Overwatch 2 is a full-fledged sequel to the hit hero shooter from 2016, but it's also going to feature virtually all of the same content from the original game as well. While there will be plenty of new maps in Overwatch 2, players will also be able to keep playing on their favorite maps from the first game, though these maps will have some tweaks that make them a little different this time around.
One of the major changes coming in Overwatch 2 is a dynamic weather system. During BlizzCon 2021, Blizzard gave two examples of how dynamic weather can impact a match of Overwatch 2. On the Temple of Anubis map, a sandstorm could kick up and worsen as the mission progresses. Then on what appears to be the Hanamura map, players were shown an example of how a blizzard would look in Overwatch 2.
It doesn't seem as though these dynamic weather systems will be present in Overwatch 2's PvP. Instead they may be exclusive to the Overwatch 2 Hero Missions. For the uninitiated, Hero Missions in Overwatch 2 are missions that players can complete to level up and upgrade the various characters on the roster. These missions will primarily take place on existing Overwatch maps, like the aforementioned Temple of Anubis and Hanamura, but will be expanded to have some new areas to explore.
Besides the returning maps from the first game, Overwatch 2 will have some new maps as well, and it will be interesting to see if they also utilize dynamic weather systems. At BlizzCon 2021, Blizzard confirmed two new Overwatch 2 maps in the form of Rome and New York, which join the previously revealed maps that were revealed at BlizzCon 2019: Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, Gothenburg, and Monte Carlo. There are also rumors that Overwatch 2 has a Poland map in the works as well, though if so, it has yet to be revealed to the public.
Unfortunately for fans hoping to see a new hero or two at BlizzCon 2021, Blizzard stuck to smaller-scale reveals for the game. Besides the new maps and dynamic weather, Blizzard touched on some of the new PvE enemies coming to the game, and also showed off new looks for some of the existing heroes, like Pharah, McCree, Reaper, and Widowmaker.
Those disappointed by the lack of major new Overwatch 2 news at BlizzCon 2021 shouldn't stress too much, however. Blizzard has said that new Overwatch 2 updates will be more frequent moving forward, so there should be plenty of fresh information leading up to the game's eventual launch, whenever that may be.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.