Blizzard Reveals Radical Overhaul of Overwatch 2, Including Return of Loot Boxes, Perks, and Third-Person Mode

Overwatch 2 is undergoing a major transformation in 2025. While new content is expected, significant gameplay changes are on the horizon, 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 (February 18th) will revolutionize gameplay with the addition of these perks.

Game director Aaron Keller and the Blizzard team announced numerous updates, including new collaborations, heroes, and a completely redesigned gameplay experience. These changes aim to revitalize Overwatch 2's appeal amidst competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Hero Perks in Overwatch 2

Each hero will receive two selectable perks – minor and major – unlocked at specific levels during a match. Minor perks offer subtle upgrades (e.g., Orisa's primary fire heat refund 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: A New Round-Based Mode

Season 16 (April) introduces Stadium mode, a 5v5, best-of-7 competitive mode. Players earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes' attributes or unlock significant alterations (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 standard first-person view. Initially, 14 heroes will be available, with more added later.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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Overwatch Classic and 6v6 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 "GOATs Meta" (three tanks, three supports) from Overwatch 1.

Seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are also 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-bending staff wielder, was also 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 implemented.

Competitive Updates

Season 15 resets competitive ranks, introducing new rewards (Galactic weapon skins, charms). Season 16 adds hero bans and map voting.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics and Collaborations

Numerous new cosmetics are planned, including Mythic skins for Zenyatta (Season 15), Widowmaker, Juno, Mercy, Reaper, and D.Va. A second collaboration with LE SSERAFIM is scheduled for March.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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Competitive Expansion

Overwatch 2's competitive scene expands with a new stage in China, increased live events, Face.it league integration, a new tournament system, and in-game team items.