An Overwatch 2 applying update error is causing players to receive bans through no fault of their own, as the Activision Blizzard FPS kicks them out of a match only for them to be stuck on an ‘applying update’ screen. This issue has been prominent in Season 4, and we now know of a workaround to resolve it before a proper patch is issued.
What is the Overwatch 2 applying update ban bug?
The OW2 stuck on applying update error sees players being forced out of a match before it begins, confronting them with the applying update screen that they then can’t exit out of. The only way to move past this screen is to shut down the game altogether, which then applies the user with a ban that prevents them from playing another match.
Some users have reported these bans lasting from anywhere between 15 minutes to the entire length of Season 4, and Blizzard has confirmed that this is a bug that it is working to resolve. In the meantime, the developer has supplied a workaround that players can use.
How to fix Overwatch 2 stuck on applying update error
To make sure that you don’t hit the applying update screen, Blizzard has suggested that prior to queueing for any game mode in Overwatch 2, players should enter the training mode. This will prevent the screen from popping up, meaning you won’t pick up a ban for being kicked out of a match against your will.