Overwatch 2 Overhaul: Loot Boxes, Perks, Third-Person Mode Return

As Overwatch 2 gears up for 2025, the game is set to undergo some of its most radical changes yet. With nearly nine years since the original Overwatch's debut in 2016 and two-and-a-half years since Overwatch 2's launch, the upcoming Season 15, starting February 18, promises to reshape the game's core mechanics with the introduction of hero perks.

Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with other team members, recently unveiled a series of updates and changes planned for the coming months. These include new heroes, collaborations, and a complete overhaul of gameplay mechanics, aimed at revitalizing Overwatch 2 amid fierce competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A major highlight of these updates is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero in Overwatch 2 will now have the ability to select from two perks at various levels during a match: a minor perk and a major perk. At level two, a minor perk can enhance a basic aspect of the hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can significantly alter the hero's abilities mid-match, like replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed and knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies.

These levels are strategically distributed throughout a match, offering "gameplay-shifting" alterations as described by Alec Dawson, the lead gameplay designer. Players must choose between perks, reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm, adding a layer of strategic depth to each match.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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Stadium: A New Round-Based Mode with Third-Person Option

In addition to hero perks, Season 16, set for April, introduces Stadium, a new 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Described by Keller as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's inception, Stadium allows players to accrue and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. These modifications can increase attributes like survivability or damage and unlock significant hero-shifting alterations, such as Reaper's ability to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks are not part of Stadium initially, their inclusion in the future is not ruled out.

Stadium also introduces a third-person mode, enabling players to see more of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views, adding a new dimension to the gameplay. Stadium will launch with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans to expand with more heroes, maps, and modes 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 a return to 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. The latter, set to debut mid-Season 16, will bring back the iconic "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition that defined a pivotal era of the game. Alongside this, Blizzard plans to launch a 6v6 competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team.

The development team is also gearing up for more seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, ensuring a vibrant calendar for players.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark, capable of dealing explosive damage and immobilizing foes with her bola. Alongside Freja, Blizzard unveiled concept art for the next hero, Aqua, who wields an ornate staff and manipulates water, hinting at exciting new gameplay mechanics.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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Loot Boxes Are Back

In a surprising move, Blizzard is bringing back loot boxes to Overwatch 2. These will be available through the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards, without any purchase required. A significant change this time is the transparency regarding the odds of obtaining items from these boxes, as stated by senior systems designer Gavin Winter, ensuring players know what they might get before opening them.

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

Season 15 will see a reset of competitive ranks, with new incentives like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to encourage players to climb back up. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once again. Season 16 introduces hero bans to competitive play, a feature that could significantly alter strategies and gameplay dynamics. Following hero bans, map voting will also be added to give players more control over their competitive experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle players with an array of new cosmetics. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside new skins for Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also slated for mid-Season 15. Looking further ahead, Juno will get a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin, while Mercy and Reaper will receive new Mythic weapon skins, and D.Va will sport a new Mythic skin.

Blizzard continues its tradition of collaborations, with a second partnership with LE SSERAFIM in March, bringing fresh in-game skins and cosmetics for K-pop enthusiasts.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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The Competitive Landscape Grows

Overwatch 2's competitive scene is expanding, with a new stage added in China and an increase in live events, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. The integration of Face.it leagues into the competitive ecosystem and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are on the horizon. Teams will also receive in-game items for fans, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.