Overwatch 2’s Suravasa and New Junk City reworks bring major visual and gameplay changes ⇒ OverwatchCentral

A prettier – and more playable – update

Two of Overwatch 2’s most controversial maps, Suravasa and New Junk City, have received extensive reworks aimed at improving both readability and gameplay flow. Blizzard says the updates focus on three main goals: making entrances and objectives easier to spot, strengthening each map’s visual identity, and reducing overly “chokey” engagements.

The results? Clearer sightlines, bolder theming, and more flanking opportunities — all wrapped in some of the prettiest art updates the game has seen yet.

Suravasa – lush, open, and less punishing

The overhaul brings a big boost in readability. Entrances to points now stand out thanks to improved lighting and architecture tweaks. In some cases, tall buildings have been lowered to keep the focus on objectives and key fight areas.

Visually, the map has had a major glow-up. Once heavy on muted stone tones, Suravasa now features lush greenery, brighter accents, and better environmental contrast. Decorative arches and low-water details give the map more atmosphere without cluttering gameplay.

Blizzard has also addressed flow issues. Points that previously funneled attackers into a single brutal angle now have additional flank routes and cover pieces. Boxes and new pathways make it easier to challenge defenders without eating spam damage the moment you step out of spawn.

New Junk City – from poke battles to brawl-friendly brawls

Junkertown’s competitive flow has been rethought with a heavy lean toward brawling over poking. High ground advantages over certain points have been removed or reduced, while new paths give attackers more ways to contest without funneling into predictable firing lines.

One major shift is in the transition areas between points — formerly slow, poke-heavy ZONES that gave defenders plenty of room to whittle attackers down. These have been opened up, with refined cover placement and sightline adjustments to speed up fights.

Some changes are purely quality-of-life: clutter removed from unused side rooms, spawn exits reoriented for faster re-engagements, and visual cues like lighting and color accents placed to guide players toward the fight.

Even smaller details — like more interactive background elements and thematic props — help sell Junkertown’s chaotic scrapyard identity while supporting the new gameplay flow.

A focus on fairness… mostly

Not every change has been universally celebrated. Some players feel unique geometry — like Junkertown’s old side chokes — has been oversimplified, removing interesting defensive holds. Others argue that asymmetrical point designs on Suravasa still favor certain spawn sides despite the tweaks.

That said, the overall sentiment is positive: both maps are now easier to navigate, more fun to fight on, and a lot better looking.

Visual artistry on full display

Beyond gameplay, these reworks show Blizzard’s art team flexing their mastery of complimentary colors and environmental storytelling. Vivid greens against stone reds, moody interior lighting, and little environmental flourishes — from dockside machinery to overgrown roots — make both maps feel alive.

At high settings, the detail work pops even more. Shadows, foliage, and reflective surfaces now play a bigger role in making each area distinct — without sacrificing clarity in hectic team fights.

Final verdict

The Suravasa and New Junk City reworks hit a strong balance of visual polish and functional gameplay upgrades. While a few legacy map quirks have been lost in the process, the result is two maps that feel fresher, fairer, and more in line with Blizzard’s evolving design philosophy.

Visit OverwatchCentral for more Overwatch 2 news, breakdowns, and patch coverage, and check out Relf’s full map tour for a detailed look at every change.

Frequently asked questions

What were the main goals of these reworks?

Blizzard aimed to improve map readability, strengthen thematic identity, and reduce overly chokey engagements that stalled gameplay.

How has Suravasa changed?

The map now features brighter visuals, more greenery, and clearer entrances to objectives, plus added cover and new flank routes to improve attack options.

What’s different about New Junk City’s gameplay flow?

High ground dominance has been toned down, transitions between points are faster, and new cover placements encourage brawling rather than long-range poke battles.