Update: Blizzard will shut down the servers for "Overwatch 2" for one hour starting at 3 p.m. PDT "to address several bugs related to account merges, logins, and the initial user experience. The servers will also be shut down again for three hours starting at 6:00 p.m. PDT for a server update to reduce queue times.

Original Blizzard is working to "improve the stability" of "Overwatch 2" servers, reducing queue times and disconnections for all those trying to play the newly launched sequel (opens in new tab).

The developers have published a blog post (opens in new tab) addressing three major issues with the launch of Overwatch 2 (queue times, missing cosmetic items, and mandatory phone numbers for Overwatch 2 accounts).

Overwatch 2's servers have calmed down a bit since the launch day (open in new tab) when players flooded the servers and Blizzard was hit with two DDoS attacks. However, it is still difficult to reliably enter the game in a short period of time. To reduce queues, Blizzard has patched its login servers to withstand the load of all the players trying to get in. They also plan to update another server to prevent players from being disconnected during the game.

However, the problem has not yet been completely resolved; according to Blizzard, the player database is overloaded, "which cascades down and causes backups in the login system, eventually causing people to drop out of the queue or not be able to log in at all It happens," he said. They are trying to tackle this problem by adding more nodes, but doing so will also put more strain on the servers. To keep this process going without breaking the servers, Blizzard is throttling the queue until there are enough nodes to resume.

Some players who have joined the game have noticed cosmetic items, currency, and other account progress missing; Blizzard says this is temporary and that it will implement some fixes next week. according to Blizzard that nearly half of the players reporting missing items have not yet merged their accounts.

Some players also have heroes locked behind First Time User Experience even though they have played before; Blizzard said that logging out and returning to the game will resolve this issue, but if it does not, contact support ( Open in new tab) if the problem persists.

The last item on the list of problems is the phone number needed to play the game in the first place; SMS protection (SMS authentication) has become mandatory to prevent "disruptive behavior," according to Blizzard. Following enormous criticism from people, especially those using prepaid numbers from providers like Cricket, Blizzard announced Friday (open in new tab) that it would remove it "for the vast majority of existing Overwatch players." For all accounts that still require a phone number, Blizzard has not said whether it will do anything about prepaid or VOIP numbers.