Overwatch 2’s new Clash Mode, a five-point capture brawl, is making waves during its trial run, even though it has yet to become a permanent mode. Excitement is building as players anticipate its official launch in Season 11, especially since it’s debuting on a reimagined version of a beloved map from the originalOverwatch: Hanamura.Overwatch 2’s new map, Hanaoka, takes heavy inspiration from Hanamura’s Assault layout, which makes perfect sense since it’s set just a street away from the original.
With Clash mode becoming a core part ofOverwatch 2in June, speculation is high about future maps. Notably, existing maps from the originalOverwatch, particularly those designed for the abandoned 2CP format, could be prime candidates for this new game mode. Hanaoka’s very existence is a prime example. As such, maps like Temple of Anubis, Volskaya Industries, Horizon Lunar Colony, and Paris could all be strong contenders for rework.
Overwatch 2’s Next Picks For Clash Mode Are Already Plain To See
Blizzard Is Very Familiar With Reworking Old Maps
SinceOverwatch 2’s launch in 2022, Blizzard has shown a commitment to refreshing existing maps. This includesreworkingOverwatchmaps that have had issues, such as difficult choke points, or adapting a location for a new game mode. Horizon Lunar Colony is a perfect example of the latter, since it never returned in the sequel as part of the core map pool, but did serve as a destination for the unique 4v4 Starwatch: Galactic Rescue mode in Season 4.
Despite the controversy surrounding Assault mode in the firstOverwatch, fans have remained vocal about their desire to see these iconic maps return in some form. The success of the Starwatch event and enthusiasm around Hanaoka is already proof of this. With some alterations,otherOverwatch2CP maps could be similarly saved.
Interestingly, Team 4 has already spoken about their intention to reuse Assault maps inOverwatch 2. The recent tease ofOverwatch 2’s Temple of Anubis returningin the Season 10 trailer further fuels speculation that a plan to revive all the classic 2CP locations fromOverwatchmight already be underway. Expanded versions of maps like Volskaya Industries and Temple of Anubis could do quite well in a five-point capture mode. Even Paris and Horizon Lunar Colony, maps that were infamously removed from the competitive rotation for being one-sided, could fare better in such an environment.
Clash Mode Already Has The Perfect Solution To One Recurring Issue
While new game modes bring exciting possibilities, they often launch with a limited map pool. For instance, over a year and a half since Push mode joined the roster, it still only has a handful of maps to its name:
Similarly, Flashpoint, a three-point capture mode that launched in Season 6, only has two: Suravasa and New Junk City. With some people’s sentiment being thatOverwatch 2should focus on its map outputover modes, it seems Clash Mode will be able to avoid this problem altogether by relying on a variety of reskinned 2CP maps. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean putting out five new Clash maps right out of the gate, but if timed right, Blizzard could prevent that feeling of “map drought” in future seasons.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
