How to Fix Overwatch 2 FPS Drops

How to Fix Overwatch 2 FPS Drop? Overwatch 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to Blizzard’s popular hero shooter Overwatch. The game brings upgraded graphics, new heroes, maps and game modes. However, some players have reported performance issues like FPS drops and stuttering after the launch. This can severely impact your gameplay and competitiveness. In this guide, we will go over different solutions to fix FPS drops and achieve smooth performance in Overwatch 2.

Check Your PC’s Specs

Before troubleshooting, make sure your PC meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for Overwatch 2:

• OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600 series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 50GB free space
• Internet: Broadband connection

If your PC falls below these specs, consider upgrading components like RAM, GPU or processor to meet the recommendations. This will ensure optimum performance.

Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers often cause performance issues in games. Update to the latest drivers optimized for Overwatch 2:

• For NVIDIA GPUs, install GeForce Game Ready Driver 522.25 WHQL or later
• For AMD GPUs, install Adrenalin 22.9.2 driver or later
• For Intel integrated graphics, install the latest drivers from Intel’s website

Use the GeForce Experience or Radeon Software app to easily update drivers. Restart your PC after installing new drivers. This will resolve any GPU/driver related FPS drops.

Adjust In-Game Graphic Settings

Overwatch 2 defaults to higher graphic settings that your PC may not be able to handle well. Lowering some settings can significantly improve FPS:

• Reduce Resolution Scale below 100%. Try 90% or lower.
• Lower Texture Quality to Medium or Low
• Reduce Shadow Detail to Low or Off
• Disable Ambient Occlusion and Local Reflections
• If using AMD GPU, turn on Radeon Anti-Lag

Experiment with these settings and turn them up or down as needed until you get smooth FPS during gameplay. Make sure to save changes.

Close Background Apps and Processes

Too many apps and processes running in the background also consume hardware resources. Close unnecessary apps before playing Overwatch 2:

• On Windows 10/11, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end background processes not needed
• Disable startup apps not needed using Task Manager’s Startup tab
• Temporarily disable antivirus and other background utilities
• Close web browsers, media players and any other open programs

This frees up memory, CPU and GPU resources for the game. Remember to re-enable antivirus and other utilities after playing.

Check for Overheating Issues

Overheating can cause FPS drops and stuttering. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures using a system monitor tool like MSI Afterburner.

During gameplay, if temperatures exceed 85°C, there could be cooling issues. Try these fixes:

• Clean dust buildup inside desktop PC or laptop. Use compressed air.
• Reapply thermal paste between CPU/GPU and heatsink if temperatures are still high
• Use elevated cooling pad under a laptop to improve airflow
• Adjust fan curves to ramp up faster using Afterburner or BIOS settings

Lower temperatures will lead to more stable performance in Overwatch 2.

Change Windows Power Settings

Windows may throttle your CPU and GPU performance to save power. This can negatively affect game FPS.

Go to Power Options in Windows Settings. Change power plan to High Performance:

• Set CPU min/max to 100%
• Ensure PCI Express Link State Power Management is Off
• Disable CPU throttling and CPU performance boost mode

This will stop Windows from limiting hardware performance and fix FPS inconsistencies.

Run Repair Tool to Fix Corrupted Files

Corrupted game files can also create FPS drops and stuttering. Scan and repair Overwatch 2 using the Battle.net app:

• Open Battle.net and click Overwatch 2
• Click Options (gear icon) > Scan and Repair
• Wait for the scan to complete and repair corrupt files
• Restart game afterwards

This will replace any damaged game data that could be causing performance issues.

Perform Clean Install of GPU Drivers

If FPS issues persist even after updating GPU drivers, do a clean install using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller):

• Download and run DDU in safe mode
• Select your GPU make and fully uninstall drivers
• Restart into normal Windows mode
• Download latest GPU drivers and install them
• Run Overwatch 2 and check for FPS improvements

A clean install removes any trace of old drivers that could be conflicting.

Change CPU Priority for Overwatch 2

You can optimize CPU usage for Overwatch 2 by setting the game’s process priority to High:

• Launch Overwatch 2
• Open Task Manager > Details tab
• Right click overwatch.exe process
• Set Priority > High

This allocates more CPU time to the game so it runs smoother. Remember to revert priority to Normal after playing.

Reinstall or Verify Game Files

If your Overwatch 2 install is broken or missing files, that can hurt FPS. You may have to reinstall or verify game files.

In Battle.net app:

• Click Overwatch 2 > Options
• Choose Uninstall to fully remove the game
• Restart computer and reinstall Overwatch 2

Or choose Scan and Repair to check game file integrity. This will re-download any missing or corrupted files.

Upgrade PC Hardware

If your computer is too outdated and doesn’t meet minimum requirements, there is only so much software optimizations can do. An upgrade would be required:

• Getting a modern mid-range GPU like RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT will boost FPS drastically
• 16GB DDR4 RAM allows you to multi-task smoothly while gaming
• A quad or hex core CPU released in the last 3-4 years is recommended
• Get an SSD for much faster load times if you currently use a HDD

Upgrading components lets you enjoy Overwatch 2 with maxed out graphics and high framerates.

Final Thoughts

Overwatch 2 doesn’t have to be plagued by low FPS, even on medium range PCs. Utilize the solutions discussed like updating drivers, lowering graphic settings, monitoring thermals and closing background apps. Optimize Windows power settings and game priority. Repairing game files and reinstalling GPU drivers can also fix stubborn FPS issues. Finally look into upgrading aging hardware for best experience. Implement these steps and you will eliminate FPS drops in Overwatch 2.

How to Fix Overwatch 2 FPS Drop FAQ