Overwatch Payload Race
Both teams simultaneously push their own payload. The first team to deliver their payload wins.
How to Win
Push your payload to the enemy delivery zone before your opponents push theirs.
History
Payload Race is one of Overwatch's most chaotic arcade modes, featuring simultaneous pushing that creates constant skirmishes across the entire map. Thames District is one of the maps designed for this frantic format.
Key Mechanics
- Both teams have a payload moving in opposite directions
- No dedicated attacker or defender roles
- Stopping the enemy payload requires contesting it
- Speed of push depends on how many teammates are near your payload
Attacking Tips
- Split attention between pushing your own payload and contesting the enemy
- Prioritize your own payload speed over stopping the enemy
Defending Tips
- Contest the enemy payload to slow their progress
- Do not abandon your own payload entirely to stop theirs
Recommended Heroes
Speed
Lucio, Tracer, Sombra
Mobile heroes can quickly switch between pushing your payload and contesting the enemy
Area Control
Junkrat, Mei, Torbjorn
Area-denial heroes slow the enemy payload by contesting from a distance
Support
Lucio, Kiriko, Moira
Mobile supports that keep up with the constant back-and-forth movement of Payload Race
Payload Race — Frequently Asked Questions
How does Payload Race work?
Both teams simultaneously push their own payload toward the enemy delivery zone. The first team to fully deliver their payload wins. Unlike standard Escort, there are no designated attackers or defenders — both teams attack and contest at the same time.
Do you need to stop the enemy payload to win?
You can win purely by pushing your own payload faster, but contesting the enemy payload slows their progress. The optimal strategy involves splitting your team — some pushing your payload, others contesting theirs — though this requires strong communication and role flexibility.
How fast does the payload move in Payload Race?
Payload speed scales with the number of teammates near it, exactly as in standard Escort. Maximum speed requires multiple players within the payload radius. Leaving only one player on the payload significantly slows your push rate.
Which heroes are best in Payload Race?
Mobile heroes that can quickly reposition between your payload and the enemy's are highly valued. Lucio's Speed Boost and Kiriko's Suzu make them excellent supports. On DPS, heroes like Tracer and Sombra can harass enemy payload pushes while remaining useful on their own.
Is Payload Race available in competitive?
Payload Race is an Arcade mode and is not part of the competitive rotation. It appears in the Arcade queue periodically and may be included in seasonal event rotations. Custom game lobbies also support this mode at any time.
What maps are used for Payload Race?
Payload Race takes place on modified versions of existing Escort and Hybrid maps that have been reworked to accommodate two simultaneous payload routes. Thames District is one of the key maps designed with this dual-route structure in mind.
