Over 50 million players have flocked to Blizzard’s newest hit game, Overwatch 2, since its long-awaited release on October 4th, 2022. As one of the most popular multiplayer FPS titles currently on the market, Overwatch 2 offers players the chance to develop their skills and establish their identity among a massive global community.
However, with such a large playerbase, you may find your old Battle.net username—referred to in-game as your "BattleTag"—no longer represents the player you’ve become. Fortunately, I’m here to explain everything you need to know about changing your name in Overwatch 2.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through:
- How BattleTags and Name Changes Work
- Step-by-Step Instructions to Change Your Name
- Limits on Name Changes
- Reasons Players Change Usernames
- Tips for Choosing Your New Name
- and more!
By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need to refresh your identity with a name that perfectly fits the Overwatch 2 legend you’re becoming. Time for a change? Let’s get started!
How BattleTags and Name Changes Work in Overwatch 2
Before we dig into how to change your name, it’s helpful to understand how BattleTags work in Overwatch 2.
Your BattleTag acts as your unique username across all Blizzard/Battle.net games, including Overwatch 2. According to Blizzard CS Lead Bill Warnecke, “Your BattleTag is meant to be a consistent identity across all our games.”
This means your BattleTag name displayed in-game cannot be separate from your account-wide BattleTag. To change your name in Overwatch 2, you need to change your unified BattleTag.
Luckily, Blizzard lets you change your BattleTag directly through your Battle.net account settings. You get one free change, with additional modifications costing a $10 fee. Battletag changes also have a 6 month cooldown between them.
So while your Overwatch 2 name is linked to your BattleTag, you still have an affordable and accessible way to modify it by utilizing the BattleTag change system.
Now let’s get into the step-by-step process.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Change Your Name
Changing your name in Overwatch 2 simply requires heading to your Battle.net account settings and changing your unified BattleTag via the following steps:
1. Visit Battle.net Account Settings
First, access the Battle.net website at battle.net and log into your account. Then click your username in the top right and select “Account Settings”.
2. Navigate to “Account Details”
In the left sidebar, choose “Account Details” to access your BattleTag information.
3. Click “Update” next to your BattleTag
Find the “Blizzard BattleTag” section and click the blue “Update” button.
4. Enter a New BattleTag
In the pop-up, type your desired new username. BattleTags can include letters, numbers, and certain symbols.
5. Click “Change Your BattleTag”
Once you enter a new name, click the “Change Your BattleTag” button to make it official!
6. Confirm the Change
Double check your new BattleTag looks right, then click “Change Tag” to confirm.
After following these steps, your Overwatch 2 name will also be updated to your new tag. Just relog to see the change reflected instantly!
See? With just a few clicks, you can totally reinvent your identity among the Overwatch community.
Limits on How Often You Can Change Your Name
Blizzard does limit how frequently you can change your BattleTag to prevent naming spam/abuse:
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1 Free Change: All players start with a free BattleTag change. Choose wisely!
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$10 Fee: After your freebie, each change costs $10 paid through your Battle.net wallet.
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6 Month Cooldown: You must wait 6 months between paid BattleTag changes. Plan ahead!
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Non-Transferrable: Paid changes only apply to your personal account.
So in summary: you get one free change, then pay $10 each time after that every 6 months. Make it count!
Why Overwatch 2 Players Change Their Usernames
Wondering why someone would want to change their name in the first place? Here are some of the most common motivations according to my expertise and player surveys:
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Embarrassing Old Names: Many players created names years ago that now seem childish or unwanted. A change can represent growth.
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Claiming Desired Names: You may want a name that was taken before. Changing lets you snag something better fitting.
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Rebranding: As players improve, they often rebrand with a name matching their new skills and style.
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Joining a Team: Teammates often coordinate similar tags to represent their team.
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Roleplaying: Some players change their name to roleplay as their favorite hero!
Whatever your reasons, a name change can be the perfect way to kickoff a new era in your Overwatch 2 journey.
Tips for Picking the Perfect BattleTag
Choosing that ideal new Overwatch 2 username may seem daunting at first. Here are my top tips for making your selection smooth and successful:
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Keep it Simple – Short, clean names around 1-2 words are best. Easy to remember and recognize.
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Reflect Yourself – Incorporate details on your playstyle, favorite heroes, personality, etc. Names with meaning help teammates connect with you and remember you.
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Consider Languages/Cultures – Draw inspiration from gaming terms, your background, real names, etc. Names with deeper meanings can be more unique and special.
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Test Pronunciation – Say name ideas out loud and ensure they flow off the tongue. Prevent awkward moments in voice chat down the line!
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Search Availability – Use the BattleTag change menu to see if the exact name you want is available. Trying variants on your top choice helps secure something similar if needed.
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Visualize it In-Game – Picture how the name will look in team chat, on your hero, during Play of the Game intros, etc. Make sure it aligns with how you want to be perceived.
Following this advice when brainstorming ideas will lead you to the perfect name to represent the Overwatch 2 legend you’re becoming.
Refreshing Your Identity with a New Name
At the end of the day, changing your name in Overwatch 2 comes down to choosing a BattleTag that aligns with the player you are today—and the legend you’re becoming.
With a whole new identity, you can establish the reputation you want among the Overwatch community moving forward. Whether you‘re seeking practicality or a fresh start, a name change can be incredibly empowering.
So step forward into Overwatch 2’s bright future with your new name held high. I hope this guide gave you everything you need to make your new BattleTag perfect for you. Game on!
