The last few seasons of Overwatch 2 have empowered players significantly. Perks have enhanced hero customization, while hero bans allowed for the elimination of troublesome characters in competitive play. Now, Season 17 introduces map voting, enabling players to select the maps they prefer to play on during matches.

Map voting will be available at the launch for both Quick Play and Competitive modes. Players will receive three randomized map options post role queue lock for selection, allowing them to influence the match setup.

Although opting for a map does not guarantee its use, players can increase its odds with every vote, giving them a powerful voice in shaping their gaming experience. As the press release mentions, “Every vote adds a one in 10 chance to that map’s odds, and the winner is selected using a roulette-style roll.”

To foster a relaxing environment, the voting process is designed to ensure discretion, hiding individual votes and chat, alleviating pressure on players. Additionally, Season 17 will launch with three new maps, enhancing gameplay variety further. Players can also look forward to new skins and cosmetics via the battle pass, including options for popular characters like Sombra, Genji, Reinhardt, and others.

While there are concerns about potential leaver issues arising from dissatisfaction with map choices, developers aim to address these by implementing penalties as soon as voting starts. Competitive games will halt if a player leaves in the first minute, which should help minimize disruptions.

For more exciting developments and gameplay updates, keep an eye on Overwatch 2 as it marches toward another competitive season!