Overwatch 2 to remove Clash from Ranked Mode in Season 15

Blizzard has announced a significant change to Overwatch 2’s Competitive Play for Season 15, as the Clash game mode will be removed from ranked matchmaking. This decision comes after months of community feedback pointing out balance issues and frustrations with the mode.

While Clash will still be available in Quick Play, Blizzard aims to improve its experience before reintroducing it to competitive play.

Clash Mode Faces Removal from Competitive Play

Overwatch 2 game director Aaron Keller confirmed in the latest Director’s Take blog that Clash maps will be removed from Competitive Play starting in Season 15. Keller explained that while Clash had potential, issues such as match steamrolling and unclear objectives made it less enjoyable compared to other modes.

A key issue with Clash is that one team can easily dominate the match, leading to a quick and frustrating loss for the opposing side. Additionally, players have reported confusion over which capture point is active at any given moment. These concerns have led Blizzard to temporarily pull the mode from ranked play while they work on adjustments.

The two Clash maps Hanaoka (left) and Throne of Anubis (right) (Image Source: BLIZZARD)

Although Clash will no longer be part of Competitive Play, it will still be available in Quick Play and other unranked modes. Players who enjoy the game mode can still queue for matches on maps such as Hanaoka and Throne of Anubis in Season 15.

Blizzard has reassured players that they are actively working on improving the mode, though no specific timeline for its return to Competitive Play has been provided. “We’ll keep you updated on the progress we make there,” Keller said.

Community Reaction

The Overwatch 2 community has had mixed feelings about Clash since its introduction in Season 12. While some players enjoy the fast-paced nature of the mode, others have criticized its lack of balance. Unlike other game modes where teams can regroup and counter-push, Clash often results in one-sided steamrolls.

Many competitive players have welcomed Blizzard’s decision, as Clash was widely regarded as the least balanced mode in the ranked pool. Even professional Overwatch 2 esports events, including the OWCS (Overwatch Champions Series), have opted not to include Clash in their map rotations.

What’s Next for Competitive Overwatch 2?

The removal of Clash from Competitive Play isn’t the only major change coming in Season 15. Blizzard is also introducing a mini-competitive season featuring 6v6 gameplay, a throwback to the original Overwatch format. Additionally, the developers are working on a major overhaul of their anti-cheat systems, aiming to improve the ranked experience for all players.

Overwatch 2’s 15th season begins on February 18th, shortly after the Overwatch 2 Spotlight event on February 12th. With Blizzard teasing “groundbreaking changes” for the game, fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next for Overwatch 2’s competitive scene.

For now, Clash will remain in Quick Play while Blizzard reworks it for ranked play. Whether or not the mode will return in a future season remains to be seen.

Check out Strafe Esports for more updates on the latest season, Season 14, of Overwatch 2. You can also follow us on our X account for the latest content and coverage.

Featured Image Source: BLIZZARD

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