Overwatch 2 fans were recently treated to a sneak peek of a new game mode for the hero shooter. However, Blizzard has shared some disappointing news regarding the release of the Flashpoint mode, which focuses on specific territories. This exciting new game mode was first unveiled in the Overwatch 2: Invasion trailer during the Xbox Games Showcase in June. As the game's next season draws closer, players have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this mode.
Regrettably, many fans believe that Overwatch 2 lacks a diverse range of game modes. Since the original game launched in 2016, players have often found themselves repeatedly engaging in the same few objectives. While Overwatch 2 introduced the Push mode as a new game mode, it has received a lukewarm response from the community. Some players even see Push as a replacement for the Assault game mode, which was completely removed in the sequel.
Flashpoint appears to provide a more precise representation of Overwatch 2's long-lost Assault mode. In this highly anticipated game mode, players are challenged to secure three key positions scattered across a map, engaging in a territorial battle against opposing teams. Undoubtedly, this new game mode will infuse a breath of fresh air for players. Nevertheless, executive producer Jared Neuss recently delivered a disappointing update regarding Flashpoint during a Q&A live stream hosted by retired professional player Emongg. Neuss confirmed that, unfortunately, Flashpoint will not be immediately available in competitive matches. He stated that fans will need to "wait a little bit" before this mode becomes accessible in ranked gameplay.
According to Neuss, the decision to initially exclude the new game mode from competitive play was to address any potential bugs before they affect ranked matches. This is a common practice used by Blizzard, similar to temporarily excluding newly-added Overwatch 2 heroes from competitive play. It allows fans time to familiarize themselves with new characters before competing in high-stakes matches. However, for those hoping for a fresh competitive experience in Season 6, this information may be disappointing. While Flashpoint is exciting, some Overwatch 2 fans are cautiously optimistic about how it will play, concerned about repeating mistakes made with the earlier Push mode. With a new hero and the launch of Overwatch 2's first proper PvE content, fans have a lot to look forward to when Season 6 begins on August 15th.
Overwatch 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.