Port Forward Overwatch: How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 24 January 2025
  • 5 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

Overwatch is a fast-paced, team-based shooter game that challenges players to work together and secure victory in thrilling matches. But you might want to open ports on your router (Xfinity, Spectrum, Starlink) to maintain stable connections with external game servers. 

If you want a stable connection and seamless gameplay, find out how to open ports for Overwatch behind CGNAT.

What is Port Forwarding? 

Port forwarding is a networking method that directs incoming traffic to specific remote or applications on your private network. However, opening ports can be risky, exposing your device and application to other users relying on the same shared network. 

Before You Forward a Port 

You need to know the following before opening ports for any game and application: 

  • The IP address of your router 
  • The IP address of your device (computer or console)
  • Port numbers (UDP and TCP)

Default Ports for Overwatch 

Overwatch - PC

  • TCP: 1119, 3724, 6113
  • UDP: 5060, 5062, 6250, 3478-3479, 12000-64000

Overwatch - PlayStation 4

  • TCP: 1119, 1935, 3478-3480, 3724, 6113
  • UDP: 3074, 3478-3479, 5060, 5062, 6250, 12000-64000

Overwatch - Xbox One

  • TCP: 1119, 3074, 3724, 6113
  • UDP: 88, 500, 3074, 3478-3479, 3544, 4500, 5060, 5062, 6250, 12000-64000

Overwatch - Switch

  • TCP: 1119, 3724, 6113, 6667, 12400, 28910, 29900-29901, 29920
  • UDP: 1-65535

How to Open Ports for Overwatch

Follow these steps for port forwarding Overwatch on your router:

Step 1: Log in to Your Router

  • Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  • Log in using your admin credentials.

Step 2: Locate the Port Forwarding Section

  • Navigate to the "Port Forwarding," "Virtual Server," or "Applications" tab.

Step 3: Add a Port Forwarding Rule

Enter the following details:

  • Service Name: Overwatch
  • Protocol: Select TCP, UDP, or both based on the required ports.
  • External Ports: Enter the ports you wish to open.
  • Internal Ports: Match these with the external ports.
  • Device IP Address: Enter the IP address of your gaming device.
  • Save the rule.

Step 4: Restart Your Router

  • After saving the changes, restart your router to apply the new settings.

Why is opening ports behind CGNAT an issue? 

Most ISPs perform CGNAT to assign a single, shared IP address to multiple consumers who are connected to an extensive private network. This helps prevent IPv4 exhaustion and network congestion. However, you can't port forward routers behind CGNAT. Even if you manage to open ports behind CGNAT, your IP might get blocked or blacklisted. 

How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

With PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and a dedicated IP, you can bypass CGNAT and port forward multiple routers (AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber, CenturyLink, Optimum) for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Login to the PureVPN member area.
  2. Click the subscription tab.
  3. Click Configure.
  4. Apply your desired port settings.
  5. Click Apply settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I open ports with a mobile hotspot?

    Plus

    No, mobile networks often use CGNAT and are unsafe for port forwarding.

  • Is it safe to open ports for Overwatch 1?

    Plus

    No, but if you use a VPN with a port forwarding add-on, you can safely open ports for Overwatch.

  • Does every router support port forwarding?

    Plus

    Most routers do, but some ISPs restrict users from opening ports on your router unless you request them to do so.

  • Do I need to disable my firewall to open ports?

    Plus

    No, but you may need to adjust its settings for specific ports.

In Summary

Play MMO games like Overwatch with PureVPN's port forwarding add-on and dedicated IP address and experience a seamless gaming experience today! Host your own gaming server on your at-home network and maintain stable connections.