As Overwatch 2 gears up for a transformative 2025, the game is set to introduce a series of groundbreaking changes, including the addition of hero perks. Now almost nine years since the original Overwatch launched in 2016, and over two years since Overwatch 2 debuted, Season 15 is poised to revolutionize gameplay starting February 18.
Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with other team members, unveiled an array of updates and enhancements planned for Overwatch 2. These updates span from new heroes and collaborations to a completely new way of playing, signaling a major overhaul aimed at reinvigorating player interest amidst fierce competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
Each hero in Overwatch 2 will now have the ability to select two types of perks—minor and major—throughout the match. At level two, a minor perk can enhance a hero's basic abilities, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat upon landing critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk could fundamentally change the hero's gameplay mid-match, such as swapping Orisa's Javelin Spin for her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, Knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies.
These perks unlock progressively during the match, offering "gameplay-shifting" options, as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose between one perk or the other, a decision-making process reminiscent of 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 perks, Season 16, set for April, will introduce Stadium mode, which Aaron Keller touts as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's inception. This mode is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competition where players can spend currency earned between rounds to enhance their heroes. These modifications can boost attributes like survivability or damage, and unlock significant hero alterations, such as allowing Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. Stadium mode will not initially include perks, though future integrations are possible.
Stadium also introduces a third-person perspective, enabling players to gain a broader view of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views. The mode will debut with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans for additional 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 additional play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. A 6v6 competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team is on the horizon, alongside more events. For those yearning for the tank-heavy days of old, Overwatch Classic will revive the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1 during Season 16, bringing back the three-tank, three-support composition that defined a unique era of strategy.
The development team also has seasonal events lined up, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event.
Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows
The next hero to join Overwatch 2 in Season 16 is Freja, a Danish crossbow-wielding bounty hunter who can shoot explosive bolts and use bolas to catch fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja's gameplay reveal, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was also showcased. With his ornate staff and water-bending abilities, Aqua promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the game later this year.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
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Loot Boxes Are Back
In a surprising move, Overwatch 2 will see the return of loot boxes. Previously phased out in favor of battle passes and other cosmetic acquisition methods, these loot boxes will now be obtainable only through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A key change is the transparency of the 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 receive significant updates. Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, but new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will incentivize 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 other competitive games, designed to keep the meta fresh. Following hero bans, Blizzard plans to implement map voting, further enhancing the competitive experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
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Cosmetics Galore
Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle with an extensive array of new cosmetics. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside other skins for heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker will also be available mid-Season 15.
Looking further ahead, additional Mythic skins and weapon skins are planned, including a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va will also receive a new Mythic skin. Overwatch 2's collaboration efforts continue, 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
Overwatch's competitive scene is expanding, with a new stage in China and more live events planned to double the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are on the horizon. Additionally, teams will have in-game items available for fans to purchase, with proceeds going directly to the organizations.
