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As we approach 2025, Overwatch 2 is set to undergo transformative changes that promise to redefine the gameplay experience. Now, nearly nine years since the original Overwatch debuted in 2016 and two-and-a-half years since the launch of Overwatch 2, the game is poised for a significant evolution. Season 15, launching on February 18, will introduce a groundbreaking feature: hero perks, fundamentally altering how the game is played.
Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled an array of updates and enhancements for Overwatch 2. These include new heroes, collaborations, and a completely new gameplay dynamic, signaling a major overhaul aimed at rejuvenating player interest. This comes at a time when Overwatch 2 faces stiff competition from NetEase's popular hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, pushing Blizzard to innovate and captivate its player base.
Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks
A key feature in Season 15 is the introduction of hero perks, allowing players to customize their heroes during matches. Each hero will have the ability to choose two perks: a minor perk at level two, which enhances a basic aspect of the hero (like Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat with critical hits), and a major perk, which can significantly alter the hero's abilities mid-match (such as replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable with increased speed, Knockback, and the ability to pierce through enemies).
These perks are unlocked progressively throughout a match, offering "gameplay-shifting" options, according to Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose between perks, much like the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm, adding a strategic layer to each game.
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, 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, boosting attributes like survivability or damage. Unique hero-shifting traits, such as Reaper flying in his Wraith Form, will also be available, although perks will not be part of this mode initially.
Stadium mode will also feature a third-person perspective, offering players a broader view of the battlefield and their hero modifications. Players can switch between first and third-person views, adding a new dimension to gameplay. The mode will debut with a core roster of 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 experiment with different play modes, including the return of 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. A 6v6 competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team is in the works, alongside more events. For those yearning for the classic tank-heavy gameplay, Overwatch Classic in Season 16 will revive the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, bringing back the three-tank, three-support composition that defined a pivotal strategy in the game's history.
Additionally, the development team is gearing up for more seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, ensuring a vibrant calendar of activities for players.
Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows
Season 16 will introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark capable of launching explosive bolts and using bolas to stop fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was revealed, showcasing his ornate staff and water-bending abilities. More details on Aqua are expected later in the year.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
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Loot Boxes are Back
In a notable return, loot boxes are making a comeback to Overwatch. Previously phased out in favor of battle passes and other cosmetic acquisition methods, these loot boxes will be free to earn through the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A significant change is the transparency of loot box contents, with players now able to see the odds of what they might receive before opening a box. Senior systems designer Gavin Winter emphasized the focus on keeping the experience fun while being open about the contents and drop rates.
Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play
Season 15 will bring a reset to competitive ranks, but new rewards such as Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will encourage players to climb back up the ranks. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once again.
A significant update in Season 16 will be the introduction of hero bans to competitive play, a common feature in many competitive games that could shake up the meta. Following the implementation of hero bans, map voting will also be added, giving players more control over their competitive experience.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
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Cosmetics Galore
A plethora of new cosmetics were showcased, highlighting a variety of new looks for Overwatch 2 heroes. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside new skins for Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and others. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also on the horizon.
Looking further ahead, additional cosmetics include a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, a Mythic weapon skin for Mercy, and Mythic skins for Reaper and D.Va. Overwatch 2's tradition of collaborations continues with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM, set to bring new in-game skins and cosmetics in March.
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 for fans to purchase, with proceeds supporting the organizations, further enhancing the competitive ecosystem.
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