Overwatch 2 is set to undergo significant changes as we approach 2025, marking nearly nine years since the original Overwatch's debut in 2016 and two-and-a-half years since Overwatch 2's launch. Season 15, beginning on February 18, is poised to revolutionize the core gameplay with the introduction of hero perks.
Aaron Keller, the game director, along with other Blizzard team members, has unveiled an array of updates and changes planned for Overwatch 2 in the coming months. These updates include new heroes, collaborations, and a completely new gameplay style, indicating a major overhaul for the game. This comes as Blizzard faces pressure to rejuvenate interest in Overwatch 2, especially with stiff competition from NetEase's popular rival, Marvel Rivals.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A pivotal change in Overwatch 2 is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero will now have the option to choose from two types of perks—minor and major—unlocked at different levels throughout a match. At level two, a minor perk can enhance a basic aspect of the hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits. Major perks, on the other hand, 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 and Knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies.
These levels are earned progressively during a match, enabling "gameplay-shifting" modifications, as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose between perks, akin to the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.
Overwatch 2 Perks
Stadium: A New Round-Based Mode with Third-Person
In addition to perks, Season 16, slated 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 earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. Modifications can improve attributes like survivability or damage, while traits can lead to significant hero alterations, such as Reaper gaining the ability to fly in Wraith Form. Although perks are not included in Stadium initially, there's potential for their integration later.
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
GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic
Blizzard continues to innovate with additional play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are planned, and a 6v6 competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team will be introduced. For those nostalgic for the original game, Overwatch Classic, arriving mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition that once dominated play.
Seasonal events will continue to enrich the game, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event.
Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows
Season 16 will introduce Freja, a new hero and crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark capable of firing explosive bolts and using bolas to restrain fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja's gameplay reveal, concept art for the upcoming hero Aqua was shared, showcasing his ornate staff and water manipulation abilities. More details about Aqua will be revealed later this year.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
Loot Boxes are Back
Loot boxes are making a return to Overwatch 2. Previously phased out in favor of battle passes and other cosmetic options, they will now be available through free means such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A key difference is the transparency regarding the contents and odds of each loot box, as confirmed by IGN. Senior systems designer Gavin Winter emphasized maintaining fun while ensuring transparency about what players can expect from each box.
Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play
Competitive play in Overwatch 2 will see several updates. Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, but new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will encourage players to climb back up. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once more.
A significant change in Season 16 is the introduction of hero bans, a common feature in other competitive games, to mix up the gameplay. Following hero bans, Blizzard plans to implement map voting to further enhance the competitive experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
Cosmetics Galore
The game will feature an extensive array of new cosmetics, with Zenyatta receiving the next Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15. Other characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more will also receive new skins. Midway through Season 15, a Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker will be introduced.
Looking further ahead, additional Mythic skins and weapon skins are planned, including a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno inspired by magical girls, and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va will also receive a new Mythic skin later on.
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 expanding with a new stage in China and an increase in live events, effectively doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Face.it leagues will be integrated into the competitive ecosystem, and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation is in development. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans to purchase, with the proceeds supporting the organizations directly.
