Cross-Play Beta is coming to Overwatch, allowing players to group up and play together. Powered by the latest global Battle.net update, players from around the world can team up, regardless of their preferred platform.

The global Battle.net updates merges friends lists from different territories into one, so players no longer need to switch regions in Battle.net just to play with buddies on the other side of the planet. China will remain its own separate region. Those who opt-out of the cross-play feature will not have the ability to see Battle.net friends on their friends list.

For the release of cross-play, all players will need to make a Battle.net account and link their appropriate console accounts. Everyone who follows the steps and logs in to Overwatch by Dec. 31, 2021, will receive a Golden Loot Box to celebrate the launch of Cross-Play Beta.

All console players will be required to make a Battle.net account and link it to their console (Xbox, PSN, Nintendo Switch) account. PC players do not need to take this step – You already have a Battle.net account. Upon launching the game, you will be prompted to link your console account to a Battle.net account.

Consoles that will support this feature include Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch. During cross-play, players’ progression and collection content will not be carried over. It only allows for group play with other users. Cross-play is also automatically enabled for all game modes except competitive games.