Map Pools are Going to Be Removed in Overwatch 2

Blizzard has reversed their original plan to include map pools in Overwatch 2. While two payload maps were taken away from the rotation, the majority of the maps from the first Overwatch game were carried over to the sequel. Consequently, players were gifted with a plentiful assortment of maps to choose from, however, only a select few were actually accessible due to the integration of map pools.

For the beginning of Overwatch 2, Blizzard established map pools that limited which maps could be chosen for any given season. The goal behind the implementation of this was to create a feeling of “newness” for each season by having different maps to play, but this didn’t receive a warm welcome from the community, as some maps were potentially taken away from them for good. With Overwatch 2 Season 3, map pools will still be in use, but after that, they will be removed, as per a statement from director Aaron Keller.

According to Aaron Keller, the developers of Overwatch 2 will no longer be using map pools in Season 4, thanks to the feedback from the community and the fact that it did not reach its goals. Keller has not ruled out their return in a later season, particularly as more maps are added, but it is likely that the maps could be changed on a weekly basis instead of just once a season. For instance, Overwatch 2 maps could be swapped out and replaced each week rather than every season.

Kevin Keller acknowledged that some maps may be selected more often in Overwatch 2 games, which is intentional to an extent. He went on to explain that the game’s matchmaking system is designed to pair players with maps and match types that they have not played recently. This can be particularly noticeable with the Push mode, as there are currently few maps available, causing Colosseo, Esperanca, and New Queen Street to be seen more often.

It appears Blizzard is considering fixing this issue for a coming Overwatch 2 season but Keller didn’t give a timeline for the implementation. He did allude to a fresh Overwatch 2 game mode in the works that will offer its own maps, which means it’s especially essential for the development team to address this matchmaking issue.

Blizzard appears to be responsive to the opinions of their followers and is making noteworthy modifications to Overwatch 2. Although it will take until Season 4 for the map pools to be eliminated, Overwatch 2 Season 3 has its own set of beneficial transformations that will come into effect.

Overwatch 2 is now available to play in early access on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.