Overwatch is a team-based, multiplayer, first-person hero action game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. Overwatch is rated T for Teen.
What's the game objective of Overwatch?
Overwatch is a colorful, team-based, fantasy action game starring a diverse cast of powerful heroes. Build a team, travel the world, and compete in exhilarating 5v5 objective-based combat. Overwatch requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity from players to control objectives and influence the outcome of the match.
Which characters can I choose from?
Before the start of each game, players select from a pool of 32 different characters. Overwatch features an international cast of powerful heroes!
How is Overwatch played?
For every Overwatch match, teams compete for a unique map. Game 1 will be the Control map, where the first team to win two rounds wins. Game 2 will be an Assault map where Attackers fight to capture a series of objectives while defenders hold them off until time runs out. If needed, game 3 will be played to obtain the Escort map where Attackers escort a payload to a delivery point as defenders try to stop them.
What is the game format?
Teams will compete in a Best of Five (Bo5) format against one another rotating through different Overwatch Game Modes and Maps. The first team to win 3 individual games will be awarded the match win.
What platform will the game be played on?
We are happy to announce that we will be offering Crossplay capabilities for our Overwatch leagues! While we recommend competing in Overwatch on PC, as this is the main platform used by the highest level of competition, players will be able to compete with any available platforms supported by the game. As of today, this consists of the following
PC
Playstation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
What days will Overwatch be played on?
Overwatch’s official match days will be on Wednesdays.
What is the Game Mode rotation and Map pool per game mode?
Game Mode | Map Pool |
Game 1: Control | Nepal, Lijiang Tower, Ilios, Oasis, Antarctic Peninsula |
Game 2: Assault | New Queen Street, Colosseo, Esperança |
Game 3: Escort | Junkertown, Circuit Royal, Dorado, Havana, Rialto, Shambali Monastery |
Game 4: Hybrid | Blizzard World, King’s Row, Midtown, Paraiso |
Game 5: Control | Nepal, Lijiang Tower, Ilios, Oasis, Antarctic Peninsula |
Game 6 (Tiebreaker ONLY): Control | Lijiang Tower |
How will Map and Side selection work?
The losing team of the first game will have map selection. The losing team will determine the map, while the winning team will have side selection. (Note: In the lobby, Team 1 will always defend first and Team 2 will always attack first).
Map Selection | Side Selection |
Higher Seed ➤ Picks Map 1 |
|
Loser of Map 1 ➤ Picks Map 2 | Winner of Map 1 ➤ Selects Side |
Loser of Map 2 ➤ Picks Map 3 | Winner of Map 2 ➤ Selects Side |
Loser of Map 3 ➤ Picks Map 4 | Winner of Map 3 ➤ Selects Side |
Loser of Map 4 ➤ Picks Map 5 | Winner of Map 4 ➤ Selects Side |
What hardware will be required to play?
PC Requirements (Per Player)
PC with minimum/recommended requirements found here.
Mouse
Keyboard
Headset with microphone for team communication
Online connection
Battle.net Account with an Overwatch License
PS4 Requirements (Per Player)
PS4 Console
Controller
Headset with microphone for team communication
Online connection
Overwatch for Playstation 4
Playstation Plus Subscription
Xbox One Requirements (Per Player)
Xbox One Console
Controller
Headset with microphone for team communication
Online connection
Overwatch for Xbox One
Xbox Live Subscription
Nintendo Switch Requirements (Per Player)
Nintendo Switch System
Controller
Headset with microphone for team communication
Online connection
Overwatch for the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Online Membership
Will aim-assist be supported?
Currently, controller aim-assist will be automatically turned off in any cross-play matches involving any PC players. Due to this we heavily suggest competing on PC as opposed to console.
Questions? Send a message through chat on the site, or email us at support@playvs.com!
2021 - 2022 Version 4.0
V3.0 - 12/6/21 // Rewrote as FAQ format, added opening image
V3.1 - 12/16/21 // Edited FAQ question
V3.2 - 12/17/21 // Added association list - wc
V3.2 - 1/27/22 // Removing association list for updates - wc
V4.0 - 2/4/22 // Spring YP addition -AK
V5.0 - 8/26/22 // Fall YP addition -AK
V6.0 - 2/7/23 // Added new Spring 23 Map Pool -AK