Is Overwatch 2 Split-Screen? The Complete Guide
No, Overwatch 2 does not support split-screen functionality. This means that you cannot play the game locally with friends on a single console or PC using a shared screen. While this may be disappointing to some, particularly those who enjoy couch co-op, Blizzard has focused its efforts on delivering a high-quality online multiplayer experience. The game requires players to connect through online matchmaking, regardless of whether they’re playing PvP or PvE modes.
Why No Split-Screen in Overwatch 2?
The decision to omit split-screen from Overwatch 2 stems primarily from Blizzard’s focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent online multiplayer experience. Split-screen gaming often places a significant strain on system resources, potentially impacting frame rates, graphics quality, and overall performance. To ensure a consistent experience across all platforms, Blizzard opted to forgo this feature. This also allows them to maintain consistent balance and matchmaking based on online parameters. This means that all players, regardless of platform, are subject to the same requirements and considerations of online play.
Another factor could be technical design choices in the game’s architecture, making it challenging to implement a split-screen mode that meets their performance and visual standards. Unlike some games that can seamlessly divide the screen, Overwatch 2, with its fast-paced action and detailed environments, might not lend itself easily to a split-screen setup without sacrificing quality.
How to Play Overwatch 2 with Friends
Even without split-screen, Overwatch 2 provides multiple ways to enjoy the game with friends. The primary method is through the online multiplayer functionality, which is available for both PvP and PvE modes. To connect with friends, you must first add them through the game’s social menu.
Connecting with Friends Online
- From the main menu, navigate to the ‘Social’ menu.
- Click the ‘Add A Friend’ button.
- Enter your friend’s Battle.net account name or email address.
- Send the friend request and once accepted, you can group up.
Once friends are added, you can create a group and then use the game’s matchmaking system to play together in the various game modes available. Crossplay also allows you to play with friends across different platforms like PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, ensuring no one is left behind due to platform constraints. This approach broadens the opportunity to play with your community, despite the lack of a shared physical gaming space.
Overwatch 2: Focus on Online Co-op and PvE
While there isn’t any split-screen play, Overwatch 2 features co-op PvE missions which are designed to be played with a team. The Invasion story missions focus on cooperative play against the environment. Although you need a team, your team members do not have to be human players. AI bots will step in to fill any vacant spots, so you can experience these missions with fewer than the full complement of human players.
These missions, while not single player, can still be enjoyed with friends or random players. The focus on online co-op ensures that regardless of your friend’s physical location, you can still band together and enjoy cooperative gameplay. Note that these PvE missions are behind a paywall and require a purchase to access. This is different from the free-to-play PvP aspect of the game.
Overwatch 2: Invasion
The Overwatch 2: Invasion missions are set to continue the co-op action, with missions on Kings Row. You also guide a TS-1 Push Bot on a mission to save the Omnic Underworld from Null Sector in a new area. These kinds of missions emphasize teamwork and strategy, which is where the multiplayer focus is centered, even if split-screen is absent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Overwatch 2 and its multiplayer and split-screen capabilities:
1. Is Overwatch 2 single-player or multiplayer?
Overwatch 2 is primarily a multiplayer game. While it has story missions, officially, these cannot be completed solo. They require a team, which can be made up of human players and/or AI bots. The PvP experience is purely multiplayer online.
2. How does multiplayer work in Overwatch 2?
Multiplayer is done through the online matchmaking system. Players add each other through the social menu using Battle.net account names or email addresses. Then, they form groups to play together in various game modes.
3. Is Overwatch 2 free to play?
Yes, Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play game. The core multiplayer modes are accessible for all, while the PvE missions require purchase.
4. Can I play Overwatch 2 with friends on different platforms?
Yes, Overwatch 2 supports crossplay across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. This enables players on different systems to play together seamlessly.
5. Is Overwatch 2 PvE free?
No, the PvE Story Missions in Overwatch 2 are not free. They must be purchased to gain access.
6. What does PvE mean in Overwatch 2?
PvE stands for Player versus Environment. In Overwatch 2, this refers to game content where players fight against the game’s AI controlled enemies, rather than other players.
7. Why does Overwatch 2’s PvE content cost money?
Blizzard has stated that the PvE content is intended to provide a new story experience, with rewards that are purchased. This choice has faced criticism from players expecting a free experience.
8. Can I play Overwatch 2 offline?
Overwatch 2 requires an internet connection to play. There is no offline mode available.
9. What happened to the original Overwatch 2 PvE mode?
The original PvE Hero mode was cancelled. Blizzard instead opted to offer individual, story-driven PvE missions which are behind a paywall.
10. How many players can play together in Overwatch 2?
Overwatch 2 teams are composed of five players. In PvP mode, this is 5v5. For PvE missions, you can have a team of up to 4 human players, with additional spots filled by AI bots.
11. Is Overwatch 2 worth playing without split-screen?
Overwatch 2 is still considered a good game by many users. The core gameplay, despite the absence of split-screen, and free-to-play model, are worthwhile features. It’s considered worthwhile to try, if you are interested in the gameplay despite the absence of a local co-op.
12. How much do Overwatch 2’s PvE missions cost?
The Overwatch 2 PvE Story Missions cost approximately $15 to play. This has been a controversial aspect of the game for some players.
13. Is split-screen common in other similar games?
While some games such as Fortnite support split-screen, others like Apex Legends, Titanfall, and Destiny 2 do not. Many modern multiplayer games have moved away from this feature in favor of focusing on online multiplayer.
14. What is split-screen?
Split-screen allows multiple players to play on a single screen. The screen is divided, usually horizontally or vertically, each player getting their own viewport. This feature is not included in Overwatch 2.
15. Can I play Overwatch 2 with friends on a single console using the online queue?
Yes, while there is no split-screen, you and friends on the same console can queue online together to play PvP or PvE, just as you would if you were on separate consoles or PCs. You’ll still each need your own separate account.
Conclusion
While the lack of split-screen functionality in Overwatch 2 may be disappointing for those seeking local multiplayer, the game’s focus is firmly on delivering a compelling online experience. With its crossplay capability and co-op PvE missions, players have various options to team up with friends and enjoy the game together, regardless of their location or platform. While split-screen play is absent, the developers provide various options to connect with your community, all while maintaining consistent gameplay performance and balance. If you want a couch co-op experience, Overwatch 2 is not going to provide that feature. However, it remains a highly engaging multiplayer game.