Overwatch is one of the top video games globally, but it’s also an esport with millions of viewers, a massive player base, and a growing community.
It is a team-based first-person shooter game developed by Blizzard Entertainment and was released in May 2016 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC. The game sold more than 30 million copies worldwide in June 2019.
The game was designed to be a competitive, team-based shooter with heavy character customization options.
Gamers who play Overwatch have reported that the game sometimes crashes on the title screen, displaying the red error message “Lost Connection to the Game Server.”
This is very frustrating for gamers when they are fully focused on the game, and suddenly, everything is lost.
If you are one of those players experiencing issues while playing Overwatch, you are at the right place. TechNinjaPro will discuss some of the ways you can fix it effectively.
How to Fix the OverWatch Lost Connection Error?
Losing a connection to the game server is the worst thing that can happen to a player, and it can happen at any time and for no reason.
You’re enjoying Overwatch when you are booted back to the title screen with an error message: “Lost connection to the game server.”
You do not need to try all of the fixes; find just the one that works for you. The list is arranged to start from the most common and easy solutions to time-requiring fixes.
1. Reboot Wi-Fi Router
When you see the error “Lost Connection to Gaming Server” on Overwatch, the first thing you should check is whether your connection is working fine or not.
You can reboot your network to restore Internet connection speed. This may also fix the annoying issue.
Here is how:
- Unplug your router from the power for 60 seconds.
- Plug it back after a minute.
- Once you see the internet has started working, run Overwatch on your PC.
If the internet were the source of your “Lost connection to gaming server” error, you would not see any error messages.
However, if you continue to receive this message, you should look for other solutions.
2. Update the Network Driver
The outdated network driver can also cause this issue, and it will keep on making the internet connection not work smoothly.
To see if this causes the problem with the Overwatch, try updating your network driver.
You can upgrade your network driver in two ways:
- Manually
- Automatically.
You may manually update your network driver by heading to the manufacturer’s website and searching for your network’s most recent network driver.
Update the network driver automatically
There are software available in the market that will automatically update drivers for you.
One of the most potent and comprehensive help is Driver Booster.
Driver Booster will not only update your WIFI driver, but it will also fix Overwatch network failure. Follow the given steps to update your network driver automatically.
- Get Driver Booster, install it, and run it.
- Select Scan. Driver Booster will begin searching for outdated, missing, and broken drivers right away.
- Identify network adapters before updating the network driver.
- To resolve network issues in the Overwatch game, select Tools from the left panel of Driver Booster, and then Fix Network Failure from the right side.
Following the steps in Driver Booster, you will address all of the issues related to your network.
If an outdated driver causes Overwatch errors, the issue should be resolved; if the error persists, it could be due to a different issue, and you should continue looking for solutions. (Read complete Review of Driver Booster PRO)
3. Run Blizzard’s Battle.net Looking-Glass
Blizzard’s Battle.net Looking-Glass is a system diagnostic tool that you can use to test your server connection. To run the program and test your connection, follow these steps:
- Go to Blizzard’s Battle.net Looking-Glass.
- Pick your region and the service. Check all of the testing items and tick Run Test.
If you post your test results on the official forum of Overwatch, someone may be able to help you analyze them and solve your problem. Or you can try the next solution below.
4. Reset Winsock Data
The Winsock interface in Windows deals with the input/output requests for internet applications. TechNinjaPro will show you how to delete the data of Winsock and resolve the issue with Overwatch.
Resetting Winsock can fix several kinds of Internet connection problems in Windows. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows key and type CMD in the search box. When you see Command Prompt in the search results, right tick it and then choose Run as administrator. You will be prompted for permission. Tick YES to run the Command Prompt.
- Type netsh Winsock reset and press Enter in the Command Prompt.
Open Overwatch after restarting your computer to see if Overwatch can connect to the game server.
If Overwatch lost connection to the game server again, you need to try the next solution.
5. Avoid Wireless interference
If your Overwatch shows the error of losing connection to the server, try to run it on another internet connection.
This Overwatch error could be caused because of the interference in the wireless connection, and you should fix it.
- Change the location of your Wi-Fi router.
- Place it close to the device you use for Overwatch.
- Keep it away from the electronic devices that release electromagnetic waves because they can interrupt the Wi-Fi in its function.
- Check Overwatch by restarting it.
6. Renew IP Address and Flush DNS Server
It is most likely that Overwatch starts showing errors due to the DNS and IP address, and there is a solution for that as well.
Flushing your DNS server and renewing the IP address will resolve this issue.
Follow the steps given below.
How to Flush DNS Server?
Tap on the windows and R key on your keyboard. The Run dialog will appear on the screen.
- Press Windows + R shortcut key.
- In the Run search bar, type CMD and give permission to Command prompt to make changes as administrator, tap “Ctrl + Shift and Enter” key simultaneously.
- Select the Yes option to give permission
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and click enter.
- This will flush your DNS server
How to Renew IP Address?
Open the Run Dialog by following the same method explained in the Flush DNS Server section.
- Run the Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type ipconfig /release and click enter. Then type ipconfig /renew and run it.
- Restart your computer after doing that.
If the reason for Overwatch showing the error “Lost connection to the game server.” was because of the IP and DNS, then it will be resolved as your IP and DNS is renewed.
7. Change DNS Address
DNS is supposed to change the domain name to an IP address, allowing the browser to access resources online. Changing the DNS address to google may solve the problem for you.
Advanced SystemCare PRO is the best third-party software that contains all the valuable tools to assist in this matter. It will automatically change the DNS address. Follow the below-given steps to change the DNS Address
- Get Advanced SystemCare, install it, and run it.
- Select DNS Protector from the Toolbox menu. As you can see, ASC is installing the toolbox for you automatically.
- Under the DNS protector, select one DNS settings you want to protect and the DNS provider, such as Google Public DNS servers.
8. Disable the Proxy Server
If you are using a proxy server, it may be causing the connection problem.
Follow the instructions listed below to see if disabling your proxy server will resolve the issue.
- Press the Windows + R key to open the Run box.
- Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter.
- Go to the Connections tab. Pick Never dial a connection if you see it. Then tick on LAN settings.
- To change the proxy settings, uncheck the box next to “Use a proxy server”. If it is already unchecked, check the box next to “Automatically detect” settings. Then tick OK.
- If you use a third-party server or a VPN, disable it.
9. Close Bandwidth-Hogging Applications
Close bandwidth-hogging application is the most common issue that Gamers face. Someone from the family starts downloading or watching movies on the internet connection, or if there is an application that uses all the bandwidth on your system, you should stop that if you want to enjoy gaming.
Here is how you can check and close the applications running in the background.
- Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Tap on the bandwidth-hogging apps and then click on the End Task button at the bottom of the Task Manager.
Now restart your computer and run Overwatch. Overwatch will not disconnect from the server because you have removed all the hurdles.
10. Try using a VPN
When your Overwatch lost connection to the game server occurs, it could be that Blizzard’s servers are experiencing interruptions. You can bypass these interruptions by using a VPN.
A VPN can help if you’re having trouble connecting to the Overwatch game server.
A VPN will let you connect securely to Blizzard’s servers without interruptions from your Internet service provider.
In fact, using a VPN can not only fix some Internet issues, but it can also help you maintain a good connection to your game servers, so you may experience fewer connection issues and enjoy better overall performance when playing your favorite games.
If you have limited computer skills or time, you should try ExpressVPN because it is simple to install and can be used on multiple devices.
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services on the market today, and it has a lot of excellent features. It’s fast, reliable, easy to use, and most importantly, it has every security feature you could ever want in a VPN.
Follow the steps to use ExpressVPN on your PC:
- Download and install ExpressVPN on your PC.
- Run ExpressVPN and sign in with your credentials.
- Tick the Connect Switch. This will automatically connect you to the VPN server recommended for you or selected by you.
- Check to see if your lost connection error is fixed.
FAQs
Check your home network for connection issues if you frequently disconnect from Overwatch. Try restarting your home network.
Next, update the network driver, change the DNS server, or reset the Winsock catalog.
When a player loses connection to the server while playing Overwatch, he has been disconnected from the game completely. This issue can occur due to various reasons, such as:
- Your device's network connectivity is down or offline;
- Your device is not connected to a Wi-Fi network;
- Your internet service provider (ISP) has limited bandwidth available; or
- Overwatch servers are down for maintenance or due to some technical issues.
Close unused apps to free up network resources. If you are trying to connect to a different region's server, use the best VPN for Overwatch to reduce ping and lag.
Conclusion
In the article, TechNinjaPro has listed down all the possible issues that can cause the OverWatch to keep on disconnecting from the server. If none of the fixes help you solve the problem, you should contact the game provider.