How to spectate in Overwatch 2

While there are a plethora of different game modes in Overwatch 2, some players just want to sit back and watch some good gameplay. Thankfully, the game has a built-in spectating tool that allows you to watch your friend’s matches.

However, finding and utilizing this tool can be confusing for some players, so check out the tips below to learn everything you need to know about spectating in Overwatch 2.

All gamemodes you can spectate in Overwatch 2

Before you hop onto OW2 and attempt to spectate a game, it’s important to note that not all games can be viewed. For example, ranked matches can never be spectated, but they can be watched once they have ended through the replay system. This ensures players won’t use the spectating feature to give their friends a competitive advantage.

Below is a list of all the OW2 modes you can spectate:

• Quick Play
• Arcade
• Custom Games

How to spectate games in Overwatch 2

Spectating a match with your friends can be a useful learning experience for new players, because it teaches you how to better understand the game’s mechanics without having to physically play. You can also check out a specific player’s point of view to see how to best play a specific hero.

If your friends are currently in any of the aforementioned game modes, then here’s how you can spectate their match:

• Ensure your friend is already in a match.
• Enter the Social tab.
• Right-click on the friend’s card to bring up a menu and click on the Spectate option.

When you go to spectate a friend’s matches in OW2, you’ll have two options to choose from. You can either stay as a spectator and enjoy watching the game, or you can select an option that will automatically add you to their team if a player leaves.

How to spectate a Custom Game in Overwatch 2

Custom Games are created by players and feature a variety of different rules that manipulate how OW2 can be played. These matches can be joined at any time, or you can always choose to spectate them instead. You can also create your own private Custom Games to check out each map without having to worry about players attacking you.

Here’s how to spectate a Custom Game in Overwatch 2:

• Enter the Play tab.
• You can either create your own game or enter an existing one.
• To enter as a spectator in an existing custom game, pick any custom gamemode. There is a large spectate button in the bottom right-hand corner.
• If you create your own game, there are two slots for spectators.

All controls and commands for spectating in Overwatch 2

Once you enter a match as a spectator, you’ll have a free view of the map, and you can use commands to move around and check out the action. Alternatively, you can swap between different player’s points of view to get a first-hand account of the game.

Here are the most important controls you can use as a spectator in any of the mentioned Overwatch 2 matches: