Toronto
Liberation
About Toronto
Toronto is a major Canadian metropolis with a difficult history in Overwatch's universe. During the Omnic Crisis, the city was besieged by omnics from the Detroit Omnium, leaving deep scars on the city's relationship with artificial intelligence. In the present day, Toronto is a thriving, multicultural city connected to the global hyperloop network — until Null Sector launches its invasion in Season 6.
The "Liberation" story mission takes place across Toronto's snowy streets, its iconic subway system, Union Station, and the underground Egg House venue. Sojourn — who hails from Canada — is a required pick for the mission, adding a personal dimension to the fight to reclaim her home country's largest city.
The PvP version of this setting — named "New Queen Street" — uses the Push game mode and is part of Overwatch 2's regular competitive pool. The two versions of the map share geography but tell very different stories: the PvP version captures the city's multicultural energy, while the PvE mission shows it under siege.
Liberation — Mission Overview
Liberation is a cooperative PvE story mission for 1–4 players. Fight through Null Sector forces across Toronto's streets and transit infrastructure, reclaiming the city from the invasion. At least one player must pick Sojourn — the mission is her homecoming.
Required Hero
At least one player must play Sojourn. As a Canadian hero returning to defend her homeland, her presence is central to the story.
Null Sector Threat
Null Sector has occupied Toronto as one of its primary invasion targets. Players must fight through waves of enemies to liberate the city.
Key Locations
Union Station
The historic Union Station — reimagined in Overwatch's futuristic world — serves as a key transit hub and battle location during the Liberation mission.
Underground Venue — The Egg House
Players can explore an underground venue called the Egg House during the mission, one of Toronto's hidden cultural spaces in Overwatch's version of the city.
Snowy Streets
Toronto's streets are blanketed in snow, with red maple leaves providing the "Golden Moment" aesthetic the design team aimed for — cool palette, warm welcome.
The Hyperloop
Toronto is connected to the global hyperloop network that links major Overwatch cities. The line runs through the city as a reminder of its international connections.
Design Philosophy
The Overwatch design team aimed to capture a "Golden Moment" for Toronto — a city defined by multiculturalism and warmth beneath a cool, snowy exterior. Snow and red maple leaves give the map its cool visual palette, while the city's welcoming, inclusive character provides the emotional warmth.
Originally announced as simply "Toronto" at BlizzCon 2019, the PvP version was eventually renamed "New Queen Street" as development evolved. Toronto became one of four maps originally announced under city names — alongside Monte Carlo (Circuit Royal), Rome (Colosseo), and New York (Midtown) — that were renamed before release.
Trivia & History
- Originally announced at BlizzCon 2019 as "Toronto"
- The PvP version of the map was renamed "New Queen Street" and uses the Push game mode
- Toronto was the first Canadian city ever featured in any Overwatch game
- Hit hard during the Omnic Crisis, besieged by Detroit Omnium omnics
- At least one player must pick Sojourn — who hails from Canada — in the Liberation mission
- Features a fictional TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) with 11 subway lines, versus the real-world four
- The "Toronto" rainbow lettering remains visible on an ice rink near Team 1's robot spawn on New Queen Street
- During Season 13, holographic graffiti by the Phreaks gang was added near Team 1's forward spawn on New Queen Street
- An advertisement for Toronto appeared on a wall inside the Midtown (New York) map