Overwatch 2 is undergoing a major transformation in 2025. While new content is expected, the core gameplay is receiving a significant overhaul, most notably the introduction of hero perks.

Nearly nine years after the original Overwatch's release and two and a half years after Overwatch 2's launch, Season 15 (starting February 18th) will revolutionize gameplay with the addition of perks. Game director Aaron Keller and the Blizzard team announced numerous changes, including new collaborations, heroes, and a completely revamped gameplay experience. These changes aim to revitalize Overwatch 2's appeal amidst competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Hero Perks: A Gameplay Revolution

Each hero will have two selectable perks—minor and major—unlocked at specific levels during a match. Minor perks upgrade existing abilities (e.g., Orisa's primary fire refunding heat on critical hits). Major perks significantly alter gameplay (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 (anticipated for April) introduces Stadium mode, a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Players earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes' attributes or unlock 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 traditional first-person view. It launches with 14 heroes, with more to be added.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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Return of GOATs and Other Game Modes

Blizzard is experimenting with 6v6 modes, including a competitive open queue with a two-tank limit. Overwatch Classic, arriving mid-Season 16, will revive the three-tank, three-support "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1.

Seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, are planned.

New Heroes: Freja and Aqua

Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter, arrives in Season 16. Concept art for the next hero, Aqua, a water-manipulating character, has also been revealed.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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The Return of Loot Boxes

Loot boxes are returning, obtainable through free battle pass tracks and weekly rewards. Transparency regarding drop rates will be provided before opening.

Competitive Updates

Season 15 resets competitive ranks, offering rewards like Galactic weapon skins. Season 16 introduces hero bans and map voting.

Cosmetics and Collaborations

Numerous new cosmetics are planned, including a Pixiu-inspired Zenyatta Mythic skin (Season 15), and future Mythic skins for Widowmaker, Juno, Mercy, Reaper, and D.Va. A second collaboration with LE SSERAFIM is set for March.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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Competitive Expansion

A new competitive stage in China, increased live events, Face.it league integration, a new tournament system, and team-branded in-game items are planned.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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