Season 12 of Overwatch 2 brings a host of new features, including a Support hero, an Egyptian-themed battle pass, and a fresh game mode. With additions like the Mythic Anubis Reaper Skin, unique cosmetics, and a soft rank reset, this season offers plenty of excitement. However, although some elements have been well-received, others, such as the new Clash mode, have sparked controversy.
For instance, while some players have shown support for Clash, others believe the game mode suffers from too many fundamental flaws. Given that Overwatch 2's developers designed Clash with "mechanics inspired by 2CP," as noted by Game Director Aaron Keller at BlizzCon 2023, this may not be too surprising. After all, 2CP, also known as Assault, was removed as a core game mode prior to the sequel's launch in October 2022 due to controversy and game design issues.
Every New Feature and Addition For Overwatch 2 Season 12 Explained
The latest season of Overwatch 2 is officially underway and deserves a definitive examination of every new feature and major change being implemented.
Overwatch 2's Clash Mode is Causing a Stir in the Community
Overwatch 2's Newest Game Mode Is Incredibly Fast-Paced
Clash debuted on August 20, launching alongside Juno in Overwatch 2 Competitive on its first day. With ongoing debates about whether new game modes and heroes should be introduced to Ranked play early in the season, Clash quickly faced criticism for this reason. Notably, in the past, Blizzard typically waited two weeks before introducing new features into Competitive to alleviate balancing issues and collect feedback.
Venture was introduced directly to Ranked during the launch of Overwatch 2 Season 10.
Interestingly, with the transition from 6v6 to 5v5 and the introduction of fast-paced modes like Push and Flashpoint, Clash maintains the trend of adrenaline-pumping gameplay in Overwatch 2. As noted at BlizzCon 2023, the concept was brought to life by a new team of level designers, drawing inspiration from a 5CP mode that originated with Project Titan. According to Aaron Keller, Blizzard hoped to recapture some of the highlights that Assault once provided with Clash.
Unfortunately, not all players are happy with the rapid pace of the game mode. Some have taken to social media to share instances where games lasted less than three minutes, with one team quickly overpowering the other for a quick victory. Furthermore, Clash's emphasis on first picks in each fight, combined with the need for brawl, rush, or dive compositions and avoiding staggers, can make the mode challenging. This is particularly true for both new and returning players who might not yet be familiar with winning strategies or the layouts of maps like Throne of Anubis or Hanaoka.
Not all players are happy with the rapid pace of the game mode.
Clash May Be Too Lenient Towards The Losing Team
Some players propose that preventing a team from earning a point for defending a capture point right outside their spawn could improve Clash in Overwatch 2. Regardless, others believe a more substantial rework is needed. For example, some argue that Clash fails to reward teams adequately. Winning the neutral objective in the middle, Point C, advances the winning team deeper into enemy territory. Capturing a second point then places this team directly outside the enemy's spawn room, which was intentionally designed with challenging choke points and a spawn disadvantage.
Significantly, a rework of Clash was implemented in Season 12 following its limited-time trial in April. This added three points that are split up into segments on the capture progress of the final point, whether that be Point A or E. Nonetheless, some argue that it’s unfair for losing teams to make equal progress by capturing objectives in their territory. Often, they can reach match point by winning only the neutral Point C and capturing points on their side of the map, without ever needing to enter enemy territory.
To some, Clash in Overwatch 2 often feels imbalanced, with teams either being steamrolled or losing despite being on the winning team for the majority of the game. This is partly due to the common strategy of conceding the enemy spawn point without contesting, to regain both ultimate and positional advantages. To address this, increasing the score required to win from five to seven points and adding two ticks for attackers on Points B or D could help resolve the issue. This adjustment would better reward teams for capturing objectives in enemy territory while reducing the advantage gained from capturing points on their side of the map.
OVERWATCH®, A FUTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR! Overwatch® is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future.
Overwatch® is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based hero shooter game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 or 6v6 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatch’s 40+ distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.
Reign of Talon - Season 1: Conquest
The Next Big Story Begins
The world shifts as 2026 begins a year-long narrative arc where Overwatch and Talon face off in the fight for the future, joined by five new Heroes at once. Step into the story and shape what comes next!
After ten years, Season 1 opens the first chapter of Overwatch's next big story, where your choices will put you right into the fight for the future!
For the first time, five new Heroes hit the roster together, bringing new playstyles, new dynamics, and new voices into the fray all at once. Jet Pack Cat, Anran, Domina, Emre, and Mizuki arrive just in time for Reign of Talon: Conquest, launching a year-long narrative where conflict takes center stage and you contribute to how it unfolds.
Choose where you stand as Overwatch and Talon collide in a faction-driven event with outcomes that will leave visible marks on the world and your legacy. Along the way, Competitive gets a refresh and Core gameplay evolves, changing how things feel across the board.
This season sets a fresh tone for how the Overwatch story is told and how you play it.
- ESRB
- Teen / Violence, Blood, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Publisher(s)
- Blizzard
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Overwatch
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Shooter, FPS, MOBA, Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat
- 35 hours
