Overwatch 2 Season 17 overview – New map, Mythics, and more

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Season 17 of Overwatch 2 is nearly here! Expect a fresh map, some new heroes in Stadium, and lots more exciting features. For the first time ever, two Mythics will be available in the shop at the start of the season. We’ve also introduced a limited-time mode that adds an element of chaos to Control, and you can now vote on maps before a match begins!

We’ve rounded up everything new in Overwatch 2 Season 17 below.

Overwatch 2 Season 17’s new map and map voting

In Season 17, a fresh Flashpoint map called Aatlis makes its debut, reminiscent of Morocco. This is the first entirely new game map since Runasapi in Season 11. Blizzard stated that Aatlis has been crafted for “closer skirmishes, smoother transitions, and swift-moving action.” While they didn’t provide further details, it seems that Aatlis might have fewer connection points between flashpoints, potentially reducing travel time and encouraging more frequent encounters.

Discussing maps, Blizzard is introducing a map voting feature for Seasons 17 in Quick Play and Competitive modes. Following the role queue selection, you will be presented with three maps to choose from. This process aims to enhance the likelihood that the random pick will land on your preferred map. The identities of the players are concealed during this phase, ensuring no one can figure out who voted for which map.

Overwatch 2 Season 17 Stadium update

In line with the earlier announced Overwatch 2 Stadium roadmap by Blizzard, Season 17 introduces two additional maps to the game’s MOBA-style mode and three new characters, one for each role. These new maps are:

  • Esperanca (Push mode)
  • Samoa (Control mode)

Blizzard has revamped Esperanca for the Stadium mode, featuring “additional height variations” that allow strategies to change from one round to another. While it appears similar to the original Esperanca, its adjustments are intended to fit Stadium’s quicker gameplay. The Samoa map, on the other hand, serves as a crucial point for controlling lava, making it an ideal stage for utilizing characters like Ashe and Lucio, who excel in delivering powerful knockbacks.

The three Stadium heroes in Season 17 are:

  • Sigma, a tank who specializes in creating barriers and keeping enemies at a distance
  • Junkrat, a mid- to long-range damage dealer who launches explosives and sets traps
  • Zenyatta, a support hero who provides moderate, regular healing to a single target Ultron-style and who can debuff a single enemy’s defense

In addition to the new release, Blizzard introduces Stadium Forge – a platform for saving and exchanging build configurations, custom matches, fresh All-Star incentives, and a first-time rank restart in this particular mode.

Overwatch 2 Season 17 Mythics

In an unexpected twist from their usual pattern, Blizzard is launching not one but two Mythic items at the beginning of Season 17. The first Mythic skin for D.Va, dubbed Horang Hero, is inspired by a Siberian tiger. As with previous Mythic skins, this new look for D.Va will have four distinct stages.

  • Level 1: Tiger armor and a hat with sleek, fierce white styling
  • Level 2: Bun hairstyle with upgraded visuals in a cinnabar red colorway
  • Level 3: Flex braids and a wild tiger mask in a pink tinted colorway
  • Level 4: Hit full tiger mode with ambient spirit energy, glowing effects, and flourishes that radiate power

To begin with and enhance as normal, it requires 80 Mythic Prisms, similar to before. However, the premium battle pass track offers these prism rewards periodically.

The Mythic weapon skin is for Reaper, Steel Death. It also has four upgrade stages.

  • Level 1 Base: Brutal, sharp, soulfire-infused shotguns built for lethal precision
  • Level 2 Reactivity: Weapons flare with dark energy as you deal damage
  • Level 3 Flourish: Intricate glowing details surround your shotguns
  • Level 4 Kill FX: Finish foes with haunting swirled shadows and sound effects that embody Reaper’s fury

Overwatch 2 Season 17 Battle Pass and events preview

In the unveiling of Season 17, Blizzard showcased a new event along with a season battle pass that comes with certain loot box rewards. This time around, the battle pass skins mainly feature an 8-bit style, particularly for Reinhardt, Genji, and Sombra. On the other hand, Cassidy receives a distinctive Delinquent skin, Junkrat dons an Overwatch Academy costume, and Ana sports a cherry blossom themed attire. The premium battle pass offers two more legendary skins: Principal Lacroix for Widowmaker and Professor de Kuiper Sigma for Sigma.

As an enthusiast, I can’t wait for the exciting kickoff of The Powered Up Event! This isn’t just a nudge to play some matches; it’s a thrilling opportunity to collect four Epic-grade loot boxes in total. One of these boxes will even guarantee a legendary skin before the final one. The star attraction, however, is the Hacks and Hijinx event, which takes place from July 15 to July 28. This limited-time 6v6 mode features Sombra hacking the game, introducing unpredictable factors such as low gravity or ultimate charges being linked to health packs. It’s going to be a wild ride!

As a fellow gamer, here’s my two cents on who to learn to counter Sigma in Overwatch’s Stadium: Dive deep into mastering Zarya and Reinhardt. These characters can help you turn the tide when going up against Sigma.

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2025-06-17 19:28