Although several positive changes were introduced with Overwatch 2’s release, such as improved role specialization and ult charge mechanics, one of the game’s least-liked aspects was introduced because of the increase of maps introduced with the rebranding. Overwatch 2 introduced map pools, limiting players’ choices for the map(s) they would play on in any given match.
The creators said that map pools were required so that players could have more time on the new Overwatch 2 maps and so that the previous Overwatch maps could be updated to meet the standards of the sequel. Unfortunately, many players have complained openly about the limited variety of maps available to them in the map pools.
Overwatch has announced in a recent director’s view post that map pools will not be returning for Season 4. The post explains that the team’s previous strategy involved rotating map pools to keep things interesting and to reduce the total number of maps played during a given season; however, player sentiment around map pools was fairly low, the map roster does not have enough maps where they truly need them, and the team’s impact on seasonal identity was fairly low, so they decided to change course.
In the future, if the quantity of maps does become unmanageable, the devs have hinted that map pools may return. The resurrection of map pools is unlikely, and if it does occur, it will be restricted to a select playlist or game style.
The team has stated that they will be making some adjustments to the programming behind the scenes to reduce the frequency with which some maps (especially Colosseo) will be randomly generated. The creators also explored adjusting certain maps to include additional flanking paths that are geographically closer to spawns, and altering future challenges to divert attention away from the seasonal game style.
