Overwatch 2 Season 17: Map Voting, Reworks & Aatlis Map Revealed

Blizzard teases Overwatch 2 Season 17 with map voting, major reworks, and the lush new Aatlis map. Here’s what’s coming and why it matters.

Lily Chen Lily Chen
Thu Jun 19 2025
Overwatch 2 Season 17: Map Voting, Reworks & Aatlis Map Revealed


Overwatch 2 Season 17: Map Voting, Reworks & Aatlis Map Revealed

Ready for a shake-up in Overwatch 2? Blizzard just dropped some spicy teasers for Season 17, and trust me, this isn’t your average patch note snoozefest. From a brand-new map voting system to lush Moroccan battlegrounds and long-awaited reworks, the devs are pulling out all the stops—and the hype is real.

But what’s actually changing, and why are players buzzing? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the upcoming Overwatch 2 developer livestream and what’s about to hit your favorite hero shooter.

The Overwatch 2 Season 17 Livestream: When & Where to Watch

Mark your calendars: the Overwatch 2 dev team is going live on June 20 at 11 a.m. PT. You can catch all the action on Twitch or YouTube. Leading the charge are Alec Dawson (Associate Game Director) and Jorge Murillo (Senior Level Designer)—two names every Overwatch fan should know by now.

What’s on the Agenda?

  • Map Voting: A first for Overwatch 2, and a potential game-changer for Quick Play and Competitive.
  • Map Reworks: Updates to Suravasa and New Junk City, two Flashpoint maps that have divided the community.
  • New Map – Aatlis: A Moroccan-inspired Flashpoint map with resort vibes and lush gardens.

Pro tip: If you want to see the devs spill the tea live, set a reminder and get your questions ready in chat.

Map Voting: Finally, Some Control Over RNG

Let’s be real—getting the same map three times in a row is enough to make anyone rage-quit. Blizzard’s answer? Map voting, launching June 24 alongside Season 17. Here’s how it works:

  • Three random maps pop up when you enter role queue.
  • Each player votes; every vote gives that map a 1-in-10 chance of being picked.
  • Battle tags and team chat are hidden during voting (so no peer pressure or salt).
  • Leaver penalties kick in if you bail during the voting phase.

This feature is rolling out in both Quick Play and Competitive modes. It’s a bold move that could finally end the “ugh, not this map again” cycle. Early player reactions are cautiously optimistic—some are hyped for more agency, while others worry about map popularity skewing the pool. Only time (and a few thousand matches) will tell.

Want more details? Check out our full guide to map voting in Overwatch 2 Season 17.



Flashpoint Map Reworks: Suravasa & New Junk City Get a Makeover

If you’ve been dodging Flashpoint because of Suravasa or New Junk City, you’re not alone. The devs have heard the feedback (read: complaints) and are rolling out reworks for both maps later in Season 17. While specifics are under wraps until the livestream, expect layout tweaks and quality-of-life improvements aimed at balancing gameplay and reducing player frustration.

This is part of a broader trend in the industry: live service games are increasingly treating maps like living, breathing entities—constantly evolving based on player data and feedback. Overwatch 2 is clearly leaning into this, and it’s a win for anyone who wants a fresher, fairer competitive experience.

Welcome to Aatlis: Overwatch 2’s Moroccan Paradise

Say hello to Aatlis, the newest Flashpoint map set in Morocco. Think lush gardens, resort-style architecture, and a sun-drenched vibe that’s a far cry from the usual war-torn cityscape. Blizzard’s sneak peeks show off vibrant colors and intricate layouts—perfect for both flanking and high-ground plays.

Aatlis Map Screenshot

Alt text: A screenshot of Overwatch 2's new Aatlis map, featuring lush Moroccan gardens and resort architecture.

This isn’t just a pretty face—Aatlis is designed for the Flashpoint mode, so expect fast-paced objective play and plenty of opportunities for clutch moments. If you’re a map explorer or just want to flex your movement skills, this one’s for you.

What Else Is Dropping in Overwatch 2 Season 17?

Season 17 isn’t just about maps. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming:

  • Sigma, Junkrat, and Zenyatta join Stadium mode
  • G.I. Joe crossover (yes, really)
  • Possible Nerf collaboration (start saving those credits)
  • Mythic skins: Horang D.Va and Steel Death Reaper
  • Battle Pass with 8-bit Genji, Reinhardt, and more
  • DPS passive adjustment
  • Wuyang hero trial
  • Smaller, cuter Bastion model (see why everyone’s talking about it)
  • Updates for Junker Queen, Lifeweaver, and Pharah
  • Powered Up and Hacks & Hijinx events
  • Stadium mode upgrades: Esperança and Samoa maps, Stadium Forge, Drives, All-Star rewards, and more

For the full breakdown, don’t miss our Season 17 mega-guide.

Why These Changes Matter: The Future of Overwatch 2

Blizzard’s Season 17 roadmap is more than just a content drop—it’s a signal that Overwatch 2 is doubling down on player agency, community feedback, and fresh experiences. Map voting alone could set a new standard for matchmaking in hero shooters, and the focus on reworks shows the devs aren’t afraid to admit when something needs fixing.

Industry-wise, this aligns with a broader push for live service games to be more responsive and transparent. With competitors like Valorant and Apex Legends constantly iterating, Overwatch 2’s willingness to experiment is a good sign for the game’s long-term health.



Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for Season 17?

Whether you’re a map enjoyer, a skin collector, or just here for the memes, Overwatch 2 Season 17 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious updates yet. The dev livestream is your chance to get the inside scoop, so don’t miss it!

What are you most hyped for—map voting, Aatlis, or those mythic skins? Drop your thoughts below or tag us with #OW2Season17. For more Overwatch 2 news, guides, and spicy leaks, stick with early.gg.

Stay tuned, heroes. The payload isn’t going to push itself.

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