Overwatch 2 is plagued by a pressing issue which has caused quite some discourse among fans. Many players reported coming across a strange message which reads “critical error during startup”. Whenever you open Overwatch 2, you will see this error prompt within 10 seconds. Basically, you can’t load the game anymore.
Fixes
Check game files
One of the reasons behind the error could be corrupt or missing game files. Here’s how you can check whether your game files are intact:
Steam
- Open the Steam library
- Right click on Overwatch 2 and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu
- Click on “Installed Files”
- Select “Verify integrity of game files”
Battle.net
- Open the Battle.net client and log in using your credentials
- Find Overwatch 2
- Click on the wheel icon next to the Play button
- Select “Scan and Repair”
- Select “Yes” when prompted
Check internet connection
As Overwatch 2 is an online game, you need a stable internet connection to play seamlessly.
Check whether your ethernet cable is secure. Next, see if the wireless connection is working properly. Finally, check your internet speed using an online speed test.
Reinstall Overwatch 2
The critical error prompt itself suggests reinstalling Overwatch 2. However, even doing so might not fix the issue. Nothing wrong with giving it a try though, right?
Wait for an update
Developer Blizzard Entertainment is yet to release an official statement about the critical error. However, it is expected that they will address this issue or put out a patch update consisting of a fix.
Keep in mind, what worked for someone else might not work for you. Good luck!
About Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 is an upcoming first-person shooter developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. The sequel to the 2016 hero shooter Overwatch, the game is intended to have a shared environment for player-versus-player (PvP) modes with the first game while introducing persistent cooperative modes. A major change in PvP was to reduce team sizes from six to five, which required several characters to be reworked.
Overwatch 2 was launched as free-to-play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in early access on October 4, 2022.
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