Overwatch 2 Beta: How to Play With Friends (Multiplayer Guide)
It's possible to join other gamers or invite friends to play in the Overwatch 2 Beta, but how to connect with other players isn't immediately obvious. In the first Overwatch, there was a Social button on the main menu that could be used to interact with other players and join or invite friends. However, the Overwatch 2 Beta doesn't have the same option on the main menu, so inviting friends can be unclear.
The Overwatch 2 Beta began on April 26, 2022, and will run until May 17, 2022. New players will be given access to join throughout the testing period. On the official website, players can opt-in to be a part of the beta test and look out for an email from Batte.net to download it. Unfortunately, the beta test is only available for PC players, so those looking to play Overwatch 2 on console will need to wait for the game's official release.
Currently, there's no exact release date for Overwatch 2, but that may change after the beta closes on May 17. Although there will be changes made before the official release, there is a specific way to invite friends who also have access to the beta version. Any player being invited will also need to gain access to the beta either by waiting for an email or by using a code if they participated in the Twitch event on April 27. Once all players have the game downloaded, they can easily play together.
Experiencing new features and heroes, like Sojourn in Overwatch 2, is more fun when players can connect with their friends. In order to invite someone in the beta version, players can click on the small play button next to their name in the top-right corner. From there, the menu on the next screen should look familiar to anyone who played the first Overwatch. Playing with friends is as easy as right-clicking on their name and selecting either invite or join.
If a 'Player not found' error pops up, there's a slightly different invite method that might work. Some players have had luck getting around the error if their friends send them a message, then they left-click on the person and invite them from there. If the error persists, players can try to close all Battle.net services completely, then relaunch the game and try to send the invite again.
The Overwatch 2 Beta includes several unique heroes and features that are enhanced by the ability to play with friends. Although the method for inviting other players is slightly different than it was in the first game, it's still just as easy to do. Many features may change after the beta is closed, but participating in the early test and connecting with friends will give players the chance to experience what Overwatch 2 has to offer ahead of the official release.
Overwatch 2 Beta will be available until May 17 on PC. The full game will release at a later date for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.