How to Join Crossplay in Overwatch

Many online multiplayer titles have crossplay, a feature that allows players from different platforms to play in the same matches. Unfortunately, Overwatch didn't launch with cross-platform compatibility in 2016. However, that changed in 2022 when Blizzard finally listened to the player base and implemented cross-play for everyone.

Before you can access Overwatch on PC and play with your Nintendo Switch friends, you must first enable crossplay. No one has it enabled by default. Keep reading to find out how.

How to Join Overwatch Cross-Pla

Although the cross-play beta has ended, you can still use similar steps to enable cross-play on your console. PC players already have a Battle.net account, which makes the process easier. Those playing on consoles should follow these steps:

1. Go to Battle.net.
   
2. Create a free account.
   
3. In the upper right corner, click your account username.
   
4. Choose "Account Settings" from the menu.
   
5. Select “Connections”.
   
6. A list will appear and you can choose the console account you want to link to Battle.net.
   

Next, you need to head to your game on your console. Here is what will happen:

1. Launch the game on your system
   
2. Tap the confirm button to progress through the Overwatch home screen
   
3. An alphanumeric code and a QR code will be presented to you
   1. The alphanumeric code can be entered at blizzard.com/link
      
   2. The QR code can be scanned with a mobile app to direct you to the linking webpage, which will be pre-populated with the code provided in-game
      
4. Log in with your Battle.net account credentials to complete the connection between your console game and Battle.net accounts
   
5. You will receive an in-game message informing you that your account is now successfully connected

Even if you don't want to enable crossplay, all players must create an account going forward.

For the most part, all console players can play with each other and with PC players. Apart from competitive matches, you can play with anyone who opts for cross-play.

For competitive matches, PC players will only fight other PC players. Consoles will also only match other console players. There are no exceptions to this rule, which serves to allow for fair competition and play.

Regardless of the status of competitive play, PC gamers and console users can always go head-to-head in the lobbies. However, console players will not be able to rely on aim assist.

Aim assist is beneficial for controller users, who lack the precision offered by mouse and keyboards. This helps them lock onto targets more easily, but in the context of mixed lobbies, aim assist can be seen as an unfair advantage to PC players aiming and shooting unassisted. Thus, Blizzard intends to foster an unbiased and neutral environment of skill and enjoyment.

Cross progression

Unfortunately, Overwatch will not offer cross-progression. You can play the game on any console or PC you want, but none of them will be at the same progress between platforms.

When the crossplay feature went live on June 22, players received a Golden Loot Box. Any platform associated with Battle.net will receive one if they are legitimately logged into the account. However, progress between platforms, even if they share the same account, will remain the same.

Competitive rankings

In Overwatch, casual players only want to play for fun, but others prefer the exciting and raw competitive mode. To allow competitive Overwatch fans to prove themselves, Blizzard has implemented a ranking system.

Leaderboards will contain the top 500 players in the world, and after crossplay is released, there will be more categories. Initially, there were only two, one for PC and another for consoles.

There will be a leaderboard for cross-play compatible players and another for those who prefer to battle with others on their platforms.

Controllers, mice and keyboards

While crossplay allows more people to play with each other, competitive modes also have limitations on controllers.

Some prefer to use a controller on a PC, while others use a mouse and keyboard on their consoles.

For PC players using a controller, they will only match other PC players. Since Overwatch on PC doesn't have aim assist, it's purely a matter of personal preference.

Console gamers who use a mouse and keyboard will not match other console gamers if they are playing competitive games. They can play with players using PC controllers in non-competitive game modes, while mouse and keyboard console players will adapt to PC players.

Can I disable crossplay?

Yes, you can disable crossplay if you prefer. You can head to your Xbox native settings to turn it off. Alternatively, the game lets you turn it on or off if you want to keep crossplay for other games. Other consoles may not have the first option, making the second more viable.

Disabling it will likely increase your wait times compared to players enabling crossplay. The longer delays are likely due to most players embracing the new feature and few opting out. Crossplay is also enabled by default.

We can finally play together

After years of begging, Overwatch players and fans have finally had their wish granted. Today you can sign up and start playing with anyone on any platform. It's time to line up with more match choices in the lobbies.

What platform do you primarily play Overwatch on? Do you think crossplay is a long overdue feature? Let us know in the comments section below.