Everything we know about Overwatch 2’s Clash Mode: release dates, maps, and more

After a brief playtest a few seasons ago, Overwatch 2’s Clash mode is finally making its full debut as the true successor to 2CP. Here’s everything we currently know about the mode.

Clash will now be officially released in Overwatch 2, after originally being planned to reintroduce some of the beloved 2CP maps from the previous game. This game mode will involve teams competing in a tug-of-war style battle to capture the most control points.

Following its trial with Hanaoka in Season 10, the mode is now prepared for release, featuring two new maps to commemorate the occasion.

Overwatch 2’s Clash Release Date

The release date for Overwatch 2’s Clash mode has been confirmed for 20 August 2024 during Season 12.

This is a continuation of the limited-time playtest that took place during Season 10. The playtest only featured one map, Hanaoka, but upon release, there will be two maps available.

Clash Rules and Objectives

Despite having five capture points, the focus of Overwatch 2’s upcoming Clash mode is not on frantic scrambling around the map like Flashpoint. Instead, it centers on a strategic and incremental approach towards achieving a single goal. The mode is a constant tug-of-war between teams vying to capture the most points.

Overwatch 2 Clash control point explainer — Blizzard Entertainment

2CP will see both teams pushing and pulling across the five points

The layout of the map is symmetrical, with both teams competing for a single point at a time, making it similar to a large tug-of-war game.

There are two ways for teams to win: by capturing all five points, which means either reaching point A or E depending on which side they are on.

The winning team is determined by the first one to capture a total of five points, regardless of whether they have captured all the points on the map or just five individual points before their opponent.

The developers assert that in Overwatch 2’s Clash mode, the final points heavily favor the defenders, making it extremely challenging to reach either A or E.

During our gameplay, the majority of games have concluded with one team, either ours or the enemy’s, successfully capturing five points.

Nevertheless, the developers have stated that while the limited-time trial will provide them with an opportunity to make any necessary changes before its official release into Quick Play and Ranked rotations, the specifics of how the game mode will function in its final version may still be subject to alteration.

Hanaoka and Other Clash Maps

Hanaoka, a map set in Japan, was introduced in Clash’s initial version. Although there was only one map available during playtesting, the developers have been diligently working and are now prepared to unveil a new map upon the game mode’s official release.

Overwatch 2's new maps for Clash — Blizzard

Throne of Anubis is the second map revealed for Clash

Clash’s second map, the Throne of Anubis, offers players a different perspective on the Temple of Anubis. This map will provide an opportunity to uncover the treacherous AI responsible for the Omnic Crisis.

The map was first introduced in Season 10 when Venture “discovered”the site, teasing its release. After being removed with 2CP, this will mark Overwatch 2’s first revisit to Egypt.

As the developers continue to replace older 2CP maps with new Clash ones, it’s uncertain where we may be headed next. It could be Paris, Volskaya Industries, or even the Lunar Horizon Colony.