Iron Banner

Iron Banner: Rift

"Carrying precious cargo through enemy lines is an all too inevitable battle scenario." —Lord Saladin

Collect the Spark and ignite the opponent's Rift. First team to 5 points wins.

Overview

Iron Banner: Rift is a 6v6 Iron Banner playlist based on the Rift game mode. Introduced in Season 17, Rift is a capture-the-flag style mode where teams battle over a central objective called the Spark.

Objectives

Both teams spawn on opposite ends of the map. After 15 seconds, a Spark spawns at the center. Players grab the Spark by holding the interact key and carry it to the enemy's Rift location to dunk it, earning 1 point. The first team to 5 dunks wins. If the time limit expires in a tie, three Sparks spawn and the first team to dunk one wins.

Game Mechanics

Duration: 10-minute matches with respawns enabled
Revives: Players can revive downed teammates; controlling enemy Ghosts is critical for map control
Spark Visibility: Once picked up, the Spark carrier's location is revealed to all players on the HUD
Damage Immunity: The Spark drops if the carrier takes damage, so escort and support are essential
Shooting and Abilities: Carriers can use all weapons and abilities while holding the Spark

Strategy

Winning teams coordinate to establish mid-map control before contesting the Spark. The entire team should advance together, with some players providing cover fire while escorts guide the runner to the enemy Rift. Area-of-effect weapons excel at clearing defensive positions. Defensive support roles using Stasis, healing, or invisibility can enable successful dunks.

Gameplay in Iron Banner

Like all Iron Banner matches, Rift uses Power Level enabled, though Iron Banner levels the field for all participants. The mode rewards both individual combat skill and team coordination.