As Overwatch 2 approaches 2025, the game is set to undergo significant transformations that promise to reinvigorate its core gameplay. Now, nearly nine years since the original Overwatch debuted in 2016 and two-and-a-half years post the launch of Overwatch 2, Season 15 is poised to revolutionize the way the game is played, starting February 18, with the introduction of hero perks.
Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled a series of updates and changes slated for Overwatch 2 in the coming months. These updates range from new heroes and collaborations to a completely new gameplay style, signaling a major overhaul for the game. This move comes as Blizzard faces stiff competition from NetEase's popular hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, and aims to rekindle interest and enthusiasm among players.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A key feature of the upcoming changes is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero will now have the ability to choose between two perks—minor and major—unlocked at different levels during a match. At level two, players can select a minor perk that enhances a basic aspect of the hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can significantly alter the hero's abilities mid-match, like replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies.
These levels are earned progressively throughout the match, leading to what Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson calls "gameplay-shifting" alterations. Players must choose between perks, a decision that echoes the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.
Overwatch 2 Perks
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Stadium is a New Round-Based Mode, with Third-Person
In addition to hero perks, Season 16, scheduled for April, will introduce Stadium mode, described by Keller as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's inception. Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode where players can earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. These enhancements can boost attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero modifications, such as Reaper gaining the ability to fly in his Wraith Form. While perks are not included in Stadium, future updates might integrate them in some capacity.
Stadium also introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to "see more of the battlefield and your modifications in action," according to Keller. Players can switch between first and third-person views. The mode will launch with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans to add more heroes, maps, and modes over time.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots
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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic
Blizzard continues to innovate with other play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are planned for the 6v6 format, and a competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team will be introduced. For those nostalgic for the original game's meta, Overwatch Classic, set to launch mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition that defined a pivotal era in the game's history.
The development team is also gearing up for seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event.
Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows
Season 16 will introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark capable of firing explosive bolts and using bolas to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, Blizzard teased concept art for their next hero, Aqua, who wields an ornate staff and manipulates water. More details on Aqua will be revealed later in the year.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
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Loot Boxes are Back
In a surprising move, Blizzard is reintroducing loot boxes to Overwatch 2. Previously phased out in favor of battle passes and other cosmetic acquisition methods, these loot boxes will be available for free through the battle pass's free track and weekly rewards. A key change is the transparency regarding the contents of each box, with odds and potential rewards displayed before opening. Senior systems designer Gavin Winter emphasized the commitment to fun and transparency in this new approach to loot boxes.
Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play
Competitive play in Overwatch 2 is set for several updates. Season 15 will feature a competitive rank reset, but new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will motivate players to climb the ranks again. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once more.
Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive play, a feature common in many competitive games, aimed at diversifying gameplay. Following the implementation of hero bans, Blizzard plans to add map voting to further enhance the competitive experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
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Cosmetics Galore
The stream showcased an extensive array of new cosmetics for Overwatch 2 heroes. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside new skins for characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also planned for mid-Season 15.
Looking further ahead, additional cosmetics include a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va is also slated to receive a Mythic skin later on.
Overwatch 2 continues its tradition of collaborations, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM set for March, bringing new in-game skins and cosmetics.
Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics
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The Competitive Landscape Grows
The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding, with a new stage added in China and an increase in live events, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are on the horizon. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.
