The new Overwatch update today introduced a feature into beta that has been requested since the game was released: cross-play. Now, players can play together across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. However, some caveats make the new ability to cross-play in Overwatch less than ideal. Additionally, in the June 22 patch notes, there’s been some balancing to heroes and an announcement that could have major consequences going forward.
How does cross-play work in Overwatch?
With the latest patch, Overwatch players from all platforms can group up and enter matches. Unfortunately, there are some caveats to this new system.
All players must now create a Battle.net account and link it to their console to activate cross-play. To do so:
- Head to Battle.net
- Create an account.
- Log into the new account and go to settings.
- Link the console under “Connections.”
- Launch Overwatch on the console.
- Watch for the alpha-numeric code and QR code to pop up, prompting players to finish linking their console.
- Either enter to code at blizzard.com/link or scan the QR code with a phone.
- Log in to the site with the Battle.net account.
- Wait for the confirmation message to pop up on the console.
Players should also note that cross-play doesn’t mean cross-progression. Skins, currency, and player progress doesn’t carry over between platforms. So, playing the game on a new platform still means players have to start again completely fresh.
Console players who aren’t interested in cross-play can ignore the feature, and matchmaking will continue to work as it has previously. However, PC players cannot opt out of the feature. Additionally, even with cross-play, competitive matchmaking will be split into two pools: PC and console.
Overwatch future balancing adjustments
One big thing coming with the release of cross-play on Overwatch is a new approach to balancing. Blizzard will seek to bring balance between the various platforms and will apply to all matches.
The first of these “Parity Adjustments” is that the enemy AI in Archives no longer does less damage on console. The remainder are hero-specific and can be found below.
Overwatch Patch Notes June 22, 2021 update
Below we cover the hero balances and bug fixes found in the full patch notes:
Hero changes:
- Ana
- Biotic Rifle: (Parity Adjustment) Darts no longer have increased projectile size on console platforms.
- Ashe
- B.O.B.: (Parity Adjustment) No longer does less damage on console platforms.
- Symmetra
- Sentry Turret: (Parity Adjustment) No longer deals less damage on console platforms.
- Torbjorn
- Deploy Turret: (Parity Adjustment) No longer does less damage on console platforms.
Bug Fixes:
General
- Fixed a bug that caused the Play vs. AI game mode to not appear within the All Modes context menu in the Career Profile.
- Fixed a bug in 4v4 Team Deathmatch that caused score pings to playback too loudly.
Maps
- Busan
- Fixed a bug that caused players to become stuck on a specific section of the train station.
Heroes
- Doomfist
- Fixed a bug with breakable objects not breaking properly when using Rising Uppercut.
- Fixed a bug where McCree could rarely avoid being lifted by Rising Uppercut if using Combat Roll.
- D.Va
- Fixed a bug that allowed her Call Mech ability to damage enemies through walls.
- Symmetra
- Fixed a bug that caused her Teleporter to not appear directly beneath her when cast within Zarya’s Graviton Surge.
