all these different terms. They are often, and somewhat annoyingly, often used interchangeably. So we'll try to break things down to make it as clear as possible.
We'll start with cross-platform, as that's the question we raised at the beginning of the article. Normally, this is used to describe a game that is available on multiple platforms, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Overwatch 2 is scheduled for release on Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. So it very much fits the criteria of a cross-platform game.
Cross-platform is a term which starts to muddy the waters a little bit. It is often used interchangeably with crossplay, an abbreviated version of cross-platform play. This is a game which allows players to play against one another, regardless of which platform they are using. So for example, an Xbox player can face off against someone using a PlayStation.
Cross-progression and cross-save are generally used to mean the same thing. Namely, you are able to save your progress on one platform, and then pick up where you left off on another platform. For instance, you might stop playing on your PC, then go round to a friend's house, load up their PS5, and as long as you are using the same account, you can resume from your last save point.
Overwatch 2 being cross-platform play and cross-progression is essentially giving players the best of all worlds. This is exactly the sort of player-friendly setup gamers are looking for.
Overwatch 2 platforms
The free-to-play game from Blizzard Entertainment is currently available on Windows PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
Overwatch 2 PvP Beta opt-ins are now closed. However, if you purchase the Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack will receive immediate access to the beta test.
Is Overwatch 2 Free?
Overwatch 2 is currently free-to-play on Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
Blizzard Entertainment, the developer of the Overwatch series, believes "this shift to free-to-play will open up and make the world of Overwatch available to more people than ever before, removing the barrier of entry and making it easier than ever to quickly jump into a match with friends."
That's all we have for you. But if you're looking to play Overwatch 2 portable, let's look at how to play on Steam Deck.