Overwatch system requirements

Wondering what the Overwatch system requirements are? Whether you've inherited someone's old computer or you're using a handheld gaming PC to enjoy the portable experience, it's always worth looking at the Overwatch system requirements before you boot up, helping you identify any potential problems ahead of time.

Overwatch has been through several drastic changes since it was released almost a decade ago, and while it has received engine upgrades to make the multiplayer game prettier, the system requirements haven't changed much. For a closer look at how to get better performance in-game, you can check out our best Overwatch settings guide.

Here are the Overwatch system requirements:

The Overwatch minimum requirements are a modest ask, as the game can run on decade-old graphics cards. While the Nvidia GeForce GTX 600 series and AMD Radeon HD 7000 series will be enough, opting for something more modern allows you to push resolution, frame rates, and graphics settings much higher.

These relatively light minimum system requirements are perfect for handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Xbox Ally and Steam Deck, both of which run Overwatch at 720p at a stable 90fps, assuming you run the game at the medium graphics preset. You can afford to bump up the graphics if you're happy to settle with 60fps, and if you want to maximize your frame rate, you can always reduce the resolution scaling.

Turning to processors, Blizzard sets the floor with the AMD Phenom X3 8650, a tri-core gaming CPU from 2008. Any Intel Core i3 chip should be more than enough to get you going, too. You should aim to have at least 6GB of RAM to maintain a stable frame rate. While you can run the game with just 4GB, you will likely suffer from performance issues the longer you play the game.

The Overwatch recommended specs are a substantial step up from the minimum, but they're still relatively easy to meet. The ever-popular Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 provides a great experience, as does the AMD Radeon R9 380. Overwatch does support Nvidia Reflex, designed to keep system latency to an absolute minimum. Rounding out the recommended specs are Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 processors, paired with 8GB of RAM.

Finally, the Overwatch size footprint comes in at 50GB. Hard drives are supported, but installing the game on one of the best SSD picks from our buying guide will greatly improve load times, ensuring you spend less time waiting around and more time playing the game.

Though it isn't listed in the recommended specs, it should be noted that new Overwatch seasons occur every two months, which usually means you can expect a hefty update that typically pushes over 20GB.

That's all you need to know about the Overwatch system requirements. While you're here, be sure to read our Overwatch Stadium guide to learn about the MOBA-like game mode, and we also have an Overwatch skins guide, updated every week to highlight all the new items in the store.