Overwatch 2 Season 17: Fresh Start with Hacks, Hijinx, and Map Reworks

The developers behind Overwatch 2 have recently shared more details about the game's upcoming Season 17, which is set to bring a number of big changes to the game in addition to the usual goodies. The new season will introduce a new limited-time game mode called Hacks and Hijinx, as well as some significant adjustments to a couple of Flashpoint maps to keep the action flowing smoothly in the game mode.

Hacks and Hijinx is a 6v6 game mode that will run from July 15 to July 28 and will be set exclusively on Control mode maps. This temporary game mode will randomly switch up the modifiers at the beginning of every round, throwing everything from health packs that charge ultimate abilities to distorted gravity at players to keep them on their toes.

In addition to the new game mode, Overwatch 2 Season 17 will also introduce a whole new map called Aatlis to the Flashpoint mode, while also adding the familiar Esperança and Samoa to the Stadium mode's level pool. The developers have also revealed that some big changes are coming to a couple of existing Flashpoint maps, including Suravasa and New Junk City. The primary goal of these changes is to reduce some of the clutter and unnecessary geometry across the locations to improve players' visibility and make the routes between points easier to identify and traverse. Some new flank routes have also been added to introduce new ways for teams to advance, though the developers have taken care not to leave the reworked areas too open in the interest of reducing the number of potential sniper lanes.

The developers hope that these changes will make it easier for both teams to be more consistently competing on points, which is where the fun lies in the game mode. Senior level designer Jorge Murillo commented that "when people get stuck in these chokes on Flashpoint maps, and then you lose a team fight at the entrance, we don't really like that."

Another exciting feature coming in Season 17 is the ability for players to vote on which map to play on before a game starts. This feature will apply to both Quick Play and Competitive playlists, giving fans more freedom over their games and informing Blizzard which levels players dislike the most so that the team can look at more potential map changes in the future.

Overall, Overwatch 2 Season 17 is shaping up to be a significant update for the game, with new content, balance adjustments, and features that will make the game even more enjoyable for players. With Hacks and Hijinx, Aatlis, and other changes coming to Flashpoint maps, it's clear that Blizzard is committed to keeping Overwatch 2 fresh and exciting for its dedicated player base.