Blizzard has revealed the preview for Overwatch’s Season 17, introducing the new Chinese hero ‘Wuyang’ for players to try out. This season promises fresh rewards and enhanced gameplay experiences. Highlights include map voting, innovations in the Brawl mode, the unprecedented launch of two Mythic skins simultaneously, new maps, limited-time events, and a content-rich battle pass.
Brawl Mode Updates: The turn-based PvP mode ‘Brawl Arena’ is set for a major update. Heroes Zenyatta, Sigma, and Junker Queen will join the fray, alongside two new Brawl maps, ‘Esperanza’ and ‘Samoa.’ New support tools allow players to create, save, and share team compositions. The ‘Brawl Arena Forge’ system debuts, offering recommended team templates for each hero. Season 17 will also feature the first-ever Brawl Arena ranked reset, a persistent reward system, customizable game rules, and brand-new All-Star rewards.
Map Voting: Starting this season, Quick Play and Competitive modes will include map voting. After role lock, players receive three random map options, with each vote increasing a map’s selection chance by 10%. The final map is chosen via a roulette system. To maintain a relaxed atmosphere, team chat, Battle.net nicknames, and individual votes are hidden. Players who leave mid-vote will face penalties.
New Maps: Three new maps debut this season. The core game mode welcomes ‘Atlesis,’ a Flashpoint map showcasing Morocco’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. ‘Esperanza’ returns to Brawl with new verticality and tactical depth. ‘Samoa,’ a volcanic control point map, joins the Brawl pool, favoring high-mobility team compositions.
Dual Mythic Skins Launch: For the first time ever, two Mythic skins launch simultaneously on season day one. The ‘Tiger D.Va’ Mythic hero skin embodies power and tiger majesty, featuring four evolution stages. The ‘Sun and Moon Siblings’ Mythic ‘Tiger D.Va’ skin blends wildness with elegance and offers full customization. Also releasing on day one is the ‘Soulstealer Coldsteel Reaper’ Mythic weapon skin, capturing Reaper’s ruthless battlefield presence. Both skins are available through the Mythic Shop.
Battle Pass: Season 17’s premium battle pass is packed with rewards, including 8-bit versions of Reinhardt, Genji, and Sombra, the rogue Cole Cassidy, and Professor Wrecking Ball from Overwatch Academy. Players can also earn the Sakura Ana skin, two legendary loot boxes, 500 classic currency, and a full set of personalized items. The ultimate battle pass bundle grants a 20-level boost, 2000 Overwatch coins, and two extra legendary skins.
Power Surge Event: The Season 17 kickoff event runs from June 25 to July 1. Completing 17 matches during the event rewards players with four epic loot boxes, each guaranteed to contain a legendary skin. Progress counts in Quick Play, Competitive, and Brawl modes.
Modded Mayhem: From July 16 to 29, the 6v6 limited-time mode ‘Modded Mayhem’ will be available. Each round features random match modifiers, such as low gravity or new mechanics. This mode is exclusive to control point maps, ensuring every match is unpredictable and thrilling.
