Overwatch 2 is set to undergo transformative changes as it approaches 2025, marking a new era for the beloved franchise. Originally launched in 2016, Overwatch has now been around for nearly nine years, with Overwatch 2 having debuted two-and-a-half years ago. Season 15, slated to begin on February 18, promises to revolutionize the gameplay experience with the introduction of hero perks.
Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with other team members, recently unveiled a comprehensive list of updates and enhancements planned for Overwatch 2. These include new collaborations, additional heroes, and a fresh approach to gameplay. The changes are a strategic move by Blizzard to reinvigorate interest in Overwatch 2, especially in the face of stiff competition from NetEase's popular hero shooter, Marvel Rivals.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A key feature of the upcoming Season 15 is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero will now have the ability to choose from two types of perks—minor and major—at various levels during a match. For instance, a minor perk could enhance a basic attribute, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat upon critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk could fundamentally alter a hero's abilities mid-match, like replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, Knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies.
These perks are unlocked progressively throughout the match, offering "gameplay-shifting" options as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose between the available perks, a mechanic that echoes the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.
Overwatch 2 Perks
Stadium: A New Round-Based Mode with Third-Person
Beyond hero perks, Season 16, scheduled for April, introduces 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 boost attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero modifications, such as Reaper gaining the ability to fly during Wraith Form. While perks are not part of Stadium initially, there's potential for their inclusion in future updates.
Stadium also introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to view more of the battlefield and see their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views. Stadium will launch with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans to add more heroes, maps, and modes over time.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots
GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic
Blizzard is not stopping at new modes; they are also experimenting with other play styles, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are planned, and a 6v6 competitive open queue with a limit of two tanks per team will be introduced. Overwatch Classic, set to launch mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support configuration that defined a significant period of the game's strategy.
Additionally, seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are on the calendar.
Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows
The next hero to join Overwatch 2 in Season 16 is Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark. Freja can fill enemies with explosive bolts and use bolas to stop those trying to escape. Alongside Freja, Blizzard unveiled concept art for Aqua, a hero with an ornate staff who manipulates water. More details about Aqua will be shared 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. Previously phased out in favor of battle passes and other cosmetic acquisition methods, loot boxes will now be available exclusively through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A significant change is the transparency about the contents of each loot box, with odds and potential rewards displayed before opening.
"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
Competitive play in Overwatch 2 will see several updates starting in Season 15. Competitive ranks will reset, but new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will motivate players to climb back up. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once again.
In Season 16, hero bans will be introduced to competitive play, a feature common in many competitive games to shake up strategies. Following the implementation of hero bans, Blizzard plans to add map voting as well.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
Cosmetics Galore
The stream also showcased an array of new cosmetics for Overwatch 2 heroes. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside numerous other skins for characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also scheduled for mid-Season 15.
Looking further ahead, more cosmetic options are planned, including a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno inspired by magical girls, a Mythic weapon skin for Mercy, and Mythic skins for Reaper and D.Va. Overwatch 2's penchant for collaborations continues with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM, 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 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 in the works. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans to purchase, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.
