Blizzard says Overwatch 2 server issues caused by 'mass DDoS attack'

Wrecking Ball in Overwatch 2.
(Image credit: Activision Blizzard)

What you need to know

  • Overwatch 2's launch has been relatively rough, as players have experienced frequent disconnects from the game's servers.
  • Blizzard says that the servers have been hit by a "mass DDoS attack," resulting in the issues many players are having.
  • Blizzard is working to mitigate the effects of the attack so that players can play the game without losing connection to its servers. However, this will likely take some time.

(Image credit: Activision Blizzard)

According to the developer, the Overwatch 2 launch woes are due to a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, which is a type of cybercrime in which the party responsible overwhelms a server with an immense amount of internet traffic. These kinds of attacks can cause multiplayer games to become incredibly unstable, often resulting in extreme lag or server shutdowns. In Overwatch 2's case, the assaults are causing Overwatch accounts to lose their connection with the game's servers, resulting in the issue that's affecting most players right now.

It's surprising that Blizzard's servers are being affected this much, as modern multiplayer services are built with protective and mitigative measures in place to help them withstand these kinds of attacks. Hopefully the developers are able to effectively counter the DDoS attacks soon so that players can enjoy Overwatch 2 properly.

Aside from server connection problems, players have also experienced a variety of other issues and bugs with Overwatch 2 as well. Check out our roundup of all of the Overwatch 2 known bugs and launch issues for more information on what to keep an eye out for while playing.

Overwatch 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. It's arguably one of the best Xbox shooters available, and since it's free-to-play, it doesn't cost anything to check it out. Alternatively, players can purchase the Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack that provides access to Season 1's Premium Battle Pass, 2,000 Overwatch Coins, and a bundle of unique Legendary skins.

Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack

Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack

The $40 Overwatch 2: Watchpoint Pack offers fans a variety of benefits that will allow them to get guaranteed access to Season 1's Premium Battle Pass track, unlock some unique rewards, provides some in-game currency to use, and more.

See at Microsoft | See at Battle.net

Brendan Lowry
Contributor, Gaming

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).