Overwatch Game Modes

Escort is one of Overwatch's original and most iconic game modes. The attacking team must escort a payload — a vehicle or cart — along a predetermined track through checkpoints to the final delivery point. The payload moves automatically when attacking players are nearby and stops if no attacker is close. The defending team must halt the payload's progress before time expires. If attackers reach a checkpoint, their timer is refreshed.

Hybrid combines two objectives into one map experience. Attackers must first capture a control point (similar to Assault), and once secured, a payload is unlocked and must be escorted to the final delivery zone. This two-phase structure rewards teams that maintain momentum. Defenders have two separate defensive tasks: holding the initial capture point and then stopping the payload.

Control is a best-of-three format where both teams fight over a single capture zone on each sub-map. Unlike other modes, both teams start as attackers simultaneously. A team wins a round by reaching 100% capture progress. Maps feature three distinct sub-maps, and the first team to win two rounds wins the match. This mode rewards sustained team fight strength and composition synergy.

Push is a newer game mode introduced with Overwatch's second era. Both teams compete to control a robot (TS-1) that starts in the center of the map. When a team controls the robot, it walks toward the enemy's end of the map. If the opposing team retakes the robot, it reverses direction and walks the other way. The team that pushes the robot the farthest into enemy territory when time expires wins.

Flashpoint is a competitive mode where both teams race to capture 3 of 5 sequential capture points that activate one at a time across the large map. When a point is captured, the next one spawns in a different location — often far from the last. This forces both teams to constantly rotate across the map. The first team to secure 3 points wins.

Clash is Overwatch's newest competitive game mode. Maps feature 5 capture points arranged symmetrically: one center point, two mid points, and two final points near each team's base. Teams fight for the center point first. Capturing a point grants control of the next point in that direction. The first team to capture their opponent's final home point wins.

Assault (also called 2CP — Two Capture Points) was an original Overwatch game mode that has since been removed from the competitive rotation but still appears in custom games and some arcade modes. Attackers must capture two sequential control points (A then B) on a map before time runs out. Defenders must stop them.