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Overwatch 2 Rules

1. Match Overview

Matches are Best-of-5

Supported platforms:

  • PC
  • Xbox
  • PS4
  • PS5
  • Nintendo Switch

This game is cross-play. All players will face each other, regardless of console.

2. Game Lobby

You can see a video on how to create or join a lobby here.

The home team will create the lobby (a “non-player” pc should be used when available). The away team will determine red/blue. The lobby code will be required to use:

  • VXH5C

2.1. Settings

  • Select Preset: Competitive
  • Modes: ALL
  • Kill Cam Disabled Modes: ALL
  • Game Mode Start: Manual
  • Max Spectators: 3 (please note the 3rd spectator position is reserved for IEA Administrators)
  • Chosen Map enabled, all other maps disabled

In the event, an incorrect lobby code is loaded or the settings were changed, the match should be stopped and reset. Previously played maps with the incorrect format will not count toward the series. The author currently should be listed as “Datrix83864”.

3. Best of Five

Game 1 will be played using a defined start control map. For games 2-5, the loser of the previous map will select the map, following the map type order. The process is repeated for each game until one team reaches 3 map wins.

3.1. Map type order

  1. Control (pre-determined)
  2. Hybrid
  3. Flashpoint
  4. Push
  5. Escort

3.2. Game 1 Control Map

Week: (You will skip the map the week of your BYE)

  1. Illios
  2. Antartic Peninsula
  3. Busan
  4. Oasis
  5. Lijiang Tower
  6. Antartic Peninsula
  7. Oasis

State Play-in:

  • Round 1: Lijiang Tower - Night
  • Round 2: Ilios - Morning
  • Round 3: Bussan

State:

  • Round 1: Oasis
  • Round 2: Nepal
  • Round 3: Samoa

3.3. Map Pools

The following maps are permitted for play in official matches. Please note that any reskinned/seasonal versions of these maps are prohibited from play in official matches.

3.3.1. Control Maps

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Busan
  • Ilios
  • Lijiang Tower
  • Oasis
  • Nepal
  • Samoa

3.3.2. Hybrid Maps

  • Eichenwalde
  • King's Row
  • Midtown
  • Numbani
  • Blizzard World
  • Hollywood
  • Paraiso

3.3.3. Flashpoint

  • New Junk City
  • Suravasa

3.3.4. Push Maps

  • Colosseo
  • Esperanca
  • New Queen Street
  • Runasapi

3.3.5. Escort Maps

  • Circuit Royal
  • Dorado
  • Watchpoint: Gibraltar
  • Route 66

4. Aim Assist

Aim assist will be disabled if the match is hosted in a PC lobby. A PC lobby is any lobby that has one or more PC players in it, including spectator slots.

5. Control systems

Players may use a keyboard and mouse, or default-style controllers regardless of console. Modified controllers are not allowed.

6. Teams

6.1. Mid-Game Role Swap

Players cannot switch roles during side switch portions. Players must play the same role throughout the entire map. Players may switch roles between maps.

6.2. Team Roster

Teams must have 5 players on a roster and may have up to 5 substitutes. All members of the roster must have their Battle.net information available and readily seen. Coaches should have the roster up to date 24 hours prior to the match.

6.2.1. Substitution

Teams may substitute players between maps. The substitute player’s Battle.net account must match the roster.

6.3. Incomplete teams

A team may elect to start a game with fewer than 5 players on the map. They must complete the map before the additional players join. The team will play with a player down, no bots or random joins are permitted.

7. New maps or heroes or hero reworks

New maps or heroes will be banned for 2 weeks. This may also apply to big hero reworks, reworked hero bans will be communicated via the student and admin Discords.

7.1. Current hero ban

  • Freja is banned for the remainder of the Spring 2025 season

7.2. Current map ban

8. Stoppage of Play

The game should automatically pause on a player disconnect.

  • Shortly after a pause is initiated, a reason must be given via game chat (e.g.: player disconnect, ping issues, technical difficulties, etc.).
  • Each team will have 5 cumulative minutes to pause. When 5 minutes have been exhausted, teams are required to continue play. Both teams should consider keeping track of time.
  • Each team is responsible for timing their pause (any issues should be discussed with the other team and IEA Administrators)
  • In the case of a player disconnect, after the 5 minutes are used, the team must continue the game (4 v 5)
  • If the player is able to reconnect, the player can rejoin the match. It must be the same player with the same battle.net account in the same role.

9. Spectators

Each team is allowed 1 spectator, taking the spectator slot for the purpose of streaming the game to their school account (youtube, twitch, etc).

The spectator is not allowed to communicate with the team during the matches and are to only use their teams POV or similar.

Streams or recordings are to be shared with the opposing team when posted.

10. Coaching

Coaches: Coaches are allowed as long as they are registered as a coach on the team. Coaches are not permitted to play.

Coaches are not allowed to talk during active play. Active play includes the pre-round protected area.

Coaching is only allowed between rounds.

Coaches are permitted to be un-deafened in voice chat, but mic must be software muted.

11. BM/Toxicity

  • Our organization takes any forms of BM or toxicity seriously. Players should imagine that collegiate and professional recruiters may watch your game play at any time. Any form of BM or toxicity will not be tolerated and may result in warnings, player ban, team ban, and team removal from the season with no refunds. This includes but is not limited to:
    • Teabagging (crouching up and down on a downed opponent or objective point)
    • Body shooting (shooting a downed opponent where no prone ability is present)
    • Body or objective tagging (spraying a downed opponent or objective point)
    • Spamming voice lines
    • Cursing in game chat
    • Cursing in voice chat
    • Use of any slurs or derogatory language in game chat, LeagueOS chat, or any other form of communication

We are here to have fun and compete in a friendly environment. Please keep that in mind when playing in our league. While we understand that not all schools can stream or record, we do ask for some kind of evidence if a report is made. It is hard to take action without evidence to point to.