Overwatch 2 is poised for transformative changes as it heads into 2025, promising a refreshed gaming experience for its community. Nearly nine years after the original Overwatch debuted in 2016, and two-and-a-half years following the launch of Overwatch 2, Season 15, set to begin on February 18, will introduce a groundbreaking feature: hero perks. These changes are part of a broader strategy by Blizzard to reinvigorate interest in Overwatch 2 amidst fierce competition from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A key innovation in Overwatch 2 is the introduction of hero perks, which allow players to customize their gameplay experience dynamically. Each hero will have the option to select two types of perks at different levels during a match: minor and major. Minor perks, available at level two, enhance a hero's basic abilities. For instance, Orisa can benefit from her primary fire refunding Heat with critical hits. Major perks, on the other hand, can significantly alter a hero's playstyle mid-match, such as 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 perks represent "gameplay-shifting" alterations, as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson, drawing parallels to 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
Beyond hero perks, Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium mode, heralded by game director Aaron Keller as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's inception. This 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode allows players to earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes, focusing on attributes like survivability or damage. Unique hero modifications, such as Reaper flying in his Wraith Form, add depth to the gameplay. Stadium mode also introduces a third-person perspective, offering players a broader view of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views, with Stadium launching with a core roster of 14 heroes and plans for further expansions.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots
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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic
Blizzard continues to innovate with additional play modes, including the return of 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. The latter, set to launch midway through Season 16, will bring back the iconic "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition. Alongside these, Blizzard is planning more seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, to keep the game fresh and engaging.
Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows
Season 16 will also introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark who specializes in explosive bolts and bolas. Alongside Freja, Blizzard teased concept art for Aqua, a hero with an ornate staff who manipulates water, slated for a later release 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. These will be available exclusively through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A significant change is the transparency in loot box contents, with odds and potential rewards displayed before opening, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.
Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play
Competitive play in Overwatch 2 will see substantial updates starting in Season 15, with a rank reset but enticing new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms. Season 16 will introduce hero bans, a feature common in many competitive games, followed by map voting to further diversify gameplay. These changes aim to keep the competitive scene vibrant and dynamic.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
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Cosmetics Galore
Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle players with an array of new cosmetics. Zenyatta will don a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, accompanied by new skins for Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and others. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also on the horizon. Looking further ahead, additional Mythic skins and weapons are planned, including a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" skin for Juno and Mythic skins for Mercy, Reaper, and D.Va. Blizzard's collaboration with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM will bring a second wave of themed in-game skins and cosmetics in March.
Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics
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The Competitive Landscape Grows
The competitive aspect of Overwatch is expanding, with a new stage added in China and an increase in live events, effectively doubling the gameplay and broadcast content. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are also in the works. Teams will receive in-game items for fans to support, with proceeds benefiting the organizations directly.
