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

As we approach 2025, Overwatch 2 is set to undergo significant transformations that promise to redefine the gaming experience. Now, nearly nine years since the original Overwatch debuted in 2016, and two-and-a-half years post the launch of Overwatch 2, the upcoming Season 15, launching on February 18, is poised to revolutionize the game with the introduction of hero perks.

Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled a comprehensive set of updates and changes planned for the near future. These include new heroes, collaborations, and a completely new gameplay mechanic. This overhaul comes as Blizzard strives to rejuvenate interest in Overwatch 2, especially in the face of competition from NetEase's popular hero shooter, Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A groundbreaking feature in Overwatch 2 is the introduction of hero perks. Each hero will now have the option to choose two perks: a minor perk at level two, which enhances a base aspect of the hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat with critical hits, and a major perk that can fundamentally alter the hero's abilities mid-match. For instance, Orisa could swap her Javelin Spin for her Barrier or make her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, knockback, and enabling it to pierce enemies.

These perks are unlocked progressively throughout a match and represent "gameplay-shifting" changes, according to Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson. Players will face either-or choices, akin to the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

Season 16, scheduled for April, will introduce Stadium mode, which Keller describes as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's inception. This 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode allows players to earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. These modifications can improve attributes like survivability or damage, and introduce significant hero alterations, such as Reaper gaining the ability to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks are not included in Stadium mode initially, their integration in future updates is a possibility.

Stadium also introduces a third-person perspective, offering players a broader view of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views, adding a new dimension to the gameplay. The mode will start with a core roster of 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 is also experimenting with other play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are planned for 6v6, with the launch of a competitive open queue allowing a maximum of two tanks per team. Overwatch Classic, set to debut midway through Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, reviving the three-tank, three-support strategy that once dominated the game.

Additional seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are also on the calendar.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark capable of firing explosive bolts and using a bola to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, Blizzard teased concept art for the next hero, Aqua, who wields an ornate staff and manipulates water, promising more details 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 2. These will be available exclusively through free means such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. A key feature of the revamped loot boxes is transparency; players will now see the odds of what they might receive before opening them, ensuring a fun yet informed experience, as stated by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.

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

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

A significant change arriving in Season 16 is the introduction of hero bans in competitive play, a feature common in many competitive games to diversify gameplay. Following this, Blizzard plans to implement map voting to further enhance the competitive experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

Overwatch 2's stream showcased a vast array of new cosmetics, including a Mythic skin for Zenyatta inspired by the dragon Pixiu, set to launch in Season 15. Other heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more will receive new skins. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also planned for mid-Season 15.

Looking further ahead, additional cosmetics include a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, inspired by magical girls, and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va will also receive a new Mythic skin.

Blizzard's commitment to collaborations continues, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM, bringing new in-game skins and cosmetics in March.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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The Competitive Landscape Grows

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