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 after the launch of Overwatch 2, Season 15, starting February 18, will introduce a groundbreaking feature: hero perks.

Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled a series of updates and changes planned for Overwatch 2 in the coming months. These updates include new heroes, collaborations, and a completely new way to play, signaling a significant overhaul aimed at revitalizing interest in the game amidst fierce competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A pivotal change coming to Overwatch 2 is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero will now have the ability to select two perks—minor and major—throughout the match at newly designated levels. At level two, players can choose a minor perk that enhances a basic aspect of the hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits. A major perk, on the other hand, 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, knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies.

These levels are earned progressively during a match, unlocking what lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson calls "gameplay-shifting" alterations. Players must choose between perks, reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

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. Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode where players can earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. These modifications can boost attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero alterations, such as Reaper gaining the ability to fly in his Wraith Form. While perks are not included in Stadium, future updates may integrate them.

Stadium also introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to "see more of the battlefield and your modifications in action," according to Keller. Players can switch between first and third-person views. The mode will launch with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans to add more heroes, maps, and modes over time.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard continues to innovate with other play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are planned, and a 6v6 competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team will be introduced. Overwatch Classic, set to launch midway through Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition that defined a game-shifting strategy.

The development team is also planning more seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event.

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. She can fill enemies with explosive bolts and use a bola to stop them from escaping. Alongside Freja's reveal, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was shown. Aqua, wielding an ornate staff and manipulating water, is set to be introduced later in the year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

Loot Boxes Are Back

Loot boxes are making a return to Overwatch 2. After being phased out in favor of battle passes and other cosmetic options, Blizzard is reintroducing them as free rewards through the battle pass's free track and weekly rewards. A key change is the transparency about the contents and odds of each loot box before opening, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.

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

Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, but new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will motivate players to climb back up. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons again. In Season 16, hero bans will be introduced to competitive play, a feature common in many competitive games, to mix up the meta. Following hero bans, map voting will also be added to enhance the competitive experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

Cosmetics Galore

A plethora of new cosmetics were showcased, 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. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is planned for mid-Season 15. Looking further ahead, Juno will get a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin, and Mercy and Reaper will receive Mythic weapon skins. D.Va is also slated for a Mythic skin later on.

Overwatch 2 continues its tradition of collaborations, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM set for March, bringing new in-game skins and cosmetics.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

The Competitive Landscape Grows

The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding, with a new stage added in China and more live events planned to double the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Face.it leagues will be integrated into the competitive ecosystem, and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation is on the horizon. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.