Is Overwatch Cross-Platform?

In 2025, gaming has evolved into a more connected experience, with players seeking to team up with friends across various platforms.

One of the most popular games that has embraced this trend is Overwatch.

But as the game continues to evolve, many players still wonder whether they can join forces with others, regardless of whether they’re on a PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. 

In this article, we’ll dig into the details of Overwatch’s cross-platform capabilities, exploring how it works and what it means for your gameplay experience.

Is Overwatch Cross-Platform?

Yes, Overwatch remains cross-platform in 2025. Players on various platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, can now connect and play together. This feature enhances the multiplayer experience by allowing friends to join each other’s games, regardless of their platform.

When Did Cross-Play Launch?

Cross-play first went live in 2021 and has since been fully integrated into the game. The feature is available to all players, with cross-play enabled by default for everyone.

Whether on PC or a console, you can connect with friends on different platforms.

How to Get Started with Cross-Play?

To start enjoying cross-play, console players must link their accounts to a Battle.net account.

This is done by going to Account Settings and selecting “Connections” to link the console account. If you have already linked your account for other Overwatch-related features, you’re all set.

PC players automatically have their Battle.net accounts linked, so no extra steps are needed for cross-play.

Important Note: A Battle.net account is required for all players, even if you don’t plan to use cross-play. The feature is turned on by default.

Can I Disable Cross-Play?

While PC players cannot opt-out of cross-play, console players can enable or disable it at any time through the Overwatch menu or their console settings.

Disabling cross-play means you can only play with others on the same platform.

Will My Stats and Skill Ratings Be Reset?

No, there is no reset of stats or skill ratings for cross-play. Your stats and ratings will remain intact when you enable or disable the feature.

Which Game Modes Support Cross-Play?

Most game modes support cross-play, including Quick Play, Arcade, and Custom Games. Console players can communicate with others using voice chat across all platforms.

However, things are a little different for Competitive Mode:

Competitive Play Details

For Competitive games, players are split into two groups: console players and PC players.

Console players can join the same lobbies across PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

On the other hand, if you’re playing on PC, you’ll only be matched with other PC players in Competitive games.

This distinction helps maintain balance, as players using a mouse and keyboard have an advantage over controllers.

If you use a controller on PC, you’ll still be matched only with other PC players in Competitive matches.

For top-tier Competitive play, such as the Top 500 leaderboard, players are split into three categories:

• PC players only

• Consoles with cross-play enabled

• Consoles with cross-play disabled

Competitive cross-play for consoles has been active for a while, with updates occurring throughout different Overwatch seasons.

Adding Friends Across Platforms

Cross-play makes it easier to add friends. If you add a friend on the console, they’ll automatically be added to your Battle.net friend list.

To add friends using your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo account, you must still use the platform’s social options, like PSN friend codes or Xbox Gamertags.

If you decide to disable cross-play, you’ll only see friends from the same console on your list and not your Battle.net friends.

Cross-Progression in Overwatch

Unfortunately, cross-progression is not available in Overwatch. This means that skins, cosmetics, and other unlockables are tied to the specific platform on which you earned them.

For instance, if you purchase an Overwatch League skin on PC, it won’t be available on your Switch.

Final Thoughts

Cross-play in Overwatch continues to improve and expand in 2025, making it easier than ever to team up with friends, regardless of their platform.

While there are some limitations, such as no cross-progression and separate Competitive pools, the overall experience has been a major success. 

Remember that cross-play is still refined, so some bugs or minor issues might arise. Be sure to monitor Blizzard’s updates to ensure a smooth experience.