As Overwatch 2 approaches 2025, the game is set to undergo significant transformations that will redefine its core gameplay. Now nearly nine years since the original Overwatch debuted in 2016, and two-and-a-half years from the launch of Overwatch 2, the upcoming Season 15, starting February 18, promises to revolutionize the way the game is played with the introduction of hero perks.
Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled a series of updates and changes planned for the coming months. These include new heroes, collaborations, and a completely new gameplay experience. This overhaul is Blizzard's response to the competitive pressure from NetEase's successful rival, Marvel Rivals, aiming to reignite enthusiasm and interest in Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A pivotal change coming to Overwatch 2 is the addition of hero perks. Each hero will have the ability to choose two types of perks: minor and major. These perks can be selected at various levels throughout a match. At level two, players can enhance a base aspect of their hero with a minor perk, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits. A major perk, however, offers a more significant change, like swapping Orisa's Javelin Spin for her Barrier, or making her Energy Javelin chargeable to increase its speed, knockback, and ability to pierce through enemies.
These levels are earned progressively during a match, allowing for "gameplay-shifting" adjustments, as described by Overwatch 2's lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must make strategic choices as selecting one perk means forgoing the other, a mechanic reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.
Overwatch 2 Perks
Stadium: A New Round-Based Mode with Third-Person Perspective
Beyond the introduction of perks, Season 16, slated 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 between rounds to enhance their heroes. These enhancements can increase attributes like survivability or damage, and unlock major hero modifications, such as allowing Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks are not part of Stadium, future updates might integrate them.
Stadium also introduces a third-person perspective, enabling players to view more of the battlefield and their hero's modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views at their discretion. The mode will initially launch with 14 heroes, with plans to expand the roster, maps, and modes over time.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots
GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic
Blizzard is also experimenting with various play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More 6v6 events are planned, along with a competitive open queue allowing up to two tanks per team. Overwatch Classic, set to launch mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the iconic three-tank, three-support composition.
Additionally, seasonal events such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are slated for inclusion.
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. She specializes in explosive bolts and can use bolas to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja's introduction, concept art for the upcoming hero, Aqua, was revealed, showcasing his ornate staff and water-bending abilities. More details on Aqua will be shared later this year.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
Loot Boxes are Back
Loot boxes, once a staple of Overwatch, are making a comeback. They will be available exclusively through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A key change is the transparency regarding the contents, with players able to see the odds and potential rewards before opening a box. "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 Coming to Competitive Play
Competitive play in Overwatch 2 will see several updates. Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, but players can earn new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms as they climb back up. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once again.
In Season 16, hero bans will be introduced to competitive play, adding a fresh dynamic to matches. Following this, map voting will also be implemented, giving players more control over their gaming experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
Cosmetics Galore
Overwatch 2's upcoming seasons will introduce a plethora of new cosmetics. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, along with new looks for heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also planned for mid-Season 15.
Looking further ahead, additional Mythic skins and weapon skins are on the way, including a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" 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 set for March, bringing new in-game skins and cosmetics.
Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics
The Competitive Landscape Grows
The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding, with a new stage added in China and an increase in live events, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Face.it leagues will be integrated into the competitive ecosystem, and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation will be introduced. Teams will also receive in-game items for fans to support, with proceeds going directly to the organizations.
