Overwatch 2 has been available for a few weeks now. Players have started to find which maps play well, and which ones may be slightly lacking when it comes to their design and gameplay. As the game has only been out for a short amount of time, the new meta hasn't been given time to develop, especially when it comes to the change from 6v6 to 5v5. With one less player, each hero has a much more imactful role.
The map design can play a massive factor on these changes, meaning we may see the maps evolve over time with small additions to help each class (Tank, DPS, Support) excel. That said, here's our favourites from the initial release of Overwatch 2.
5 Eichenwalde
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Eichenwalde is a fantastic map, with only a few changes from its original iteration in Overwatch 1. With the map set at dusk/evening, the lighting gives this town a very different feel. The initial push from the attacking team can be difficult due to the many 'lines of sight' the defenders can utilize, especially on the bridge choke point coming straight out of spawn. However, once the attacking team has control of the payload, this map really begins to shine with an awesome path to follow and great routes for sneaky players to flank and deal poke damage on the enemy.
Different elevation points also give the defenders a good advantage requiring the attacking team to push together and focus on specific targets to move past choke points. This is well mitigated by the change to barricades and shields from the Overwatch predecessor. Over time, it'll be interesting to see how the meta changes and how this changes the maps.Overall, this map brings back a lot of nostalgia from the original game and provides some hectic gameplay.
4 Circuit Royal
Circuit Royale is one of the most visually stunning maps featured in Overwatch 2. With an awesome backdrop and a great design, you'll love the atmosphere this map provides. The map itself is very clean with awesome features such as the F1 style payload. The only major issue players have found with this map is the second checkpoint for the payload. The defenders have a much better advantage with a high choke point. The spawns of the attackers are very close to a choke point making it hard for the attacking team to advance. However, this does encourage strong team play and a fast push to get over this hurdle.
On the other hand, the third point is a great battle zone with lots of high ground for both teams to utilize. Having a DPS character posted at a high point with one of your supports can be crucial to winning or losing. Overall, players will have loads of fun with this map. As the season progresses, the meta may change causing this map to become better or worse depending on the changes.
3 Midtown
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As one of the new maps added to Overwatch 2, Midtown brings a fresh feel to the game with some awesome flank opportunities and pathways for players to change up the game. When attacking, there is a lot of high ground to create isolated fights between other DPS heroes and do some poke damage allowing your team to regroup and push. We recommend you give this map a go and explore some hidden pathways you may not have noticed even after a few hours of playtime.
At all the points there are plenty of opportunities for defenders to catch the enemies on the back foot, creating some crazy encounters for both teams. The low-ground areas later on in the match also provide opportunities for both teams to flank the enemy and stop a stagnant push.
2 Lijang Tower
If you play Lijang Tower, you are guaranteed to have fun. This classic from the first game returns with little change, other than the time of day.
The choke points are positioned well allowing for both teams to hold and control the map with ease if you play as a unit and use communication. However, different flanking routes can give the enemy opportunities to break a good defense and make a push. Both capture pints are designed well and create some awesome close-quarters moments for your tank and DPS characters to excel.
1 King's Row
Kings Row is easily the majority favorite map in Overwatch 2. Without any changes (other than the time of day) this map has some of the best engagement for both the attacking and defending team. This map coined the name "Scrims Row" as competitive teams and players would use this map as a practice arena due to its incredible balancing and opportunities for outplays. The initial point provides both teams opportunities to make insane plays with lots of verticality and well-balanced choke points.
As such an iconic map, most players already know all the points and how to play them, as well as the flank routes for fast-paced DPS players to break down a good defense. The final point is iconic for creating hectic outplays as the attacking team tries to push the payload onto the point. This is caused by the defender spawn being so close to the fight, allowing them to reengage so soon after being taken out of the game.
Overwatch 2 is available on Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, and PC through Battle.net.