Of all the things you can customize in Overwatch 2—your hero skins, your weapon charms, your favorite crosshair—one of the most personal choices is the name that represents you in-game. Whether you’re looking to adopt a cooler handle, align your in-game name with your friends, or simply want a change, the process is straightforward. However, it’s a common point of confusion for many players.
This guide will walk you through the exact steps to change your display name in Overwatch 2, ensuring you can get back to the game with your new identity as quickly as possible.
Why Change Your Overwatch Name?
Before we dive into the "how," it’s worth considering the "why." Your display name is what your friends and fellow competitors see. Maybe your old name doesn’t fit your style anymore. Perhaps you’re tired of the old gamertag from your youth and want something more mature. Or maybe you just want a refresh to go along with a new season of the game. Whatever the reason, changing your name is a great way to refresh your in-game identity.
How to Change Your Name in Overwatch 2
It’s crucial to understand that Overwatch 2 does not have a separate, independent display name system. Your in-game name is pulled directly from the platform you are playing on. This means the process is different depending on whether you play on PC (via Battle.net) or on a console (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch).
Here’s how it works for each platform:
For PC (Battle.net) Users:
- Open your web browser and go to the Official Battle.net account management page.
- Log in to your account.
- In the left-hand menu, click on "Account Settings."
- Under the "Account Information" section, find the "Battle.net Display Name" field.
- Click the edit icon (a small pencil) next to your current name.
- Enter your new desired Display Name.
- Confirm your password when prompted.
- Click "Save Changes."
That’s it! The change is immediate. The next time you log into any Blizzard game, including Overwatch 2, your new name will be displayed.
Important Note: There is a limit to how often you can do this. Blizzard typically enforces a 30-day cooldown period after a name change before you can change it again. Choose wisely!
For Console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) Users:
For console players, the process is different because your in-game name is pulled directly from your console account, not from Blizzard.
- For PlayStation players, your Overwatch name is your PlayStation Network (PSN) ID.
- For Xbox players, your Overhandle is your Xbox Live Gamertag.
- For Nintendo Switch players, your Overwatch name is your Nintendo Switch Online Username.
Therefore, to change your name in Overwatch on console, you must change the name on your respective platform account.
- For Xbox: You would change your Xbox Live Gamertag.
- For PlayStation: You would change your PlayStation Network Online ID.
- For Nintendo Switch: Your name is tied to your Nintendo Account. You can change the associated username in your Nintendo Account settings.
The process for each is slightly different, but generally involves logging into your account on the respective manufacturer’s website and finding the profile or account settings to change your displayed name.
What About the Blizzard Console?
You might notice there is also a Blizzard Battle.net Tag on your console account. This is different! This tag is only used when adding friends across different platforms (e.g., a PlayStation player adding an Xbox player as a friend). It is not the name that is displayed in-game on your console. So, to change the name people see when you’re playing the game on your console, you need to change the platform’s name (e.g., your PSN ID), not your Blizzard Tag.
Conclusion
Changing your name in Overwatch 2 is a simple process, but the path you take depends entirely on your platform. For PC players, it means a quick trip to the Battle.net account management page. For console players, it means changing the name on your Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo account itself. Remember the cool-down period on Battle.net, and for console players, be aware that changing your platform username might affect other games as well.
So, choose a name you love, follow the steps, and get ready to drop into your next match with a brand-new identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I changed my name on Battle.net, but it’s not showing up in Overwatch. What’s wrong?
A: The change is instant, but it might take a little time to propagate through all servers. If it doesn’t update within an hour or so, try logging out of the game and the Blizzard application completely and then logging back in. This will often force the game to recognize the change.
Q2: Is changing my name on Xbox/PSN the same as changing it for Overwatch?
A: Yes, it is. Since Overwatch on console uses your platform’s username directly, changing your PSN ID or Xbox Gamertag will change it for Overwatch, and also for every other game you play on that platform.
Q3: Will changing my name affect my friends list or progress?
A: Absolutely not. Changing your display name is a cosmetic and administrative change only. It does not affect your friend list, your in-game progress, your competitive rank, your unlocked items, or your saved settings. Everything will remain exactly as you left it.
Q4: Are there any restrictions on the new name I can choose?
A: Yes. Like all online platforms, Blizzard and the console manufacturers must enforce rules. Your new name cannot be offensive, hateful, impersonate someone else, or be designed to harass others. If you choose a name that violates the Blizzard End User License Agreement, you risk account penalties, including a ban.
Q5: Can I use the same name as someone else?
A: No. Display names must be unique across each platform. So, on Battle.net, each name is unique. On PlayStation Network, each name is unique, and so on. If a name is taken, you will have to choose a different one. You may, however, see people in-game with the same name as you if they are on a different platform (e.g., a PlayStation player and an Xbox player could have the same name).
Q6: Is changing my name free?
A: For Battle.net (PC), your first change is free. Subsequent changes, however, require a fee. For console players, the cost depends on your platform. Xbox, for example, allows you to change your gamertag for free on the Xbox website. However, if you want to change it more than once, there is a small fee. PlayStation also has a small fee for subsequent changes. Nintendo Switch does not offer a native username change, but you can change the name on your linked Nintendo Account.<｜begin▁of▁sentence｜>