Is Overwatch down? How to check server status

Overwatch, like all live-service games, can and will suffer from server issues from time to time.

With heightened activity, such as when new patches come out, servers can suffer tremendously, often crashing or sending players into never-ending queue purgatories. So, if you’re experiencing issues, here’s how you can check Overwatch‘s server status.

How to check Overwatch server status

As of Feb. 14, Overwatch seems to be seeing some server instability, with players reporting difficulties getting into the game. Keep watch of the official Overwatch accounts, such as on X, to keep up to date with any potential server issues.

Overwatch currently has no official way of checking its server status, meaning you will have to resort to using third-party tools or checking in on Blizzard’s official channels of communication to stay in touch with any potential server issues.

One tool is Downdetector, which shows user-reported errors. When they spike, chances are that the servers themselves are unstable or prone to disconnecting. Errors such as BN-564 can appear as well, which you can circumvent on Steam by doing a couple steps out of our dedicated guide. If you happen to encounter that error or any other, you can submit your own report to Downdetector to let others know.

Blizzard updates its players with news on server or connectivity issues on official accounts on platforms like X. As of Feb. 14, there haven’t been official communications on any server outage, but that’s still your best place to keep up with server status information.

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Since launch, Embark has given away several freebies as part of in-game promotions in ARC Raiders. This time, the Bonded Bolts Backpack charm is free to all players. This latest offering might have to do with Valentine’s Day (although Embark hasn’t stated the exact reason). Here’s how you can get it.

How to obtain the Bonded Bolts Charm in ARC Raiders

The Bonded Bolts Backpack charm doesn’t require you to complete any specific task. It’s available to all players for free. All you need to do is log in, and the item will be yours. You will find the charm in your in-game inbox. Open the messages, and claim the rewards.

Once done, you can then equip it from the Raider customization section. Head to Charms, and you’ll find the new item over there. Select it to add to your raider loadout, and the new charm will be visible with the rest of the equipped items.

Thankfully, there doesn’t appear to be any end period for these rewards. Hence, the freebie could be available permanently. I am unsure if new players (those creating their accounts post Feb. 14, 2026) will be eligible for the rewards, though. If you’ve played in the past or continue to do so, the rewards will be in your in-game messages. While today’s rewards don’t have any extra content on offer, the Shared Watch event continues to roll on. You can turn on the fight against the ARCs to get 21 extra rewards, including a new outfit set. We also wait for the upcoming Shrouded Sky update.

Scheduled as the next major patch, Shrouded Sky will have new map conditions, projects, and much more. It will be interesting to find out if Embark will hand out any more freebies between now and when the update launches this month.

The post How to get Bonded Bolts Backpack Charm in ARC Raiders for free appeared first on Destructoid.