Overwatch 2 is undergoing a major transformation in 2025. While new content is expected, core gameplay will see significant changes, most notably the introduction of hero perks.
Nearly nine years after the original Overwatch's debut and two and a half years after Overwatch 2's launch, Season 15 (February 18th) will revolutionize gameplay with the addition of perks. Game director Aaron Keller and the Blizzard team announced numerous updates, including new collaborations, heroes, and a completely revamped gameplay experience. These changes aim to revitalize Overwatch 2's player base, particularly in light of competition from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.
Hero Perks: A Gameplay Shift
Each hero will have two selectable perks – minor and major – unlocked at specific levels during a match. Minor perks offer incremental upgrades (e.g., Orisa's primary fire refunding heat on critical hits). Major perks drastically alter hero abilities (e.g., replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier). These are mutually exclusive choices, similar to talent trees in Heroes of the Storm.
Overwatch 2 Perks Images
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Stadium Mode: A New Competitive Experience
Season 16 (April) introduces Stadium mode, a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Players earn and spend currency between rounds to upgrade heroes, enhancing attributes or unlocking significant ability changes (e.g., flying Wraith Form for Reaper). While perks aren't initially included in Stadium, future integration is possible. The mode features a third-person camera option alongside the standard first-person view. Initially, 14 heroes will be available, with more to be added later.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots
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Overwatch Classic: The Return of GOATs
Blizzard is experimenting with 6v6 modes, including a competitive open queue with a two-tank limit. Overwatch Classic, arriving mid-Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs" meta from Overwatch 1, featuring three tanks and three supports.
Seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Junkenstein's Revenge are also planned.
New Heroes: Freja and Aqua
Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter, arrives in Season 16. Concept art for Aqua, a water-bending hero, was also revealed.
Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots
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The Return of Loot Boxes (Free Only)
Loot boxes are returning, but exclusively through free means like the battle pass and weekly rewards. Transparency regarding drop rates will be implemented.
Competitive Updates
Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, offering new rewards (Galactic weapon skins, charms). Season 16 will introduce hero bans and map voting.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots
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Cosmetics and Collaborations
Numerous new cosmetics are planned, including Mythic skins for Zenyatta (Season 15), Widowmaker, Juno, Mercy, Reaper, and D.Va. A second collaboration with LE SSERAFIM is also scheduled for March.
Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics
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Competitive Expansion
Overwatch's competitive scene will expand with a new stage in China, more live events, Face.it league integration, a new tournament system, and in-game team items.
