• News

Overwatch update 1.56 patch notes add new Kanezaka map

Get ready for a new free-for-all Deathmatch map with the latest Overwatch update and take part in the Kanezaka Challenge.

Ozzie Mejia

January 12, 2021 11:00 AM

1

BlizzConline is weeks away, but Blizzard isn't waiting that long to deliver an exciting new update to Overwatch. The new 1.56 update for Overwatch will feature a new free-for-all Deathmatch map, taking players to Kanezaka. To celebrate this addition to the team-based shooter, Overwatch is kicking off the Kanezaka Challenge.

Kanezaka was first added to the Overwatch PTR back on December 16, 2020. Located in Japan next to neighboring map Hanamura, Overwatch Game Director Jeff Kaplan previously noted that each area of the new map would fit with different hero types. Just beware of the flowing traffic, which threatens to take out heroes, just as they do on the Oasis map. There's more to learn about Kanezaka from a lore standpoint with Blizzard releasing a mysterious letter on the Overwatch website.

The Kanezaka Challenge won't require play on the new map. It will simply challenge players to win nine games in Quick Play, Competitive Play, or Arcade. Winning three games will reward players with the Pagoda Player Icon, winning six games will unlock the Yokai Spray, and winning nine games will unlock the Kyogisha Hanzo epic skin. There are more rewards available for those who watch any Overwatch Twitch streamer. Those who watch up to six hours of Overwatch streams can unlock three additional sprays.

The Kanezaka Challenge will run from now through Monday, January 25. Today's 1.56 patch doesn't have anything in terms of hero balance challenges, but it does have a few bug fixes. You can learn more on the Overwatch patch notes page.

Ozzie Mejia

Senior Editor

Ozzie has been playing video games since picking up his first NES controller at age 5. He has been into games ever since, only briefly stepping away during his college years. But he was pulled back in after spending years in QA circles for both THQ and Activision, mostly spending time helping to push forward the Guitar Hero series at its peak. Ozzie has become a big fan of platformers, puzzle games, shooters, and RPGs, just to name a few genres, but he’s also a huge sucker for anything with a good, compelling narrative behind it. Because what are video games if you can't enjoy a good story with a fresh Cherry Coke?