Overwatch 2 devs reveal plan to bring Clash mode back with brand new map

The Overwatch 2 dev team plans on reworking the Clash game mode with changes that will be reflected in a brand new map.

Clash in Overwatch 2 is an extremely controversial mode with a treasure trove of problems that plagues its existence. Though some players enjoyed it, others called playing Clash a “nightmare”, which led to the mode being removed from the rotation.

While there is fun to be had in Clash, the devs seem to agree that there are fundamental problems with the format as it was already taken out of competitive rotation, both in-game and in the Overwatch Championship Series.

However, Blizzard hasn’t given up on the concept, as an exhaustive rework is planned to make it more intuitive and competitive overall.

A new map is planned for Clash

In an AMA on the /r/CompetitiveOverwatch subreddit, Lead Hero Designer Alec Dawson revealed plans to fully rework the game mode. Dawson and the team believes that most of the fundamental problems actually stem from the map design rather than the scoring system.

“We actually spent a good amount of time on Clash’s scoring before we made the decision to pull it from Competitive,” Dawson said. “Even with scoring changes, we believed the mode needed some fundamental geo changes to points A+E to perform better as a Competitive mode.”

Points A and E in Clash are highly reminiscent of the final points of 2CP, giving defenders and overwhelming advantage with the spawn room located directly next to the point. Dawson stated that the team is experimenting with a new layout that should hopefully improve Clash altogether.

Blizzard Entertainment

“We are experimenting with building another Clash map from the ground up with a different approach to the layout to see if that solves some of the core issues the mode has,” Dawson stated. “That’s all very early, but hopefully some significant geo changes along with scoring changes can get Clash into a great spot.”

This would naturally mean existing maps, Hanaoka and the Throne of Anubis, would receive some fundamental reworks as well.

The interview did not reveal a timeline on when players can expect Clash to return to Competitive, but the game mode is still playable in Quick Play and Custom Game settings. Players can also look forward to Stadium, which is set to release in Season 16 and is expected to be a new Competitive format for Overwatch going forward.