Overwatch 2 is poised for a major transformation as we approach 2025, promising an exciting array of updates and new content. Now, nearly nine years since the original Overwatch launched in 2016 and two-and-a-half years post the debut of Overwatch 2, the game is set to redefine its core gameplay with the introduction of hero perks, starting from Season 15 on February 18.

Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, alongside other team members, has unveiled a comprehensive plan for Overwatch 2. This roadmap includes not only new heroes and collaborations but also a fundamental shift in how the game is played. These changes are part of Blizzard's strategy to revitalize Overwatch 2, especially in the face of stiff competition from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

Each hero in Overwatch 2 will now have the ability to choose between two perks – a minor and a major perk – at specific levels during a match. At level two, a minor perk can enhance a basic aspect of a hero's abilities; for instance, Orisa's primary fire could refund Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can dramatically alter the hero's gameplay mid-match, such as replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, thereby increasing its speed, knockback, and ability to pierce through enemies.

These perks are unlocked progressively throughout a match, offering "gameplay-shifting" options, as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players will face either-or decisions, similar to the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm, where choosing one perk means forgoing the other.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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Stadium is a New Round-Based Mode, with Third-Person

In addition to hero perks, Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium mode, which Aaron Keller describes as the "biggest game mode" since the original Overwatch launch. Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode where players can earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. These enhancements can boost attributes such as survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero alterations, like enabling Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks are not included in Stadium mode initially, future updates may incorporate them.

Stadium mode also introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to view more of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person cameras. 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

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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard is not stopping at new modes; they're also experimenting with various play options, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are planned for 6v6, and a competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team will be introduced. For fans of the original Overwatch, Overwatch Classic will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition, reviving that iconic strategy.

Additionally, the development team is planning seasonal events such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, ensuring a continuous stream of fresh content.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will see the introduction of a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark. Her abilities include filling enemies with explosive bolts and using a bola to immobilize fleeing foes. Alongside Freja's reveal, Blizzard also teased the next hero, Aqua, with concept art showcasing his ornate staff and water manipulation abilities. More details on Aqua are expected later in the year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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Loot Boxes Are Back

Overwatch 2 is bringing back the much-discussed loot boxes. Removed during the transition to battle passes and other cosmetic options, these loot boxes will now be exclusively available through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A significant change is that players will be able to see the odds and potential contents of a loot box before opening it, ensuring transparency about what they might receive.

"We're keeping it fun while being transparent about what's inside, and the rate of various drops from opening each box," said 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, but players can look forward to new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms, motivating them to climb the ranks again. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once more.

Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive Overwatch 2, a feature commonly seen in other competitive games, aiming to mix up the gameplay. Following hero bans, Blizzard plans to implement map voting, giving players more control over their competitive experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

The latest stream showcased an extensive range of new cosmetics for Overwatch 2 heroes. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, along with numerous other skins for characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also slated for mid-Season 15.

Looking ahead, additional cosmetic options include a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, inspired by magical girl themes, and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va will also receive a new Mythic skin. Overwatch 2 continues to embrace collaborations, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM planned for March, bringing fresh in-game skins and cosmetics.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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The Competitive Landscape Grows

The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding, with the addition of a new stage in China and more live events, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are also on the horizon. Teams will receive in-game items that fans can purchase, with the proceeds directly supporting the organizations.