Overwatch’s new map is a beautiful Arabian city

Overwatch’s new map is now on PTR. Here is your first look at what we can expect from Oasis.

I didn’t have any fully formed expectations for what the Oasis map would look like. Knowing that the map is supposed to be rooted in the Arabian desert made me think sand would be involved. A lot of sand. Maybe some sand dunes?

Good thing I do not work on the Blizzard ideas team, because what they came up with was way better.

Overwatch’s new map is being tested out right now by players on the Public Test Region. Through them, we’ve discovered that Oasis is a beautiful and extremely elegant city. It has tastefully appointed gardens and even a university. It also stays true to what we know about cities, in that there is traffic and that traffic can kill you.

Moral of the story here: Don’t play in the street, because you will get clipped by a car and you will die.

Oasis is a control point map, similar in style to Nepal and Ilios. It has three different control points, each with its own distinct theme.

First is a point that seems to take place right in the city’s center. This map features the first ever jump pad in Overwatch, which launches your character in the air when you jump on it.

There is also a point that revolves around the city’s lush gardens. While beautiful to look at, the actual control point is within a tall circular tower with no window access. Because the point is within such close and confined quarters, not all characters will be effective here.

What seems to be the most interesting control point is the one revolving around what looks like a university. Outside of the lovely sweeping architecture, the point is accessible through a variety of different entryways and tight corridors. There is even a window through which you can see a packed lecture hall. (Could that presentation slide contain the beginnings of the next ARG??? We hope not.)

The biggest curiosity is a blue pit right in the middle of the floor. Pits are synonymous with insta-death in Overwatch, but not this pit! Dropping down, you will find yourself in a luminous glowing room in which is a nice hefty health pack. There are various passageways that branch off the room and bring you back to the control point floor. You can also use those passageways to get to the pit-room.

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Based purely on the visuals and aesthetics, I love what I see so far. This map looks to have more depth than Eichenwalde. It also just plain looks better. I’m looking forward to discovering what actual gameplay will feel like on Oasis.

To experience a full tour of Oasis, check out Overwatch Central’s in-depth video below:

And not to take away from Oasis, but did want to let everyone know that a new unlockable voice line has also been added for Sombra in this PTR: “Boop!” Of course it’s boop.