It’s been a hell of a year for Blizzard’s online FPS Overwatch. With the long-anticipated release of notorious baddie Doomfist, to the return of the Summer Games Event, plus a litany of patches and updates, it didn’t seem like Blizzard had much else in its magic bag to add to the game’s already impressive and diverse portfolio. But once again, they’ve pulled it out, with the announcement of both a new map and a brand new Arcade Mode – the Deathmatch.
But don’t be jumping onto Battle.net to patch the game just yet – the new mode and map is currently only available in the Public Test Region for PC users. But what we do know the new mode is technically two: Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch. Both are free-for-all battles with each player striving to strike down as many enemies as possible – and that means final blow kills, not environmental or self-inflicted damage. The Team version keeps in with the traditional six-on-six, while Deathmatch is limited to eight players. One point is awarded for each final blow, while one point is deducted for any environmental or self-inflicted death, or, in Team Deathmatch, if the fallen opponent is resurrected before they respawn (which means having a good Mercy will be critical to success). The winning player will be whoever racks up 20 points first.
The new mode also brings in a new map, this time to the home of Amélie Lacroix, otherwise known as Widowmaker. The map, known as Chateau Guillard, is a picturesque French manor estate located near Annecy in the south of France. While the developer update video didn’t offer any sort of look at the map, you can check out screencaps here.
Deathmatch and Chateau Guillard are still only available in the PTR, but, as is the case with all new content, will be released on all Overwatch platforms within the coming weeks.
