How to spectate matches in Overwatch 2

If you want to see the fast-paced action from the outside, here’s how to spectate matches in Overwatch 2 and a list of all the modes in which you can watch other players.

Spectating matches in Overwatch 2 is a great way to learn tactics from your fiends and enjoy the entertaining gameplay of others. In Season 10, you can watch others jump into the new map and play Venture before you check out the new content yourself.

On that note, here’s everything to know about spectating friends in Overwatch 2, including the modes that allow you to do so.

How to spectate friends in Overwatch 2

The spectate feature is available in three Overwatch 2 modes: Quick Play, Arcade, and Custom Games, and the method for spectating varies depending on which mode you wish to sit in on. Quick Play and Arcade are done through your Overwatch 2 friends list on the main menu, while the feature can be used in Custom Games from the lobby.

Check out how to spectate in every Overwatch 2 mode below:

Quick Play & Arcade

1. Wait until your friend has successfully loaded into an Overwatch 2 match.
2. From the main menu, open up your friends list.
3. Scroll to the friend you wish to spectate and select their name.
4. Click ‘Spectate’ and wait to be loaded into the game.

Once loaded into the match as a spectator, you will be able to freely watch every player on your friend’s team throughout the match, and you won’t be put in the action yourself if someone leaves early, meaning you can simply sit back and observe.

The only downside is that the same process must be repeated each time, as spectators won’t automatically carry over between matches.

Custom Games

1. Create or join a Custom Games lobby.
2. Move over to the Spectators team at the bottom of the screen.
   • If you didn’t make the lobby, ask the host to change teams for you.
3. Start the match and wait for it to load.
4. Begin freely switching between every player in the game.

It’s worth keeping in mind that there can only be two onlookers per lobby, but players can switch between the spectator, red, and blue team between matches.

Also, Blizzard have removed the option from Ranked modes in an effort to stop players from receiving any advantage by having a sixth team member deliver callouts or offer advice.

Overwatch 2 spectator mode controls

While in Overwatch 2’s spectator mode, you can use these controls to properly observe the gameplay and have the best experience possible:

Action	PC control	Xbox control	PlayStation control	Switch control
Change players	Right and left mouse button	LT/RT	L2/RT	Zl/Zr
Switch between TPP/FPP	Space bar	X	A	B
Move left	A	Analog stick	Analog stick	Analog stick
Move right	D	Analog stick	Analog stick	Analog stick
Move ahead	W	Analog stick	Analog stick	Analog stick
Move back	S	Analog stick	Analog stick	Analog stick
Move up	E	Analog stick	Analog stick	Analog stick
Move down	Q	Analog stick	Analog stick	Analog stick
Zoom in	Mouse wheel up	D-pad Right	D-pad Right	D-pad right
Zoom out	Mouse wheel down	D-pad Left	D-pad Left	D-pad Left

All in all, spectating is a perfect way to learn the ropes in Overwatch 2 without the pressure of jumping straight into a game yourself. Alternatively, it’s a great way to take a break from the action while still cheering your friends on.

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For more on Overwatch 2, be sure to check out our other guides:

Are Overwatch 2 servers down? | Best Overwatch 2 PC settings | Does Overwatch 2 have cross-progression crossplay? | How to transfer Overwatch skins to Overwatch 2 | Is Overwatch 2 free-to-play? | How to play Overwatch 2 on Steam Deck | How to join Voice Chat in Overwatch 2 | Who is the most popular Overwatch 2 Heroes