Overwatch 2 is set to undergo transformative changes as it moves into 2025, marking a new era for the game that first debuted in 2016. As we approach nearly a decade since the original Overwatch launch and two-and-a-half years from Overwatch 2's inception, Season 15, launching on February 18, is poised to redefine the gameplay experience with the introduction of hero perks.
Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for Overwatch 2, promising new heroes, collaborations, and a completely revamped gameplay style. This overhaul comes as Blizzard aims to reignite enthusiasm and maintain Overwatch 2's edge against competitors like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A groundbreaking feature for Season 15 is the introduction of hero perks, allowing each hero to select from two types of perks—minor and major—unlocked at designated levels during matches. A minor perk, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits at level two, enhances basic hero abilities. On the other hand, a major perk can significantly alter a hero's gameplay mid-match, like swapping Orisa's Javelin Spin for her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable with increased speed, knockback, and the ability to pierce through enemies. These perks, as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson, will offer "gameplay-shifting" options, forcing players to make strategic choices between two perks, similar to the talent system in Heroes of the Storm.
Overwatch 2 Perks
Stadium is a New Round-Based Mode, with Third-Person
Building on the excitement of 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 earn and spend currency to enhance their heroes between rounds. These enhancements can improve attributes like survivability or damage, and unlock significant hero modifications, such as allowing Reaper to fly in Wraith Form. While perks are not included in Stadium, future updates might integrate them. Additionally, Stadium introduces a third-person camera option, allowing players to view the battlefield and their modifications in action, with the flexibility to switch between first and third-person views. The mode will debut with a core roster of 14 heroes, expanding over time with new heroes, maps, and modes.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots
GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic
Blizzard continues to innovate with new play modes, including a return to 6v6 gameplay and the revival of Overwatch Classic. Midway through Season 16, Overwatch Classic will bring back the iconic "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition. This nostalgic mode aims to recapture the strategic depth of the original game. Additionally, Blizzard plans more seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, enhancing the game's variety and appeal.
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 delivering explosive bolts and trapping foes with bolas. Alongside Freja, Blizzard teased the upcoming hero, Aqua, with concept art showcasing his ornate staff and water-bending abilities. 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. Contrary to their previous removal during the shift to battle passes, these new loot boxes will be earned through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. Transparency is a key focus, with players now able to see the odds of what they might receive before opening a box. Senior systems designer Gavin Winter emphasized the fun and transparency of this approach.
Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play
Overwatch 2's competitive scene will see significant updates starting with Season 15, including a rank reset and new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons again. Season 16 will introduce hero bans, a feature common in other competitive games, aimed at diversifying gameplay. Following this, map voting will be added, further enhancing the competitive experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
Cosmetics Galore
Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle with an array of new cosmetics. Season 15 will feature Zenyatta's Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu, along with numerous other skins for heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker will also be available midway through Season 15. Looking further ahead, additional cosmetics include a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, a Mythic weapon skin for Mercy, and Mythic skins for Reaper and D.Va. In terms of collaborations, Overwatch 2 is set to team up with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM for a second time, bringing new in-game skins and cosmetics in March.
Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics
The Competitive Landscape Grows
The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding, with a new stage added 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 will enhance the competitive ecosystem. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans to support, with proceeds benefiting the organizations directly.
