Searching for a game... forever

Technical Support
1

This is a weird issue so let me explain what I’ve observed so far.

When connected to my WiFi network, I’m unable to get into an Overwatch game. It just searches endlessly.

The WiFi connection is both stable and fast. I tried several of my other games and they had no issues playing online. I was able to get into games within seconds every time. No lag, nothing.

Strangely, when I connect to my phone’s WiFi hostpot, I am able to get into an Overwatch game. (Unfortunately it also has some input lag so I can’t even play the game like this.)

Clearly Overwatch doesn’t like something about my Wifi connection, but I have no idea what that might be. The fact that every other game I tried works perfectly, it has to be an Overwatch issue, right?

Any insights on this would be appreciated. I’m pulling my hair out over here. :frowning:

2

It’s possible Overwatch is more sensitive to small amounts of packet loss you’re experiencing on your home WiFi. We can figure that out by looking at a WinMTR that you run for at least 10 minutes. Post the results using the ` key to surround your text.

like this

3

Hey Nicole,

Thanks for your reply. I’m using a Mac so I unfortunately can’t run WinMTR, is there an alternative I can use?

I should also mention that I’m a console player. PS4.

EDIT: I did a test using Mac’s Network Utility.

--- yahoo.com ping statistics --- 300 packets transmitted, 296 packets received, 1.3% packet loss round-trip min/avg/max/stddev = 236.757/257.930/395.974/33.808 ms

4

That’s a ping, not an MTR. Can you try looking up the command for that, or at least traceroute? Also, you should be trying to reach the server you play Overwatch on. Because we already see packet loss going to yahoo, that leads me to believe it is your home network or ISP.

The Americas 24.105.30.129 (US West)
24.105.62.129 (US Central)
Brazil (Americas) 54.207.107.12
Europe 185.60.114.159
185.60.112.157
Korea 211.234.110.1
Taiwan 203.66.81.98

5

Hi Nicole, sorry, this is all a bit technical and I don’t fully understand what you want me to do. Can you be a bit more specific?

You believe it could be my network or ISP when all other games work as expected? Not to mention I have zero issues browsing online or streaming. Forgive me but that doesn’t seem like a reasonable conclusion given the facts.

Happy to run more tests, but I’ll need clearer and more specific instructions if you’re able to provide them. Thank you.

6

I don’t have a Mac. Just Google how to do a traceroute, and use the IP from the list above.

This is a very common misconception. Just because one service works fine doesn’t mean the route between you and another service is also fine.