Is Overwatch 2 Forcing SMS?

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To answer the question directly, Overwatch 2 is not forcing SMS protection for all players, but it does require new players and those who haven’t played Overwatch since June 9, 2021, to enroll in the SMS Protect system, which involves adding a mobile phone number to their Battle.net account. The requirement has been a subject of change, with Blizzard initially making it mandatory for all players before revising the policy to exempt existing players who have played Overwatch after a certain date.

Understanding the SMS Protect Requirement

The SMS Protect system is designed to combat cheating and disruptive behavior in the game by making players more accountable for their actions, as each account is tied to a unique phone number.

How SMS Protect Works

The system aims to prevent cheaters from easily creating multiple accounts to bypass penalties or to smurf, which is playing on a secondary account at a lower skill level, potentially to exploit newer players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Overwatch 2 require SMS protection for all players? No, Overwatch 2 does not require SMS protection for all players, especially those who have played Overwatch after June 9, 2021, and have their account connected to Battle.net.

2. Why does Blizzard require a phone number for Overwatch 2? Blizzard requires a phone number to combat cheating and ensure players are accountable for their in-game behavior, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

3. Can I play Overwatch 2 without a phone number? Only players who have played Overwatch since June 9, 2021, with their account connected to Battle.net can play Overwatch 2 without adding a phone number.

4. How do I get around the phone number requirement for Overwatch 2? Players can consider using burner phone services or pre-paid plans that are accepted by Battle.net, though not all pre-paid services are compatible.

5. Does Blizzard sell personal information, including phone numbers? No, Blizzard and Activision take players’ privacy seriously and do not sell their personal information, including phone numbers.

6. Why am I getting an error message when trying to play Overwatch 2? Common issues include incorrect region selection, damaged game files, or network problems. Running the repair tool, checking the region/account settings, and resetting network devices can resolve these issues.

7. Can I use a VOIP number for Overwatch 2 verification? No, VOIP, Wi-Fi, text-only, and internet phone services are not accepted for Overwatch 2 verification.

8. What if my phone number is already in use on another Battle.net account? You need to remove the phone number from the other account or use the Battle.net Recovery service to regain access if you’re unsure which account the number is linked to.

9. Why won’t Blizzard accept my phone number? Ensure the phone number is entered correctly, matches your country, and hasn’t been used on a VOIP plan. Updating your registered country if you’ve moved might also resolve the issue.

10. Does Overwatch 2 still require a post-paid phone number? While post-paid requirements were initially strict to combat cheating, Blizzard has since relaxed the policy for existing Overwatch players.

11. Can I get banned for smurfing in Overwatch 2? Regular smurfing is not bannable, but using cheats or boosters on a smurf account can lead to a ban.

12. How does the SMS Protect system prevent cheating? By requiring a unique phone number per account, it becomes more difficult for cheaters to cycle through multiple accounts, reducing cheating and disruptive behavior.

13. Is using a Google number for Blizzard verification possible? No, Google Voice numbers and similar services are not accepted for verification due to their nature as VOIP services.

14. What is a burner number, and can it be used for Overwatch 2? A burner number is a temporary phone number that can be used and discarded. It can be used for Overwatch 2 if it meets Blizzard’s requirements and is not already linked to another account.

15. Has Blizzard considered removing the phone number requirement entirely? Blizzard has shown flexibility with the SMS Protect policy, initially making it mandatory before revising it to accommodate existing players, indicating a willingness to adjust requirements based on player feedback and game health considerations.