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Need to know how to spectate games in Overwatch 2? Sometimes you’re not in the mood to play and just need to watch some friends play Overwatch 2 instead.
Overwatch 2 luckily allows players to spectate others to enjoy a game of Overwatch without having to play themselves. Make sure you know the Overwatch 2 Season 9 release date window and how to get the new hero Mauga before you sit back and watch. But, if you’re just looking for how to spectate games on Overwatch 2, we’re here to show you how.
How to spectate in Overwatch 2
In order to spectate a friend’s match in Overwatch 2, all you need to do is:
- Open up the Social Tab
- Hover over the friend you want to spectate
- Choose View Profile
- Choose Join Game
On PC, you can skip the join game process and simply choose Spectate. On consoles, including Xbox and PlayStation, you will need to join the game.
No matter what platform you’re on, this will bring you into the game as a spectator. You will then be free to watch your friend play any ongoing match.
It’s important to note that a friend needs to be playing a match for you to spectate them. If they aren’t currently in a match, you won’t be able to join as a spectator because there’s nothing to spectate.
Another thing to note is that if you join as a spectator, if any spot on your friend’s team opens up, you will be added to the game as the replacement. You will not get an option to remain a spectator.
Custon Games
Custom games are a bit different, in that you can simply choose to join the spectator team. This will let you watch the game without adding you the match even if someone leaves. However, this option is only available for custom games, not normal matches in Quick Play, Arcade, or Competitive.
Can you spectate any Overwatch 2 match?
No, to spectate a game in Overwatch 2 you must be friends with the player you’re watching. You cannot spectate matches of players that aren’t on your friend’s list. Spectating is really only used for players to have something to do while they wait to join a match with their friend, so it’s not an option in any of the game modes.
It’s highly unlikely Blizzard will add a spectate feature beyond what’s already available in Overwatch 2. That includes being able to spectate any match you want. Fans will have to be content with watching friends play matches.
That’s everything you need to know about how to spectate in Overwatch 2. Be sure to check out all Season 8 skins and how to fix Overwatch 2 coins not showing up if you need more info on your favorite hero shooter.
Overwatch 2 spectating FAQs
How do you spectate matches in Overwatch 2?
Bring up the social profile and choose to join the game of the friend you want to watch play. This will put you in spectator mode until a spot on the team opens up, and you’ll be added to the game. Not all matches lose players though, so you may spectate the entire match.
Can you spectate anyone’s match in Overwatch 2?
No, you can only spectate friend’s games in Overwatch 2. The friend must also actively be playing a game for you to watch.
