Overwatch 2 is set to undergo a transformative journey as it heads into 2025. With nearly a decade since the original Overwatch launched in 2016 and over two years post-Overwatch 2's debut, the game is poised for significant evolution. Season 15, slated to begin on February 18, will introduce groundbreaking changes to the core gameplay, including the much-anticipated addition of hero perks.
Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled an array of updates and innovations planned for Overwatch 2. These range from new heroes and collaborations to a completely revamped gameplay experience. This overhaul comes as Blizzard aims to reignite excitement and interest in Overwatch 2, especially amidst fierce competition from NetEase's popular hero shooter, Marvel Rivals.
Overwatch 2 is adding hero perks
A pivotal feature of the upcoming changes is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero will have the ability to choose between a minor and a major perk at designated levels during a match. For instance, at level two, a minor perk could enhance a hero's basic abilities, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat upon critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk could dramatically alter the hero's gameplay, like replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, enhancing its speed, Knockback, and enabling it to pierce through enemies.
These perks, unlocked progressively throughout the match, will offer "gameplay-shifting" alterations, according to lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose between perks, reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm, ensuring strategic depth and dynamic gameplay.
Overwatch 2 Perks
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Stadium is a new round-based mode, with third-person
Beyond hero perks, Season 16, scheduled for April, will introduce Stadium mode, described by 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. These enhancements can boost attributes like survivability or damage, and even unlock significant hero-altering traits, such as enabling Reaper to fly in Wraith Form. Although perks are not part of Stadium, their future integration remains a possibility.
Stadium mode will also feature a third-person perspective, allowing players to gain a broader view of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views, adding a new layer to strategic play. The mode will debut with 14 heroes, with plans for more heroes, maps, and modes to be added 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. The latter, launching mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring a three-tank, three-support composition. This nostalgic mode will evoke the game-shifting strategies of the past. Additionally, Blizzard is planning more seasonal events, such as 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 introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark. Her abilities include firing explosive bolts and using bolas to capture fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, Blizzard teased concept art for the upcoming hero, Aqua, who wields an ornate staff and manipulates water, promising intriguing gameplay mechanics to be revealed later 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 battle pass's free track and weekly rewards. A significant change is the transparency of loot box contents, with odds displayed before opening, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter. This move aims to maintain fun while ensuring players know what they might receive.
Hero bans, map voting, and more are coming to competitive play
Competitive play in Overwatch 2 is set for numerous updates. Season 15 will feature a competitive rank reset, with new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to motivate players. Hero portraits will once again display rank icons. Season 16 will introduce hero bans, a feature common in other competitive games, to mix up gameplay. Following hero bans, map voting will be implemented, further enhancing the competitive experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
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Cosmetics galore
Overwatch 2 will see an influx of new cosmetics, with Zenyatta receiving a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15. Other heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more will also receive new skins. Midway through Season 15, Widowmaker will get a Mythic weapon skin. Looking further ahead, Juno will don a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin, and Mercy and Reaper will receive Mythic weapon skins. D.Va is also slated for a Mythic skin later on.
The game will continue its tradition of collaborations, 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
The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding with 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 on the horizon. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.
