Overwatch 2 is set to undergo transformative changes in 2025, promising an exciting evolution of the game that first launched in 2016. As we approach Season 15, starting February 18, players can anticipate a complete shift in gameplay dynamics, highlighted by the introduction of hero perks.
Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has outlined a robust roadmap for Overwatch 2. This includes not only new heroes and collaborations but also a fundamental redesign of gameplay mechanics. These updates aim to reinvigorate the player base and counter the competition from NetEase's Marvel Rivals.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
Each hero in Overwatch 2 will now feature two types of perks: minor and major, which players can select at different levels during a match. For instance, at level two, a minor perk might enhance a hero's basic abilities, such as Orisa's primary fire regaining Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk could significantly alter a hero's gameplay, like swapping Orisa's Javelin Spin for her Barrier or enhancing her Energy Javelin to become chargeable, increase its speed, Knockback, and allow it to pierce through enemies.
These perks are unlocked progressively throughout a match, offering "gameplay-shifting" options, as described by Alec Dawson, the lead gameplay designer. Players must choose between perks, a decision-making process similar 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
Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium mode, which Aaron Keller describes as the most ambitious game mode since Overwatch's inception. This 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode allows players to earn and spend currency to upgrade their heroes between rounds. These upgrades can enhance attributes like survivability or damage, while traits can lead to significant hero modifications, such as enabling Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks won't be available in Stadium initially, future updates might integrate them.
Stadium mode also introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to "see more of the battlefield and your 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 to more 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. Season 16 will see the launch of a 6v6 competitive open queue, allowing a maximum of two tanks per team. For those yearning for more tanks, Overwatch Classic, set to debut mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support lineup that defined a game-shifting strategy.
The development team also plans to enrich the game with seasonal events such as 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 from Denmark wielding a crossbow. She can shoot explosive bolts and use bolas to hinder fleeing enemies. Additionally, concept art for the upcoming hero, Aqua, was revealed, featuring him with an ornate staff and water manipulation abilities. More details about Aqua will be shared later in the year.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
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Loot Boxes Are Back
Loot boxes are making a return to Overwatch 2, having been absent since the shift to battle passes. These will be available through the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards, without any purchase required. A new feature will display the odds and potential rewards before opening a loot box, ensuring transparency, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.
Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More Are Coming to Competitive Play
Season 15 will bring a reset to competitive ranks, accompanied by new rewards such as Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to encourage players to climb the ranks again. Hero portraits will once again feature rank icons.
In Season 16, hero bans will be introduced to competitive Overwatch 2, a feature common in many competitive games to mix up gameplay. Following hero bans, map voting will also be implemented, enhancing the competitive experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
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Cosmetics Galore
A plethora of new cosmetics were showcased, with Zenyatta receiving a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15. Additional skins for characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more will also be available. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is planned for mid-Season 15.
Looking further ahead, more cosmetic options will be introduced, including a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, a Mythic weapon skin for Mercy, and Mythic skins for Reaper and D.Va. Overwatch 2 will continue its tradition of collaborations, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM, featuring new in-game skins and cosmetics in March.
Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics
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The Competitive Landscape Grows
The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding, with a new stage added in China and an increase in live events, effectively 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 the proceeds supporting the organizations directly.
