Official Overwatch artwork accompanying Season 17 Drives.
News

Competitive Drives Return with New Rules in Season 17

Season 17 introduces significant changes to Competitive Drives, allowing players to earn Drive Score solely through wins. The event runs from August 21 to 25, encouraging teamwork and strategic play.

Official Overwatch artwork from Blizzard Entertainment. Used for editorial coverage.

At a glance

Event Dates
August 21–25, 2025
Drive Score System
Earned solely through wins
Team Play Bonus
Wins with friends grant a Drive Score bonus

New Competitive Drive Mechanics

The upcoming Competitive Drives event in Overwatch Season 17 is set to bring a fresh approach to how players earn Drive Score. Unlike previous iterations, where rank played a significant role, this time players will accumulate Drive Score exclusively through victories. This change emphasizes the importance of winning matches rather than relying on rank, making every win crucial for progression.

Checkpoint-Based Progression

Progression in the Competitive Drives will be checkpoint-based, meaning players will need to achieve a series of wins to reach the top tier. Notably, it will require more victories to climb to the highest ranks compared to past seasons. This adjustment aims to create a more challenging and rewarding experience for players striving to showcase their skills.

Team Play Incentives

For the first time, players can earn Drive Score in both Core Competitive and Stadium modes. Additionally, teaming up with friends will provide a Drive Score bonus for wins, encouraging players to group up and strategize together. This feature aims to enhance the social aspect of the game while also rewarding teamwork.

Looking Ahead to the Event

As the Competitive Drives event approaches, players are encouraged to prepare for the challenges ahead. The opportunity to earn the Season 17 Signature and potentially a Prestige upgrade awaits those who excel during the event. With the new rules in place, the competitive landscape is set to become more dynamic, and players will need to adapt their strategies to succeed.