In summer 2023, Blizzard debuted Overwatch 2’s Flashpoint, a combination of Control and Assault where teams race to occupy a series of territory points. Flashpoint was the first new map type for the series since the unpopular Push launched alongside Overwatch 2, and kind of a big deal. It was also kind of a disaster.

Almost immediately upon launch, Reddit filled up with complaints about the mode’s map designs. Fast forward to Overwatch 2 season 17, which kicked off on Tuesday, with a set of redesigned Flashpoint maps and it’s a much different story. Blizzard’s more relaxed approach to letting people play Overwatch 2 the way they want has turned Flashpoint into a great time.

Two years ago, the Overwatch 2 design team said in a series of roundtable interviews ahead of the mode’s launch that they wanted line of sight to play a key role in Flashpoint. They hoped that players would create avenues........

© Polygon