BlizzardSeason 17 is the next major update coming to Overwatch 2, and it’s set to bring new modes, maps, and much more.
Blizzard have been ramping up their seasonal updates in recent months. Season 15 marked the arrival of the game-changing Perks system, while Season 16 brought hero bans and the popular Stadium mode that has become a fan favorite.
They’re showing no signs of slowing down either, as another stacked content drop is around the corner. Here’s everything you need to know about OW2 Season 17, including when it begins.
Season 17 start date
Overwatch 2 Season 17 is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, according to the Battle Pass timer displayed in-game. New seasons always go live as soon as the old one ends, so unless there’s a delay, this should be the date.
Theme
BlizzardThe theme this time around is “Powered Up,” which features a mix of retro video game and academic skins. As revealed in the blog, the Battle Pass features 8-bit outfits for the likes of Genji and Sombra, as well as Delinquent Cole Cassidy and Professor Fawkes Junkrat from Overwatch Academy.
Map voting
The biggest new feature coming in Season 17 is map voting, giving players more control over where each match takes place.
BlizzardOnce added, the lobby will be given a choice of three maps, and everyone can choose their favorite. The one that receives the most votes will be selected, much like in other games such as Call of Duty, which uses a similar system.
Two of the maps offered will be the least-played for everyone in the lobby, in an effort to keep things feeling fresh. Meanwhile, the third will be selected at random.
Stadium Forge
After arriving in Season 16, Stadium is being treated to its first big addition as part of the next update.
It was originally supposed to be Payload Race, a twist on the usual Escort format, where there are two payloads in play at once — one per team. However, the roadmap has been changed; it’s now getting Forge instead.
This feature allows players to share or steal, build with each other, allowing you to easily replicate powerful loadouts used by the pros.
New Flashpoint map
Flashpoint has been stuck with just two dedicated maps ever since it released back in Season 6, but a third is finally coming in Season 17, as Game Director Aaron Keller confirmed.
The map in question is Aatlis, set in Morocco. According to the official blog, it’s set to be full of “lush gardens” and “luxury resort spaces,” and is “built for tighter fights, cleaner rotations, and fast-paced momentum.”
The roadmap also confirmed that some map updates are coming in the update, but it’s not clear right now which will be getting a makeover.
Is there a new hero in OW2 Season 17?
No, there won’t be a new hero this time around. Characters are released once every two seasons, and since Freja dropped in Season 16, we’ll have to wait a little longer for a new face to join the roster.
The good news is that with Wuyang, the new Support, coming in Season 18, they will be made available in Quick Play as part of a limited trial towards the end of Season 17. This lets devs gauge the response to their kit and make any last-minute adjustments.
What else to expect
- Hero buffs and nerfs
- D.Va Mythic skin
- Reaper Mythic weapon
- New theme
- New Battle Pass
- New events
For more on Overwatch 2, be sure to check out the hotly anticipated Street Fighter crossover, as well as the current player count.
