Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup": Potential causes and fixes

Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup" is an underlying issue in Season 13. This error occurs 10 seconds after opening the game and stops players from entering the lobby after displaying a critical error prompt. This is a hindrance for those who want seamless gaming sessions as they cannot load the game.

This article presents some potential reasons for Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup" alongside some possible fixes that players can use to counter this issue in the game.

Note: The fixes mentioned herein are not guaranteed to work for every user.

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Possible reasons for Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup"

Before knowing the possible solutions, it is important to be aware of some potential causes of the Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup." Here are some of them:

• Corrupt game files.
• Faulty internet connection.
• Client and server issues.
• Malicious program in the background.

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Potential fixes for Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup"

Overwatch 2 Steam page (Image via Steam || Blizzard Entertainment)

Verify the integrity of game files

The most basic fix for Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup" is to check the system for corrupt or missing game files. Players can do this across the platform of their choice by following these steps:

For Steam

• Go to your Steam library.
• Right-click on Overwatch 2 and select Properties.
• Select Installed Files.
• Click on Verify integrity of game files.

Battle.net

• Open the Battle.net client and log in.
• Look for the Overwatch 2 application.
• Click on the cog wheel next to the Play button.
• Select Scan and Repair.
• Click Begin Scan and finally click Yes.

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Check internet connection

The Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup" could be due to a faulty internet connection. First, check whether the wireless connection on the ethernet cable is connected. After verifying connectivity, check the connection speed, which can be done via Google speed test.

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Reinstall Overwatch

The best possible fix for the Overwatch 2 "critical errors during startup" is to reinstall the game. This is not a guaranteed fix but a clean install might be the only solution to this problem.

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Check for updates

The final fix for critical startup errors could be coming in a patch or an update that players might have overlooked. The updates can be checked in the games library on the respective platform. You can also head to Blizzard's official media forums to check for any future updates or downtime the developers might plan for the Overwatch 2 "critical error during startup" issue.

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For more content regarding Blizzard’s in-house 5v5 Hero Shooter, check out Sportskeeda’s Overwatch 2 page.

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