Blizzard Unveils Major Overwatch 2 Update: Loot Boxes, Perks, Third-Person Mode Return

As Overwatch 2 approaches 2025, the game is set to undergo significant transformations that promise to revitalize the experience for players. Since its inception in 2016 and the subsequent launch of Overwatch 2 in 2022, the franchise has continuously evolved. With Season 15 kicking off on February 18, players can expect a game-changing update that introduces hero perks, altering the core gameplay dynamics.

Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap filled with new content, collaborations, and gameplay mechanics. This comes as Blizzard aims to rekindle enthusiasm for Overwatch 2 amidst stiff competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A revolutionary feature in Overwatch 2 will be the introduction of hero perks, allowing players to customize their heroes mid-match. Each hero will have access to two types of perks: minor and major. At level two, players can choose a minor perk to enhance a basic aspect of their hero; for instance, Orisa's primary fire could refund Heat upon landing critical hits. On the other hand, major perks can significantly alter a hero's abilities, such as replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, knockback, and ability to pierce through enemies.

These perks are unlocked progressively throughout a match and offer players either-or choices, reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm. This system is designed to create dynamic, gameplay-shifting alterations, as described by Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

In addition to hero perks, Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium mode, which Keller describes as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's launch. Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode where players can earn and spend currency to enhance their heroes. These enhancements can boost attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can unlock major hero-altering changes, such as enabling Reaper to fly during his Wraith Form.

While perks won't be available in Stadium initially, there's potential for their integration in the future. Stadium also introduces a third-person perspective option, allowing players to see more of the battlefield and their hero's modifications in action. The mode 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

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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard is also experimenting with other play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. A 6v6 competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team is on the horizon, along with more events. 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 once dominated the game.

The development team is planning more seasonal events such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, adding variety and excitement to the game's calendar.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark. Her abilities include firing explosive bolts and using bolas to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was revealed. Aqua, equipped with an ornate staff and water manipulation abilities, is slated to join the roster later in the 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. Unlike before, these loot boxes will be earned through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. Players will also have visibility into the odds of what they might receive from each box, ensuring transparency and fairness, 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, introducing new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to motivate players. Hero portraits will once again feature rank icons. In Season 16, hero bans will be introduced to competitive play, a feature common in other competitive games, to shake up the meta. Following hero bans, map voting will also be added to enhance the competitive experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle players with a plethora of new cosmetics. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside other skins for heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also on the way. Looking further ahead, Juno will get a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin, and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper are planned, as well as a Mythic skin for D.Va.

Blizzard is also 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

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The Competitive Landscape Grows

The competitive scene for Overwatch is expanding with a new stage in China and an increase in live events, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are also on the way. Teams will receive in-game items, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly, enhancing the connection between fans and the competitive community.