Overwatch 2 Stuck on 'Playing Now' Not Launching or Loading, How to Fix Overwatch 2 Stuck on my Loading Screen?
by Maivizhi A | Updated Jun 26, 2023
Overwatch 2 Stuck on 'Playing Now' Not Launching or Loading
Overwatch 2, a highly popular shooter game, has captivated the gaming community since its release. Gaming enthusiasts hold their games in high regard, which is why even the smallest glitches become subjects of intense discussion. One such issue that has recently come to the forefront is the inability to launch Overwatch 2 on PC.
Although this error has persisted for some time, users have now shed more light on the matter. In this post, we will explore various methods to resolve the problem of Overwatch 2 failing to open on Windows. However, before delving into the potential fixes, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the error. By pinpointing the specific error you are encountering, we will provide you with a tailored solution.
We strongly recommend reading the entire post as it will undoubtedly assist you in resolving the issues of Overwatch 2 not launching and experiencing freezing problems.
How to Fix Overwatch 2 stuck on my loading screen?
If you're experiencing the 'Playing Now' problem in Overwatch 2, you can try the following steps recommended by Battle.net support to resolve the issue:
- Update your drivers and operating system: Ensure that your graphics card drivers and operating system are up to date to avoid any compatibility issues.
- Reset in-game options: Resetting your in-game options can help resolve crashing and performance problems. You can do this without opening the game by following these steps:
Start the Battle.net application.
- Select 'Overwatch 2' from the available list of games.
- Click on the 'Cogwheel Icon' located next to the 'Play' button.
- Choose 'Game Settings'.
- Click on 'Reset In-Game Options' and confirm by pressing 'Reset'.
- Wait for the process to complete and press 'Done'.
- Update or temporarily turn off security programs: Sometimes, security programs like Windows Defender or third-party antivirus software can mistakenly identify game components as security threats. Temporarily turn off these programs while playing Overwatch 2. Here's how to do it:
For Windows Defender:
For Windows Firewall:
Remember to turn these applications back on when you're finished playing.
1. Delete the Battle.net Tools folder: Outdated or corrupt files in the Battle.net Tools folder can cause issues with game launching or loading. Follow these steps to delete the folder:
2. Run the repair tool: The repair tool can fix any damaged game files. Here's how to use it:
If the problem still persists after following these steps, you can consider reinstalling Overwatch 2. If that doesn't solve the issue, you may need to visit the Technical Support Forum for further assistance or contact Blizzard Support for help.
Why is Overwatch 2 stuck on the "Playing Now" Status?
Despite being released several months ago, Overwatch 2 continues to experience bugs and errors that impact players' gameplay experience. One of the recent issues players have faced is an error message displaying "Overwatch 2 Applying Update." Unfortunately, waiting for an extended period of time does not resolve this error, leaving players confused and unable to access the game.
To address this issue, here are some potential solutions to consider:
- Restart the game: Completely close Overwatch 2 and relaunch it to see if the update progresses or starts properly.
- Check your internet connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and functioning correctly.
- Disable firewalls or antivirus software: Temporarily disable any firewalls or antivirus software that might be blocking the game's update process.
- Verify game files: If you are playing Overwatch 2 on a PC, you can use the game launcher or platform (such as Steam or Battle.net) to verify the integrity of the game files. This process checks for any missing or corrupted files and replaces them if necessary.
- Reinstall the game: If all else fails, you can try reinstalling Overwatch 2.
- Players typically encounter the "Applying Update" error when Blizzard Entertainment releases an update. This error indicates that changes are being made to the game, temporarily pausing gameplay. Additionally, players may encounter this error if they haven't logged in since a new update was released, as the game needs to apply the latest changes before granting access.
Overwatch 2 Gameplay
Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play hero shooter game where players choose from a roster of 35 unique characters and are divided into two teams. The characters are categorized into damage, support, and tank classes, each with their own abilities. The game focuses on player versus player combat across various modes and maps, offering both casual and ranked competitive matches.
Compared to the original Overwatch, Overwatch 2 has made some changes. The team composition now consists of five players instead of six, with one less tank slot. This adjustment was made to increase the game's pace and reduce complexity. The maps have been updated to provide more cover options since there are fewer tanks to provide protection. Damage heroes have increased movement speed, support heroes regenerate health over time, and tank heroes have been redesigned to have a more offensive role. The game also introduces a new PvP mode called "Push," where teams compete to control a robot that pushes a payload to the enemy's side of the map.
Certain existing gameplay modes, such as Assault maps, may be dropped due to balance issues and community feedback. Overwatch 2 has shifted its monetization model from a premium one to free-to-play. Loot boxes have been replaced with a battle pass system tied to seasonal updates, which includes new maps and heroes. Cosmetics can be purchased directly from an in-game store. New heroes can be obtained for free through the battle pass, and alternative routes will be available for players who do not reach the required tier.
The game will also introduce new PvE story missions starting in Season 6. These missions expand the game's lore and narrative, featuring multiple objectives and resembling previous short-term event missions. They will be available during specific seasons and can be accessed permanently through a separate purchase or as part of a battle pass bundle.
Overwatch 2 Stuck on 'Playing Now' Not Launching or Loading - FAQs
Overwatch 2 may get stuck on the "Playing Now" status due to an error during the update process. This can occur when changes are being made to the game, temporarily pausing gameplay until the update is applied.
To resolve the issue of Overwatch 2 being stuck on the loading screen, you can try the following steps:
- Update your drivers and operating system.
- Reset your in-game options.
- Update or temporarily turn off security programs.
- Delete the Battle.net Tools folder.
- Run the repair tool.
- Reinstall Overwatch 2 if the problem persists.
If Overwatch 2 is not launching or loading on your PC, you can try the following solutions:
- Update your drivers and operating system.
- Reset your in-game options.
- Update or temporarily disable security programs.
- Delete the Battle.net Tools folder.
- Use the repair tool to fix any damaged game files.
- Consider reinstalling Overwatch 2 if the issue persists.
To reset the in-game options for Overwatch 2, follow these steps:
- Start the Battle.net application.
- Select 'Overwatch 2' from the available list of games.
- Click on the 'Cogwheel Icon' located next to the 'Play' button.
- Choose 'Game Settings'.
- Click on 'Reset In-Game Options' and confirm by pressing 'Reset'.
- Wait for the process to complete and press 'Done'.
- Restart the game to see if the update progresses or starts properly.
- Check your internet connection to ensure stability.
- Temporarily disable firewalls or antivirus software that might be blocking the update process.
- Verify the integrity of game files through the game launcher or platform.
- Reinstall Overwatch 2 if other methods do not work.