OWL adds Flashpoint to new map rotation, adds third place match to Playoffs

Significant updates are coming to Overwatch League (OWL), including changes in the map rotation for different series and the addition of a third-place match in the playoffs.

With the launch of Overwatch 2’s sixth season called Overwatch: Invasion, large changes have also made itself felt in the Overwatch League.

The new map type Flashpoint has been introduced into the active rotation. For the first time in competitive history, five different map types are available, reducing the previously inflated value of Control as the map decider to be played twice in matches.

The new map rotation

In a bid to keep the gameplay engaging and varied, the OWL has revealed a new map rotation system. Depending on the length of the series, different maps and sequences are used:

For a first-to-three series, the order is Control-Hybrid-Flashpoint-Push-Escort, and if a tiebreaker is needed, Control and Escort maps are used.

For a first-to-four series, the sequence is Control-Hybrid-Flashpoint-Push-Escort-Control-Escort, with Push and Control maps serving as tiebreakers.

The map pool for the Playoffs will only be changed after the conclusion of the Play-Ins. The pool includes:

Control: Antarctic Peninsula, Busan, Ilios, Lijiang Tower

Hybrid: Blizzard World, King’s Row, Midtown

Flashpoint: New Junk City, Suravasa

Push: Colosseo, Esperança, New Queen Street

Escort: Circuit Royal, Dorado, Route 66, Shambali

Third place has been added to season Playoffs

According to an Overwatch League spokesperson, a third-place match will grace the Overwatch League's Playoff stage. This match is scheduled for October 1, the last day of season 6, and will take place before the Grand Finals.

The stakes are high, with a whopping $95,000 USD difference between the third-place ($225,000) and fourth-place ($130,000) prizes.

Five North American and three APAC teams will be fighting for the title in a classical GSL format. 

For season 6, the Overwatch League Playoffs are heading to Toronto and are taking place from September 28 to October 1, 2023, crowning the potential last Overwatch League champion.