❘ published: 2023-02-02T19:00:58
❘ updated: 2023-02-02T19:43:31
The Antarctic Peninsula has been revealed as a new control map from Overwatch 2 Season 3 and for the first time ever, you can shoot penguins.
Overwatch 2 introduced its first King of the Hill map in its sequel, and there’s plenty for players to sink their teeth into when it launches.
Set debut with Season 3The Antarctic Peninsula will take players to the coldest depths as they have to journey through ice, ice caves and derelict ships to take control of the target from their enemies.
Dexerto had a chance to speak with level designer Trey Spisak, art director Dion Rogers, and lead narrative designer Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie about the map and what players can expect.
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Traditions of the Antarctic Peninsula in OW2
Many maps in Overwatch 2 are tied to specific heroes or lore-based items, and the Antarctic Peninsula is no exception.
In this case, Antarctica is associated with B miThe story as it was presented in the animated short Rise and Shine – something very exciting for the development team.
According to Jurgens-Fyhrie, players will be able to experience a large part of that never-before-told story including the Overwatch icebreaker ship that tried to rescue Mei and her co-workers, but ultimately failed.
“You can see some hints of what Mai and her team were trying to find there. Maybe there is some kind of secret. Maybe you can find something on the map that tells you something more interesting about the upcoming story.”
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With so many stories to tell, you might suspect the map would be associated with PvE campaign coming later this yearbut Dion Rogers has remained silent on whether or not it will be used.
“Keep in touch,” he grinned, noting how Mei was an integral part in moving Overwatch’s canon forward.
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The three points of the Antarctic Peninsula
Just like the other KOTH maps, the Antarctic Peninsula will be divided into three different regions that teams will have to fight for control of.
The first is that icebreaker ship Overwatch She wanted to save Mai and her friends before they end up being trapped too. Players will be able to fight through the tunnels and the engine room when they reach the point.
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Overwatch teams will fight in caves, laboratories, and the ship.
The second is an underground mine where scientists have been working to discover new properties. Despite being underground, there is a lot of verticality and training involved that may present some challenges for those looking to hit the target.
Finally, the third setting focuses on the labs where fans will be able to see what Mei and her colleagues have been working on towards the Ecopoint region in Antarctica. This section will have a lot of accompaniment options, but it’s more of a “live” control point, but there’s an interesting platform sitting right on top of it.
Overwatch 2 adds shootable penguins, fishermen, and snow angels
Much like how Busan has a karaoke machine And Ilios has basketball hoops, the Antarctic Peninsula has fun interactions that make the team ecstatic.
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The icy map will actually feature fishing holes that players can shoot and fish in what Rogers described as a fishing mini-game.
There are a lot of easter eggs to discover on this map.
Meanwhile, penguins can be shot, but they will never die and only dodge bullets like the playful Neo from The Matrix. As for the ability to pet the penguins, while the developers tried, they just couldn’t make it work.
Fortunately, there are other things worth paying attention to. Players will actually be able to make designs in deep snow when they’re walking around in it thanks to new shaders developed.
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Pardon the pun, but this is just the tip of the iceberg with a bunch of Easter eggs and fun interactions to discover in the coming weeks.
