Eichenwald in Overwatch is the first map added to the collection after the official release of the game in September 2016. The players are from the beginning of the year in the short film “Bastion”, where the events related to this place unfold.
After the update, the map migrated to Overwatch 2 and is now available in the “Escort” mode.
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Description of the Eichenwald map in Overwatch
Eichenwald is a German village near Stuttgart. Above it stands an ancient castle, standing in front of the town hall. It is here, in the stone walls of the fortress, that the remains of the knight Balderich von Alder, the legendary defender of these lands, rest.
In the “Escort” mode, one team must storm the castle, and the other must hold the defense.
Eichenwald Castle is striking in its detail. The location has two levels: the main one and the upper one. There are towers, arches and old buildings on the elevation. Dozens of tunnels, vaults and passageways can be found all over the map — ideal points for controlling the territory and organizing an ambush.
The history of the Eichenwald map in Overwatch
About twenty years ago, fierce fighting broke out near Stuttgart during the uprising of the machines. Balderich von Alder’s troops fought against an army of robots that were numerically and technically superior to humans.
For two weeks, the heroic soldiers held the defense, but the forces were unequal — the castle fell. After the victory, the German army managed to recapture the territory, and the bodies of the fallen Crusaders, including Balderich, were buried within the walls of Eichenwald.
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Interesting facts
Details of the history and creation of the Eichenwald map in Overwatch:
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Demon horns can be seen on the castle walls, a direct reference to Diablo III.;
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The attacking team starts the fight in the cozy bar “Mittagshrug”;
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The castle’s architecture is inspired by Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films.
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Aura likes that it’s a little easier for the defending side here — the castle gives a tactical advantage.
Tactics of playing on the Eichenwald map
Defending Eichenwald is easier: all you have to do is occupy key heights and block the tunnels. For the attackers, the task is more difficult — it is important to act in command, moving cautiously and covering each other.
The control of firing positions in tunnels often becomes a decisive factor in victory.
Easter eggs
Overwatch’s PTR servers had a map of Eichenwald, where, according to the game’s lore, one of the greatest battles of the Machine Rebellion took place.
Gamescom visitors have already tested the map and found many Easter eggs: from Diablo horns to Balderich’s remains, reminiscent of King Leoric.
But there is also an unexpected surprise — in one of the rooms at the entrance to the castle, a sword is stuck in the floor, shining with a soft light. It doesn’t restore health, but for Dark Souls fans, it’s a nice sign of respect.
Conclusion
The Eichenwald map is a battle location, and an important part of the history of the Overwatch and Overwatch 2 universe. Its atmospheric architecture, deep ent and attention to detail make it one of the most recognizable and beloved arenas. Eichenwald often appears in seasonal events and esports tournaments, reminding that even stone walls remember the feat of their heroes.
