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

As Overwatch 2 gears up for 2025, the game is set to undergo transformative changes that promise to revitalize the player experience. Now nearly nine years since the original Overwatch launched in 2016, and two-and-a-half years post-Overwatch 2's debut, Season 15, starting February 18, will introduce a fundamental shift in gameplay with the addition of hero perks.

Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, alongside his team, unveiled a series of updates and enhancements planned for Overwatch 2 in the upcoming months. These include new heroes, collaborations, and a completely new gameplay dynamic, signaling a major overhaul for the game. This push for innovation is driven by the need to reignite interest in Overwatch 2 amidst stiff competition from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A pivotal update in Season 15 is the introduction of hero perks, where each hero will have access to two types of perks: minor and major. These can be selected at different levels during a match. For instance, at level two, players can choose a minor perk that enhances a basic hero attribute, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat upon critical hits. A major perk, on the other hand, could fundamentally alter a hero's abilities mid-match, like swapping Orisa's Javelin Spin for her Barrier, or making her Energy Javelin chargeable with increased speed, knockback, and the ability to pierce enemies.

These perks are unlocked progressively throughout a match, offering "gameplay-shifting" changes as described by Overwatch 2's lead gameplay designer, Alec Dawson. Players must make strategic decisions, as selecting one perk means forgoing the other, a mechanic reminiscent of talent choices in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium, a new 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. In Stadium, players earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. These modifications can increase attributes such as survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero transformations, like enabling Reaper to fly during his Wraith Form. Although perks are not included in Stadium initially, their future integration is not ruled out.

Stadium also brings a third-person perspective, allowing players to view more of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can toggle between first and third-person views. Stadium will launch with 14 heroes, with plans to add more heroes, maps, and modes over time.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard continues to explore various play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are scheduled for 6v6, with a competitive open queue set to launch, allowing up to two tanks per team. For fans of the classic gameplay, Overwatch Classic will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1 during Season 16, featuring the three-tank, three-support setup that defined a pivotal era in the game's history.

Additionally, seasonal events such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are on the horizon.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce Freja, a new hero from Denmark who wields a crossbow and uses explosive bolts and bolas to control the battlefield. Alongside Freja, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was revealed. Aqua, equipped with an ornate staff and water-bending abilities, is slated for a later release this 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. Unlike before, these loot boxes will be earned through free means such as the battle pass's free track and weekly rewards. A new feature will display the odds and potential contents of each loot box before opening, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter, ensuring transparency and fun.

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

Season 15 will see a reset of competitive ranks, accompanied by new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to motivate players. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once more.

Season 16 introduces hero bans to competitive Overwatch 2, a feature that has proven successful in other competitive titles. Following hero bans, map voting will be implemented, enhancing the strategic depth of competitive play.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

Overwatch 2's latest stream showcased an array of new cosmetics, with Zenyatta receiving the next Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15. Other heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more will also get new skins. Midway through Season 15, a Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker will be introduced.

Looking further ahead, additional cosmetics include a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, a Mythic weapon skin for Mercy, and Mythic skins for Reaper and D.Va. Blizzard's collaborations continue, with LE SSERAFIM set for a second partnership, bringing new skins and cosmetics to the game 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 increased live events, effectively doubling gameplay and broadcast opportunities. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation will enhance the competitive ecosystem. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.