The first community-madeOverwatch 2map, Talantis, was released on April 25 to much fanfare. Players couldn’t wait to explore the underwater Talon base, even if it’s not part of the game’s official map pool or lore, as it seems that there’s no content that can keep players engaged like a new map. As such, perhaps the devs could bring some veteran players who’ve soured onOverwatch 2by bringing back some of its old locations.
Many players were happy to seeAssault removed fromOverwatch 2’s official game modes. The mode, more popularly known as 2CP (short for two capture points), often resulted in long, drawn-out games. It was frustrating to attack and a slog to defend. While fans may celebrate 2CP getting the ax, some of them can’t help but be nostalgic about the sights and sounds of assault maps like Hanamura and Volskaya Industries.
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Overwatch 2 is Wasting the Potential of its Old Maps
Long-timeOverwatchfans miss the 2CP maps not for their gameplay, but for their aesthetic and significance to the game’s lore. Horizon Lunar Colony was where Winston and Hammond were brought up as test subjects, Hanamura was the setting ofGenji and Hanzo’s dramatic animated short, and the Temple of Anubis was the location of an evil AI that Pharah destroyed in the past.
These locations feature unique rooms and objects that make them feel like they’re lived in by the characters themselves. A great example isWinston’s old roomin HLC, which has a jar of his favorite peanut butter. Players may feel like it’s a waste to see these small but story-rich worlds get sidelined after all the effort that went in to making them.
How Blizzard Can Rework Assault Maps for Overwatch 2
2CP maps are still accessible in custom mode, but players have to go through the hassle of finding nine other people to join the game or fill the lobby with bots. Neither is fun to do. They’re also available on the Arcade as Assault maps, but again, few gamers actually want to play 2CP. So, the best way to bring these old locations back is to fit existing or new game modes into them.
Paris, for example, would be great as a PvE map. The enclosed area of its second point is the perfect setting for the first horde of baddies, just like theRio de Janeiro PvE mapthat Seagull showcased in 2019. Then, players could make their way out of the treacherous choke point and into the picturesque outdoor area where the big bad is waiting to face the heroes. The Temple of Anubis would make for a great PvE map as well because of the lore attached to it. Players could relive the Pharah: Mission Statement comic in-game, where they’ll play as the hero and other Helix agents. The main boss of the mode could be Anubis, the god program influencing the omnics in the area to wreak havoc.
Volskaya Industries would look great as a push map. Instead of a robot, they could use a Svyatogor mech to push the barricade. Having a human pilot confused about which team to obey may also result in some fun dialogue. Hanamura, on the other hand, could work as a hybrid or payload map, with the attackers delivering a valuable package to theHashimoto clan who now control Shimada Castle. Next up is Horizon Lunar Colony, which could feel great as a pure control map. It could feature retracting barriers like Busan’s Meka Base. Other parts of the colony, including the zero gravity area, could also serve as second and third maps for the mode.
The old assault maps hold so much lore and gameplay potential, which is why many players still feel nostalgic for them. Blizzard has already rehashed design aesthetics from existing locations and turned them into new maps. A perfect example of this isShambali Monastery, which was based on the Nepal maps. If the designers come up with new ways to convert the old 2CP maps into existing game modes, players are sure to welcome them with open arms.
Overwatch 2is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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