Blizzard unveils two major Overwatch 2 map reworks and shows off newcomer Aatlis

Overwatch 2 Season 17 is almost here, and Blizzard has a lot on the cards. The update will introduce a long-requested feature for the multiplayer FPS, map voting. Alongside this comes the introduction of the third Flashpoint destination, the Morocco-inspired Aatlis; but the developer isn't stopping there, as it's totally transforming both of the other locations used in the large-scale mode. Now, it's just showcased the Suravasa and New Junk City changes, and the pair are already looking a lot more appealing.

The new map voting feature will allow players to influence which of the Overwatch 2 maps the next match will take place on. It's not just a 'majority wins' situation; the number of votes will determine the chance that each of the three options is picked, but the ultimate roll is still random. To ensure that one of our best FPS games doesn't suddenly fall foul of reactive abandons, leaver penalties are applied the moment the vote takes place, so you can't just walk away because you didn't get King's Row again.

With the introduction of this new feature, Blizzard has decided to take the time to overhaul two Overwatch 2 locations, and is open to the idea of more such redesigns for the future. In a new video, associate game director Alec Dawson and senior level designer Jorge Murillo join senior influencer manager Megan Reardon to walk through some of these early adjustments. Murillo notes that the way map voting plays out will help to determine which other destinations are in need of change.

Suravasa and New Junk City are top of the list. The two Flashpoint maps aren't as popular as the team would like, and Murillo explains that the focus has been on making the traversal routes between points clearer, and defining more "grand entrances" into the objective zones. Of the pair, Suravasa is the more popular currently, but the team has been simplifying geometry and removing line-of-sight blockers to make paths clearer and help give each point more distinct identities.

By pulling back entrances and turning small buildings into more open regions that still retain some small walls to use as cover, Blizzard has greatly improved visibility while maintaining the potential for team fights. You'll have a much easier time spotting the key points of interest that you're heading to, and it'll be more obvious which routes are fastest to get there. Paths that were largely unused due to feeling like chokepoints or "death traps" have been opened up, and additional flank routes have been introduced.

"When people get stuck in these chokes on Flashpoint maps and then you lose a teamfight at the entrance, we don't really like that," Murillo says. "It doesn't feel great, especially if the defending team has the point and they're getting percentage points and you're not able to even get on point. We don't really want that to happen, so we're basically trying to make it a little easier to push onto the point." He remarks that the team has been careful in widening areas not to leave too many long sight lines that could become problematic against snipers.

"New Junk City is kind of a beast," Dawson says. It's proved the least popular map, so its overhaul is more significant. Immediately out of spawn, you'll notice a dramatic reduction in the height of some of the buildings, giving you a better sense of place and lowering the cramped, claustrophobic feel. Some walls, such as those around the ducts point, have been entirely stripped back to give a clearer sense of what's happening around entrances instead of creating large blind spots.

What were once tight chokepoints are now much more open, creating space to exploit higher-mobility heroes. Adjustments to the spread of verticality should mean you're closer to the action than before when you're standing on the low ground. A lot of the excess trash and sand piles have been cleared away - while they were aesthetically fitting, Murillo admits that it made the space feel too busy and tough to navigate around. Overall, New Junk City looks almost entirely fresh, and I'm already excited to give it a try.

To round out the stream, we get a look at the new Flashpoint map, Aatlis. "The biggest thing with Aatlis is navigation," Dawson explains. "We prioritized navigation with this map in particular through a variety of ways; looking at the angles of the streets, making sure it doesn't take you through a journey that's kind of circuitous." Building on the earlier discussions, clearly defined and unique-looking points are also a big part of its design.

Inspired by Marrakesh, Aatlis is already looking gorgeous. Taking into account what Blizzard learned from Suravasa and New Junk City, it has some really tidy forward spawns that will get you into the action much faster. "Everything's much closer, much tighter," Murillo says. You'll need to watch out for some nasty high ground near to points that reminds me of Oasis, forcing you to leap up and contest for space. "It can be really, really engaging," Dawson concludes.

Overwatch 2 Season 17 'Powered Up' launches Tuesday June 24, including the new map voting system. Aatlis will be available to play from day one, while the reworks for Suravasa and New Junk City will roll out midway through the season.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the Overwatch 2 characters on the roster nowadays? Don't worry, as our Overwatch 2 tier list will ensure you know the best picks for Season 17.

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