Overwatch 2 is set for a free-to-play launch very soon, but players will need to add their phone number to join the game as part of Blizzard’s SMS protect scheme, know the reason for the requirement
Developers have added the new requirement with the goal to combat ‘disruptive in-game behaviour’ for OW2.
Overwatch 2 Phone Number Requirement, SMS Protect Explained And How To Add Number
Overwatch 2 will launch with SMS Protect 📱
Starting October 4, 2022, all players across all platforms, including consoles, are required to have a phone number attached to their https://t.co/2OhArtKC9J account to launch Overwatch 2.
🔗 Learn More: https://t.co/NiOf9TJ0BU pic.twitter.com/ubJNKEjWRU
— Overwatch Cavalry 🇬🇧 (@OverwatchCaval) September 27, 2022
The SMS protect stuff and anti anti toxicity things for OW2 definitely seems like a step in the right direction
My only suggestion would maybe be making SMS protection only for ranked but im glad that they are doing literally anything about it now
— Ka1adin 🇺🇦 (@Ka1adin_) September 27, 2022
OW2, which is set for launch this October, will only release the PvP portion for now as the story mode still doesn’t have a release date.
Moreover, the game will be free-to-play for everyone, but OW1 owners will receive a Founder’s Pack as an added bonus.
Overwatch 2 will be available for pre-download in just a couple of days. But players now have to add their phone numbers to their battle.net account in order to play.
Step-By-Step Guide To Add Your Phone Number For Overwatch 2
OW2 fans have to add their phone number to play the game as part of the SMS protect scheme. The scheme is a part of Blizzard’s ‘Defense Matrix’.
Given below is a step-by-step guide for doing the same courtesy of Blizzard’s official ‘prepare for launch‘ blog post.
You simply need to follow the below steps to add your mobile device:
- Visit https://account.battle.net/ and log in
- Navigate to ‘Account Details’
- Add your phone number, including the area code, where it says, ‘Phone Number (Please note, country code is restricted to the designated country listed on your Blizzard account and certain types of phone numbers, including pre-paid and VOIP, cannot be used for SMS Protect)
- Click ‘Continue’
- You’ll receive an incoming SMS text message prompting you with a verification code
- Enter this code in the field and click “Continue” to activate SMS protection
Overwatch 2 SMS Protect
Overwatch 2 SMS Protect is part of a new ‘Defense Matrix’ fight against ‘smurf accounts’ and combat ‘disruptive in-game behaviour’.
Blizzard’s official overview on ‘Defense Matrix‘, stated that the system will help verify ownership of compromised accounts. It will also make it more difficult for banned or suspended players to return to the game.
Players can only add their existing phone number once, making it more difficult for players to return to the game. Players will not be able to use one number for multiple different profiles.
Overwatch 2 players will need to add their phone number to battle.net whether they play on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. It also doesn’t matter whether or not they owned the original game.