Overwatch 2 how to fix game server connection failed error – PC, Xbox, and PlayStation

Overwatch 2 how to fix game server connection failed error – PC, Xbox, and PlayStation
Annie Thelen Updated on by

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Need to know how to fix the game server connection failed error in Overwatch 2? There’s nothing quite as frustrating as trying to settle in for a nice game of Overwatch 2 only to be not allowed into the game.

With Overwatch 2 just kicking off Season 8, there’s plenty to get excited about in the game. From trying out the new hero Mauga to earning all the new skins, players are eager to get into the game. But, if the game server connection failed error is keeping you from playing, we’re here to help. Here’s how to fix the game server connection failed error, and troubleshooting tips.

How to solve game server connection failed error in Overwatch 2

The infamous game server connection failed error in Overwatch 2 comes from connection issues with the game. There are a few ways you can troubleshoot it:

  • Restart the game
  • Check your internet connection
  • Repair your game files
  • Uninstall and reinstall Battle.net

You try any of these methods to solve the error. If it continues to persist, it may be that the Overwatch 2 servers are down.

Restart the game

The tried and true turn it off and turn it back on method can work for the Overwatch 2 game server connection failed error. Simply close out your game completely, and restart it. I’ve found the best results come if you wait a few minutes between closing out the game and reopening it. This allows the game to fully reboot itself.

Check your internet connection

If you’re still getting the error, it may be an issue with your internet connection. Check the connection on your device and run connection tests to make sure nothing is causing a problem. You can also reset your router as well. If you have firewalls or antivirus software, make sure that Overwatch 2 is whitelisted on them. Since an internet connection is required to play the game, this error is often caused by your internet not connecting properly.

Repair your game files

If none of the previous solutions have helped, it could be a problem with your game files for Overwatch 2. Head into Battle.net and right next to the Overwatch 2 Play button will be a cogwheel. Click on this and you can see a few options, including Scan and Repair. Click on this option to see if there are any issues with the game files themselves. Battle.net will fix them. It’s also worth checking for updates as well, to make sure you’re on the latest version of the server. This is how you do it on a PC.

The Overwatch 2 launch screen on Battle.net
Image taken by Videogamer

On consoles, simply head into the game in your library. On PS4 and PS5, this is on the main menu. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, it’s under My Games and Apps. Highlight the game by hovering over it, press the Menu button on Xbox or the Options button on PlayStation, and choose Updates. This will let the game update and repair its files.

Uninstall and reinstall Battle.net

Still not working? It’s time for more drastic measures. On PCs, you can uninstall Battle.net from your computer and reinstall it to try to solve the issue. This will allow the game to fully reset itself, and allow Battle.net to get a fresh connection to the internet. On consoles, there’s no equivalent of this, so you might want to try uninstalling and reinstalling the game altogether.

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Don’t worry about losing anything

If you’re worried about losing all your progress and games if you unistall the Battle.net app, have no fear. All your game data is still saved through your account, so you won’t lose any progress or need to reinstall Overwatch 2.

If you’ve tried all these steps and are still facing the game server connection failed error, it might not be your fault. This error can occur from the Overwatch 2 servers being down, whether for scheduled maintenance or other issues. With the Season 8 patch being added recently, this error popped up for many players. If this is the case, all you can do is wait for the servers to come back online.

That’s everything you need to know about fixing the game server connection failed error in Overwatch 2. Be sure to check out the new Mythic skin for Season 8, and how to fix Overwatch 2 coins not showing up if you’re facing other problems in-game.

Overwatch 2 game server connection failed FAQs

How do you fix the game server connection failed error?

To fix the error, try restarting your game, checking your internet connection, repairing your game files for Overwatch 2, and reinstalling the Battle.net client.

What should you do if none of the troubleshooting works?

If none of the methods above have fixed the game, it could be that the Overwatch 2 servers themselves are down. If this is the case, all you can do is wait for them to come back up.