Lijiang tower overwatch 2 map - a competitive control map with dynamic design

The Lijiang Tower Overwatch 2 Map is one of the most iconic maps in Blizzard Entertainment's team-based shooter, known for combining vertical mobility, tight corridors, and a vibrant East Asian aesthetic. As one of the control maps in Overwatch 2, Lijiang Tower pits two teams against each other in a best-of-three format, challenging players with three unique sub-maps that are as strategic as they are visually stunning.

Overview of Lijiang Tower

Located in China, Lijiang Tower is a picturesque urban setting that blends futuristic technology with traditional Chinese architecture. The map is divided into three sub-maps - Control Center, Garden, and Night Market - each offering a different layout and set of tactical challenges. These variations require players to adapt their strategies and compositions between rounds.

Control Center

This sub-map features a symmetrical interior-focused design, with multiple entryways and enclosed spaces. The control point is located inside a large room, surrounded by tight corners and choke points. Heroes who thrive in close-quarters combat, such as Reaper or Junker Queen, tend to perform well in this environment.

Key Features of Control Center:

  1. Tight corridors and rooms ideal for close-range heroes
  2. Environmental hazards such as ledges that can be exploited by knockback abilities
  3. High ground flank routes for strategic positioning

Garden

Garden delivers a more open and vertical layout, featuring a traditional Chinese garden complete with a pagoda and walkways. The control point is outdoors with multiple flank routes surrounding it. Mobility-centric heroes like Pharah, Echo, and Lucio excel here due to their ability to maneuver around the vertical elements of the map.

Key Features of Garden:

  1. Open spaces supporting long-range damage dealers
  2. Multiple levels to promote vertical combat
  3. Great potential for environmental kills with boop mechanics

Night Market

Night Market showcases a bustling market environment lit by neon lights and overhead lanterns. This sub-map has a mix of long sightlines and tight areas, making it a versatile battlefield for both snipers and brawlers. The central point is enclosed within a circular pavilion structure with flanking routes around it.

Key Features of Night Market:

  1. Balanced opportunities for all hero types
  2. Choke points on the approach to the control area
  3. Visual distractions due to neon lighting - excellent for ambush tactics

Map Strategy and Hero Composition

Lijiang Tower rewards teams that can adapt quickly between rounds. Due to the varied nature of each sub-map, flexibility in team composition is crucial. Players who can switch between heroes that excel in tight spaces, such as Mei or Cassidy, and those who can exploit open areas, like Hanzo or Soldier: 76, often have the upper hand.

Support Heroes

Supports who offer speed boosts or strong sustain, such as Lucio and Baptiste, are popular choices. Lucio’s wall riding ability allows for quick repositioning and environmental eliminations, particularly useful in the Garden and Night Market sub-maps.

Tank Play

Tanks play a vital role in paving the way to the control point. Reinhardt, with his shield and melee presence, is effective in Control Center, while more mobile tanks such as Winston or D.Va shine in Garden and Night Market due to their movement capabilities and ability to pressure high-value targets on elevated platforms.

Conclusion

Lijiang Tower remains a fan-favorite map within both casual and professional Overwatch 2 communities. Its combination of varied layouts, aesthetic appeal, and strategic depth ensures it continues to be a staple in the game’s rotation. Mastering each sub-map and understanding hero synergies specific to each section is key to securing victory on this dynamic battlefield.