Payload: What is the payload in hero shooters?
In games like Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals, “the payload” refers to a moving objective that one team tries to escort while the other team works to stop them. Whether you’re attacking or defending, your role revolves entirely around this key objective.
How Payload Modes Work
For the attacking side, payload matches usually have two phases. First, the team needs to capture a control point—this part plays out like your typical point-capture mode. Once that’s done, the payload becomes active. From there, attackers have to stay near it to keep it moving forward along a set path.
The route has several checkpoints, and reaching each one pushes the attackers’ spawn point closer to the action, helping maintain momentum as they try to push all the way to the end.
What the Defending Team Does
The defenders, on the other hand, have a simpler job on paper: stop the payload from reaching the final checkpoint. If they succeed, they win the round or match. If not, the attackers take the win. It’s a constant back-and-forth, especially in the tight areas around each checkpoint.
Why Payload Modes Fit Hero Shooters So Well
Payload objectives work especially well in hero shooters because of the variety of roles—like tanks or Vanguards—who can soak up damage and hold the line. These roles shine when it comes to holding space around the payload or pushing through tough defenses, making the mode both strategic and action-packed.