Will Overwatch 2 Have All Maps?
The simple answer is: no, Overwatch 2 will not have all of the original Overwatch maps available in its standard Quick Play and Competitive Play modes. While all maps are technically still present in the game files, allowing access through Custom Games, the core matchmaking modes feature a rotating selection of maps. This decision has been a point of contention within the Overwatch community, and understanding the reasons behind it, as well as the current state of map availability, is crucial for any Overwatch 2 player. Let’s delve into the specifics of why this is the case and what players can expect.
Why Aren’t All Maps Available in Standard Play?
The primary reason for this selective map availability is rooted in Blizzard’s approach to balance and game health. The original Overwatch featured several map types, including the contentious Assault mode (also known as 2CP). Maps like Hanamura, Temple of Anubis, and Volskaya Industries, while beloved by some for their unique designs, were widely considered imbalanced. The second capture point in these maps often created frustrating bottlenecks, leading to repetitive and less-than-enjoyable gameplay experiences.
With the release of Overwatch 2, Blizzard decided to remove Assault as a standard mode, consequently removing its associated maps from the Quick Play and Competitive playlists. The objective was to create a more balanced and consistent experience across all modes, focusing on the core Push, Control, Hybrid, and Escort map types. While this decision brought a more balanced meta, it left many fans missing these iconic maps.
Another factor contributing to map selection is the concept of map pools. In the early seasons of Overwatch 2, Blizzard implemented a system where certain maps would be rotated in and out of the Quick Play and Competitive playlists each season. This was meant to keep the game fresh and prevent player fatigue from seeing the same maps repeatedly. This strategy, however, was unpopular and has since been removed. Season 4 saw the removal of map pools, meaning that there are no temporary removals, with maps either being always in rotation or never in the main rotation, but also that all the maps available at the launch of Season 4 are available in each future season.
The Fate of Removed Maps
Although maps like Hanamura, Temple of Anubis, Volskaya Industries, Paris, and Horizon Lunar Colony are not part of the standard map rotation, they aren’t entirely gone. They are all still accessible in Custom Games and Arcade modes, allowing players to revisit these classic locations. It’s crucial to remember that while the core modes focus on a curated map selection, the game still houses all the maps from Overwatch, ensuring you can play your old favorites, just not within the Quick Play and Competitive Play playlists.
Technical Issues and Specific Cases
Some maps have also been temporarily disabled due to technical issues or bugs. For example, Numbani has been historically prone to glitches and bugs, leading to its occasional removal. Havana was disabled between the launch of Overwatch 2 and Season 3 for similar reasons, with a later extension of the map being revealed by players in spectator mode, showing that the map required fixing before being available again.
What About Future Map Additions and Returns?
While Blizzard has focused on a selective map rotation, they’ve also made it clear that they’re not against bringing back older maps. Rialto and Blizzard World have already been reintegrated into the Quick Play and Competitive modes in Season 2 of Overwatch 2. This demonstrated that the older maps can be adapted and adjusted for the new game’s format. Blizzard’s decision regarding maps will be influenced by player feedback and future game balance considerations. So, while a full return of all maps to standard rotation is not currently in place, it’s not entirely out of the question.
Current Status of Map Availability
As of Season 4, map pools have been removed from the game, meaning a selection of maps that was available at the start of the season will remain in rotation for future seasons. This removal came after significant player feedback. This means you should not expect to see maps rotating in or out of the game with each new season, aside from new map additions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about map availability in Overwatch 2, designed to provide further clarity on this topic:
1. What is the total number of maps in Overwatch 2?
There are 36 maps in Overwatch 2 (not including Control or holiday variations) that are playable in Quick Play, Competitive Play, and Arcade. The number of maps playable in Quick Play and Competitive Play is significantly lower than this, but many other maps can be accessed via Custom Games.
2. Why were Assault maps removed from standard play?
Assault maps, also known as 2CP maps, were removed because the game mode was imbalanced. The second capture point often led to frustrating gameplay experiences, making balancing the mode difficult.
3. Are Hanamura, Temple of Anubis, and Volskaya Industries completely gone?
No, these maps are not entirely gone. They are still available in Custom Games and Arcade modes, allowing players to enjoy them outside the standard modes.
4. Why was Numbani removed from Overwatch 2?
Numbani has a history of technical issues and bugs, which may have caused it to be temporarily removed from the game. It has been known to be a buggy map, and it is possible that new or reoccurring bugs have popped up, keeping it from the live game.
5. Is Paris available in Overwatch 2?
Like other Assault maps, Paris is not available in standard Quick Play or Competitive modes. It can be played in Custom Games and Arcade.
6. Can I still play Horizon Lunar Colony?
Horizon Lunar Colony is also an Assault map and is only available in Custom Games and Arcade, not in Quick Play or Competitive.
7. What are map pools and why were they removed?
Map pools were a rotating selection of maps for Quick Play and Competitive, changing each season. They were removed in Season 4 due to negative community feedback and the fact that they didn’t accomplish their initial purpose.
8. Did any maps return in Season 2 of Overwatch 2?
Yes, Rialto and Blizzard World were brought back into Quick Play and Competitive modes in Season 2.
9. What maps got removed in Overwatch 2 season 2?
Hollywood and Watchpoint: Gibraltar were temporarily removed in Season 2, which highlights the initial idea behind map pools. They have since been re-added to the main rotation.
10. Is Route 66 in Overwatch 2?
Yes, Route 66 is an Escort map and is available in Overwatch 2 in Quick Play and Competitive Play, as are all other Escort, Hybrid, Push, and Control maps.
11. Why was Havana disabled in Overwatch 2?
Havana was disabled due to technical issues and bugs from the launch of Overwatch 2 up to Season 3. Players were able to see an extension to the map through spectator mode.
12. What does 2CP mean in Overwatch?
2CP stands for Two Control Point, also known as Assault. This is a game mode where teams fight to capture two points on the map. This mode was removed from Overwatch 2 standard game modes.
13. Are any maps available in Overwatch 2 that weren’t in the original Overwatch?
Yes, a few brand new maps have been added in Overwatch 2. These maps focus on the Push, Control, Escort, and Hybrid game modes.
14. Can I still get the Oni Genji skin in Overwatch 2?
No, the Oni Genji skin is no longer obtainable. The event that awarded it is no longer active, and the skin is not available on console.
15. What happened to Genji in Overwatch Lore?
Genji Shimada was nearly killed by his own brother, but Overwatch saved him. They made him a cyborg ninja with cybernetic upgrades.
In conclusion, while Overwatch 2 does not include all the original maps in its standard rotation, the legacy of those maps is not forgotten. They remain accessible in Custom Games and Arcade mode, and Blizzard’s willingness to reintroduce older maps offers a degree of hope for the future. The absence of map pools means players can now look forward to learning the meta on their favourite maps. Staying informed about the game’s updates will keep you prepared for any changes to map availability.