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

As Overwatch 2 gears up for a transformative year in 2025, fans can anticipate a series of groundbreaking updates and changes that will redefine the core gameplay experience. Now almost a decade since the original Overwatch debuted in 2016 and two-and-a-half years after the launch of Overwatch 2, Season 15, starting on February 18, promises to revolutionize the game with the introduction of hero perks.

In a recent announcement, game director Aaron Keller, along with other Blizzard team members, unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for Overwatch 2. This includes new heroes, collaborations, and a fundamentally new way to play, signaling a major overhaul designed to reignite player interest. This move comes as Blizzard faces stiff competition from other popular hero shooters, such as NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A key feature in this update is the introduction of hero perks, allowing players to customize their heroes throughout a match. Each hero will have the option to choose between two types of perks: minor and major. At level two, players can select a minor perk that enhances a basic aspect of the hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat upon critical hits. More impactful are the major perks, which can dramatically alter the hero's abilities mid-match. For instance, Orisa could replace her Javelin Spin with a Barrier or make her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, Knockback, and the ability to pierce through enemies.

These perks are unlocked progressively during matches, providing "gameplay-shifting" options as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players must choose between the perks, a decision reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

Beyond perks, Season 16, slated for April, introduces 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 use currency earned between rounds to upgrade their heroes. These modifications can enhance attributes such as survivability or damage, while traits offer significant alterations to hero abilities, such as enabling Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks are not included in Stadium, there's potential for their future integration.

A unique feature of Stadium is the option to play in third-person, allowing players to gain a broader view of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person perspectives at will. Stadium will launch with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans for more heroes, maps, and modes to be added over time.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard continues to innovate with various play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. For those who enjoy larger team compositions, more events are planned, and a 6v6 competitive open queue will launch, allowing a maximum of two tanks per team. 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 significant era of the game.

In addition to these modes, Blizzard is gearing up for seasonal events such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark capable of shooting explosive bolts and using bolas to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was revealed. With an ornate staff and water-bending abilities, Aqua's full reveal is expected later this year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

Loot Boxes are Back

In a surprising move, Blizzard is bringing back loot boxes to Overwatch 2. Unlike before, these loot boxes will be earned through free means such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards, with no option to purchase them. A new feature allows players to see the odds of what they might receive before opening a box, promoting transparency, as explained by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.

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

Competitive play in Overwatch 2 is set for significant updates. Season 15 will feature a reset of competitive ranks, with new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to motivate players. Hero portraits will once again display rank icons.

Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive play, a common strategy in many competitive games, designed to shake up the meta. Following this, map voting will be added, allowing players greater control over their gaming experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

Cosmetics Galore

Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle players with a plethora of new cosmetics. Season 15 will introduce a Mythic skin for Zenyatta inspired by the dragon Pixiu, along with numerous other skins for heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also on the horizon.

Looking further ahead, players can look forward to a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, a Mythic weapon skin for Mercy, and Mythic skins for Reaper and D.Va. Additionally, Blizzard is continuing 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 significantly. A new stage in China, more live events, and the integration of Face.it leagues into the competitive ecosystem are all part of the plan to double the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. A new tournament system for promotion and relegation is also in the works, and teams will receive in-game items that fans can purchase, with proceeds going directly to the organizations.