As we approach 2025, Overwatch 2 is set to undergo transformative changes that will redefine its core gameplay. Now, almost nine years after the original Overwatch launched in 2016 and two-and-a-half years since Overwatch 2 debuted, the game is poised for a significant evolution. Starting with Season 15 on February 18, Blizzard plans to introduce hero perks, marking a pivotal shift in how the game is played.
Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has outlined an array of updates and enhancements planned for Overwatch 2 in the coming months. These changes encompass new heroes, collaborations, and a complete overhaul of the gameplay experience. This move comes in response to the competitive pressure from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals, as Blizzard strives to reignite interest and enthusiasm in Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A key feature of the upcoming changes is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero in Overwatch 2 will now have the option to select two types of perks at various levels during a match: a minor perk at level two and a major perk at a higher level. Minor perks enhance a basic aspect of the hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, major perks can significantly alter the hero's abilities mid-match, like replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or allowing her Energy Javelin to be charged for increased speed, knockback, and the ability to pierce through enemies.
These perks are unlocked progressively throughout the match, offering players "gameplay-shifting" choices, as described by lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose between two options for each perk level, similar to the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.
Overwatch 2 Perks
Stadium is a New Round-Based Mode, with Third-Person
Beyond hero perks, Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium mode, which game director Aaron Keller describes 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 modifications can improve attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero transformations, such as Reaper gaining the ability to fly during Wraith Form. Although perks won't be part of Stadium initially, their integration remains a possibility in the future.
Stadium mode also introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to better observe the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views. The mode will launch with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans to expand with additional heroes, maps, and modes over time.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots
GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic
Blizzard is also experimenting with other play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. Season 16 will see the launch of a 6v6 competitive open queue, with a maximum of two tanks per team. For those nostalgic for the original Overwatch, Overwatch Classic will revive the "GOATs Meta" with its three-tank, three-support composition, bringing back memories of that game-changing strategy.
The development team is also planning more seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, ensuring a variety of engaging content throughout the year.
Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows
Season 16 will introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark. Her abilities include firing explosive bolts and using a bola to stop fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, Blizzard teased concept art for the next hero, Aqua, who wields an ornate staff and manipulates water. More details about Aqua will be revealed later in the year.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
Loot Boxes are Back
In a surprising move, Blizzard is reintroducing loot boxes to Overwatch 2. These will be available through the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards, and will not be purchasable. A new feature allows players to see the odds of what they might receive from a loot box before opening it, ensuring transparency about the contents and drop rates, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.
Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play
Competitive play in Overwatch 2 is set for several updates starting with Season 15, which will include a competitive rank reset but also introduce new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to encourage players to climb back up. Hero portraits will once again feature rank icons.
Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive play, a feature common in many competitive games, which could significantly alter the meta. Following the implementation of hero bans, Blizzard plans to introduce map voting as well.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
Cosmetics Galore
Overwatch 2's cosmetic offerings are expanding significantly. Season 15 will feature a Mythic skin for Zenyatta inspired by the dragon Pixiu, along with numerous skins for characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and others. Midway through Season 15, a Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker will be available.
Looking further ahead, additional Mythic skins are planned, including a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" skin for Juno and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va will also receive a Mythic skin in the future. Overwatch 2 will continue 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
The Competitive Landscape Grows
The competitive scene for Overwatch is also expanding, with the addition of a new stage in China and more 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.
