The developers released more details about Overwatch 2 at Blizzcon 2019. There were several pieces of information about the new PvP mode “Push”. This mode is apparently designed to be particularly fair and has some interesting mechanics.
This is “Push”: “Push” will be the new PvP mode that is set to launch with Overwatch 2. The developers describe this mode as the first new “Core” mode.
This means that “Push” joins the well-known modes played in quick play and ranked, and will not simply appear as an event mode in the arcade.
So far, Toronto (Canada) has been introduced as a “Push” map. At Blizzcon 2019, the developers have revealed some details about the new mode.
This is how the new PvP mode works
What is the objective? The goal of “Push” is to escort a robot as far as possible to one side of the map. It pushes a heavy barrier in front of it, which must be moved through various checkpoints along a fixed route.
The robot moves when players accompany it in the respective direction, namely toward the opposing zone of the map. If the escorting team is wiped out or pushed back, the opponents can lead the robot in the opposite direction.
At the end of the round, the winner is: the team that has progressed the farthest. Progress can be tracked at the top of the map. If the bot reaches the end of the path, the corresponding team wins immediately. The mode is thus a kind of tug-of-war.
These are the highlights: The corresponding maps for “Push” are all mirrored, so both teams have exactly the same conditions. Some features are designed to make the mode particularly unique:
- The bot moves slower when pushing and faster on the way back – this way, “defending” teams do not have too hard a time catching up.
- Team fights will determine the course of the round faster.
- The layout of the maps may encourage the use of some heroes that are otherwise rarely seen.
As it can be clearly determined which team progressed effectively, rounds in “Push” should not take as long as endless overtime rounds in other modes.
How does “Push” promote unpopular heroes? Assistant Game Director Aaron Keller mentioned that the layout of the maps with narrow passages could provide a stage for less-played heroes like Reaper.
The mode itself seems to be more geared towards offensive gameplay and action, which is why many defensive heroes that were popular for a long time will move into the background.
