As we approach 2025, Overwatch 2 is poised for transformative changes that promise to invigorate its gameplay. Launched in 2016, Overwatch has evolved significantly, with Overwatch 2 marking a new chapter since its release two-and-a-half years ago. The upcoming Season 15, launching on February 18, will introduce hero perks, fundamentally altering how the game is played and potentially reigniting player interest amidst fierce competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A pivotal addition to Overwatch 2 will be the hero perks system. Each hero will now have the ability to choose between two types of perks—minor and major—as they progress through levels during a match. At level two, players can select a minor perk that enhances a basic aspect of their hero. For example, Orisa's primary fire could refund Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, major perks offer more substantial changes, such as swapping Orisa's Javelin Spin for her Barrier or enabling her Energy Javelin to become chargeable with increased speed, knockback, and the ability to pierce through enemies.

These perks, unlocked throughout the match, are designed to shift gameplay dynamically, as described by Overwatch 2's lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose one perk over another, reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm, adding strategic depth to each match.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

Beyond perks, Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium mode, described by game director Aaron Keller as the most ambitious 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 improve attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero modifications, such as enabling Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks won't initially be part of Stadium, future updates may integrate them.

Stadium mode also innovates with a third-person perspective, allowing players to view more of the battlefield and their modifications in action, with the option to switch between first and third-person views. It will launch with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans for further expansion in heroes, maps, and modes.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard continues to explore various gameplay modes, including the return of 6v6 and the introduction of Overwatch Classic. The latter, set to debut mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition that defined a pivotal era in the game's history. Additionally, more seasonal events such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are planned to keep the community engaged.

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 who can launch explosive bolts and use bolas to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, Blizzard revealed concept art for Aqua, a hero wielding an ornate staff and manipulating water, with more details to be unveiled 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 only through free means such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. Notably, players will now see the odds of what they might receive before opening a box, adding transparency to the system, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.

Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play

Competitive play in Overwatch 2 will see significant updates starting in Season 15, including a reset of competitive ranks and new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to incentivize climbing the ranks. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons again. In Season 16, hero bans will be introduced, a feature common in many competitive games, with map voting to follow, enhancing strategic gameplay.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

The stream showcased a vast array of new cosmetics for Overwatch 2, including the next Mythic skin for Zenyatta, inspired by the dragon Pixiu, set to debut in Season 15. Other characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more will also receive new skins. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is planned for mid-Season 15, followed by a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper, along with a Mythic skin for D.Va.

Overwatch 2's commitment to collaborations continues, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM planned for March, introducing 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 an increase in 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.