Overwatch Deathmatch
Free-for-all mode where 8 players compete to reach 20 kills first. No teams, no objectives — just kills.
How to Win
First player to reach 20 eliminations wins.
History
Deathmatch was added to Overwatch as an Arcade mode and quickly became a popular warm-up tool for mechanical practice. Kanezaka was specifically designed as a Deathmatch-focused map with tight corridors and multiple levels.
Key Mechanics
- No teams — everyone is an enemy
- Self-healing abilities still function normally
- Players respawn after being eliminated
- Environmental kills count as eliminations
Attacking Tips
- Focus on self-sufficient heroes with strong 1v1 potential
- Avoid fighting multiple enemies at once — pick isolated targets
- Use the environment to your advantage
Defending Tips
- There are no defenders in Deathmatch — focus on tracking the leaderboard
- Stop the player closest to 20 eliminations
- Avoid overcommitting to a fight you cannot win
Recommended Heroes
High Value
Reaper, Cassidy, Genji
Self-sufficient heroes with strong 1v1 dueling potential dominate FFA
Mobility
Tracer, Pharah, Echo
Mobile heroes can disengage from bad fights and pick isolated targets
Sustain
Moira, Roadhog, Mei
High self-sustain lets you stay in fights longer without a support
All Deathmatch Maps (4)
Deathmatch — Frequently Asked Questions
How do you win in Deathmatch?
The first player to reach 20 eliminations wins the match. If no one reaches 20 before the time limit expires, the player with the most eliminations at that point wins.
Which heroes are best in Deathmatch?
Self-sufficient heroes with strong 1v1 potential dominate FFA. Reaper, Cassidy, and Moira are popular picks because they can deal burst damage and sustain themselves without a support player.
Does Deathmatch count for progression?
Deathmatch is an Arcade mode and contributes to Arcade weekly wins, which reward credits or cosmetics. It does not count toward your competitive rank or Quick Play stats.
Can you play Deathmatch with friends?
You can play Deathmatch in the Arcade with a full group if you use a custom game lobby. The standard Arcade queue places you in a public lobby with up to 8 players, mixing randoms and pre-mades.
What maps are available for Deathmatch?
Deathmatch has its own dedicated map pool including Kanezaka, Château Guillard, Malevento, and Petra — maps specifically designed or adapted for the free-for-all format with tight corridors and multi-level layouts.
Does self-healing work the same way in Deathmatch?
Yes, passive self-healing and ability-based self-healing (like Roadhog's Take a Breather or Reaper's The Reaping) work exactly the same as in other modes. The passive HP regeneration that was added in Overwatch 2 also applies here.
