Overwatch 2 is a popular first-person shooter game that has been released recently. However, many players are experiencing an error message that says "Starting game" and then the game does not launch.
This error message can be frustrating, especially if you are eager to play the game. There are a few things that you can do to try to fix this error and get the game to launch.
In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.
Overwatch 2 Error: Starting Game
The "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2 can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Game files not installed properly
- Outdated graphics drivers
- Firewall or antivirus software blocking the game
- Corrupted game files
- Insufficient system resources
- Server issues
- Game bugs
- Slow or unstable internet connection
- Overclocked hardware
If you are experiencing this error, there are a few things you can try to fix it:
Game files not installed properly
One of the most common causes of the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2 is that the game files were not installed properly. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a corrupted download or a problem with the installation process.
If you think that your game files may not have been installed properly, you can try to repair them. To do this, follow these steps:
- Close Overwatch 2.
- Open the Battle.net launcher.
- Click on the Overwatch 2 icon.
- Click on the "Options" button.
- Select "Scan and Repair".
The Battle.net launcher will now scan your game files and repair any that are corrupted or missing. Once the scan and repair process is complete, try launching Overwatch 2 again.
If you are still experiencing the "Starting game" error after repairing your game files, you may need to reinstall the game. To do this, follow these steps:
Outdated graphics drivers
Another common cause of the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2 is outdated graphics drivers. Graphics drivers are software that allows your computer to communicate with your graphics card. If your graphics drivers are out of date, they may not be able to properly support Overwatch 2, which can lead to the "Starting game" error.
To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:
- Identify the make and model of your graphics card.
- Go to the website of the graphics card manufacturer.
- Locate the drivers section and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
- Install the drivers and restart your computer.
Once you have updated your graphics drivers, try launching Overwatch 2 again.
If you are still experiencing the "Starting game" error after updating your graphics drivers, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps, such as repairing your game files or reinstalling the game.
Firewall or antivirus software blocking the game
Firewall and antivirus software can sometimes block Overwatch 2 from accessing the internet, which can lead to the "Starting game" error. To fix this, you can try adding Overwatch 2 to the whitelist of your firewall and antivirus software.
To add Overwatch 2 to the whitelist of your firewall, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on "System and Security".
- Click on "Windows Firewall".
- Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall".
- Click on the "Change settings" button.
- Scroll down and locate Overwatch 2 in the list of apps and features.
- Check the boxes next to "Public" and "Private".
- Click on the "OK" button.
To add Overwatch 2 to the whitelist of your antivirus software, follow the instructions provided by the software vendor.
Once you have added Overwatch 2 to the whitelist of your firewall and antivirus software, try launching the game again.
Corrupted game files
Corrupted game files can also cause the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2. Corrupted game files can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a power outage or a system crash. If you think that your game files may be corrupted, you can try to repair them. To do this, follow these steps:
Close Overwatch 2.Closing Overwatch 2 will ensure that the game files are not being accessed while you are trying to repair them.
Open the Battle.net launcher.The Battle.net launcher is the application that you use to launch Overwatch 2.
Click on the Overwatch 2 icon.This will open the Overwatch 2 game page in the Battle.net launcher.
Click on the "Options" button.The "Options" button is located next to the "Play" button.
Select "Scan and Repair".The "Scan and Repair" option will scan your game files and repair any that are corrupted or missing.
Once the scan and repair process is complete, try launching Overwatch 2 again. If the "Starting game" error is still occurring, you may need to reinstall the game.
Insufficient system resources
Overwatch 2 requires a certain amount of system resources to run properly. If your computer does not have enough RAM, CPU, or GPU resources, you may experience the "Starting game" error. To fix this, you can try closing any unnecessary programs or restarting your computer.
Close unnecessary programs.Any programs that are running in the background can take up system resources that Overwatch 2 needs to run. To close unnecessary programs, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager. Then, click on the "Processes" tab and sort the processes by memory usage. Close any programs that are using a lot of memory and that you do not need.
Restart your computer.Restarting your computer will close all programs and clear the memory. This can free up system resources that Overwatch 2 needs to run.
Upgrade your hardware.If you are consistently experiencing the "Starting game" error, you may need to upgrade your computer's hardware. This could involve adding more RAM, upgrading your CPU, or getting a new graphics card.
If you have tried all of the above steps and you are still experiencing the "Starting game" error, you may need to contact Blizzard Support for further assistance.
Server issues
If the Overwatch 2 servers are experiencing issues, you may experience the "Starting game" error. Server issues can occur for a variety of reasons, such as maintenance, DDoS attacks, or simply high player volume. If you suspect that the Overwatch 2 servers are down, you can check the BlizzardCS Twitter account for updates.
If the Overwatch 2 servers are down, there is nothing you can do but wait until the servers are back up. Blizzard will typically announce when the servers are back up on the BlizzardCS Twitter account.
Game bugs
Game bugs can also cause the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2. Game bugs are errors in the game code that can cause the game to crash, freeze, or otherwise malfunction. Blizzard typically releases patches to fix game bugs, so if you are experiencing the "Starting game" error, you can try updating your game to the latest version.
To update your game to the latest version, follow these steps:
- Open the Battle.net launcher.
- Click on the Overwatch 2 icon.
- Click on the "Options" button.
- Select "Check for Updates".
If there is an update available, the Battle.net launcher will download and install it. Once the update is installed, try launching Overwatch 2 again.
Slow or unstable internet connection
A slow or unstable internet connection can also cause the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2. Overwatch 2 requires a stable internet connection to connect to the game servers. If your internet connection is slow or unstable, you may experience the "Starting game" error.
To fix this, you can try the following:
-
Restart your router and modem.
Restarting your router and modem can help to clear any temporary glitches that may be causing your internet connection to be slow or unstable.
Check your internet speed.You can check your internet speed by visiting a website like Speedtest.net. If your internet speed is slow, you may need to contact your internet service provider.
Use a wired connection.A wired connection is more stable than a wireless connection. If possible, try connecting your computer to your router using an Ethernet cable.
Close unnecessary programs.Any programs that are running in the background can use up bandwidth and slow down your internet connection. To close unnecessary programs, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager. Then, click on the "Processes" tab and sort the processes by network usage. Close any programs that are using a lot of bandwidth and that you do not need.
Overclocked hardware
Overclocked hardware can also cause the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2. Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed of a computer component, such as the CPU or GPU. While overclocking can improve performance, it can also lead to instability and errors.
If you are experiencing the "Starting game" error and you have overclocked your hardware, try resetting your hardware to its default clock speeds. To do this, you can use the BIOS settings on your motherboard.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2:
Question 1: What causes the "Starting game" error?
Answer: The "Starting game" error can be caused by a variety of factors, including game files not installed properly, outdated graphics drivers, firewall or antivirus software blocking the game, corrupted game files, insufficient system resources, server issues, game bugs, slow or unstable internet connection, and overclocked hardware.
Question 2: How can I fix the "Starting game" error?
Answer: The steps to fix the "Starting game" error will vary depending on the cause of the error. Some common solutions include repairing game files, updating graphics drivers, adding the game to the whitelist of firewall and antivirus software, closing unnecessary programs, restarting your computer, updating the game to the latest version, and checking your internet connection.
Question 3: Why do I get the "Starting game" error even though my game files are installed properly?
Answer: The "Starting game" error can still occur even if your game files are installed properly. This could be due to other factors, such as outdated graphics drivers, firewall or antivirus software blocking the game, corrupted game files, insufficient system resources, server issues, game bugs, slow or unstable internet connection, or overclocked hardware.
Question 4: I've tried all of the troubleshooting steps but I'm still getting the "Starting game" error. What can I do?
Answer: If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps and you are still getting the "Starting game" error, you may need to contact Blizzard Support for further assistance.
Question 5: Is there anything I can do to prevent the "Starting game" error from happening in the future?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to help prevent the "Starting game" error from happening in the future. These include keeping your game files updated, updating your graphics drivers, and ensuring that your firewall and antivirus software are not blocking the game.
Question 6: I'm still having trouble with the "Starting game" error. Where can I get more help?
Answer: You can get more help with the "Starting game" error by visiting the Blizzard Support website or by contacting Blizzard Support directly.
If you are still experiencing the "Starting game" error after trying all of the troubleshooting steps, you may need to contact Blizzard Support for further assistance.
In addition to the troubleshooting steps and FAQ listed above, here are some additional tips that may help you fix the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2:
Tips
Here are some additional tips that may help you fix the "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2:
Tip 1: Repair your game files.
Corrupted game files can cause the "Starting game" error. To repair your game files, follow these steps:
- Close Overwatch 2.
- Open the Battle.net launcher.
- Click on the Overwatch 2 icon.
- Click on the "Options" button.
- Select "Scan and Repair".
Tip 2: Update your graphics drivers.
Outdated graphics drivers can also cause the "Starting game" error. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:
- Identify the make and model of your graphics card.
- Go to the website of the graphics card manufacturer.
- Locate the drivers section and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
- Install the drivers and restart your computer.
Tip 3: Add Overwatch 2 to the whitelist of your firewall and antivirus software.
Firewall and antivirus software can sometimes block Overwatch 2 from accessing the internet, which can lead to the "Starting game" error. To add Overwatch 2 to the whitelist of your firewall and antivirus software, follow the instructions provided by the software vendor.
Tip 4: Close unnecessary programs.
Any programs that are running in the background can take up system resources that Overwatch 2 needs to run. To close unnecessary programs, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager. Then, click on the "Processes" tab and sort the processes by memory usage. Close any programs that are using a lot of memory and that you do not need.
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps and tips listed above and you are still experiencing the "Starting game" error, you may need to contact Blizzard Support for further assistance.
The "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2 can be frustrating, but it can usually be fixed by following the troubleshooting steps and tips listed above. If you are still experiencing the error after trying all of the troubleshooting steps and tips, you may need to contact Blizzard Support for further assistance.
Conclusion
The "Starting game" error in Overwatch 2 can be caused by a variety of factors, including game files not installed properly, outdated graphics drivers, firewall or antivirus software blocking the game, corrupted game files, insufficient system resources, server issues, game bugs, slow or unstable internet connection, and overclocked hardware.
If you are experiencing the "Starting game" error, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it. These include repairing your game files, updating your graphics drivers, adding the game to the whitelist of your firewall and antivirus software, closing unnecessary programs, restarting your computer, updating the game to the latest version, and checking your internet connection.
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps and you are still getting the "Starting game" error, you may need to contact Blizzard Support for further assistance.
The "Starting game" error can be frustrating, but it can usually be fixed by following the troubleshooting steps listed above. If you are still experiencing the error after trying all of the troubleshooting steps, you may need to contact Blizzard Support for further assistance.