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, the core gameplay will be significantly altered with the introduction of hero perks. This comes nearly nine years after the original Overwatch launch and two and a half years after Overwatch 2. Season 15, starting February 18th, introduces this pivotal change.

Game director Aaron Keller and the Blizzard team announced extensive updates, including new collaborations, heroes, and a completely revamped gameplay experience. These changes aim to revitalize Overwatch 2's appeal, particularly in the face of competition from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Hero Perks: A Gameplay Revolution

Each hero will receive two selectable perks: minor and major, unlocked at specific levels during matches. Minor perks subtly enhance existing abilities (e.g., Orisa's primary fire heat refund on critical hits). Major perks drastically alter gameplay, potentially replacing abilities (e.g., replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier). These are mutually exclusive choices, similar to Heroes of the Storm's talent system.

Overwatch 2 Perks Images

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Stadium Mode: A New Competitive Experience

Season 16 (April) introduces Stadium mode, a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Players earn and spend in-game currency between rounds to enhance their heroes' attributes or unlock significant ability changes (e.g., Reaper flying in Wraith Form). While perks are absent in Stadium initially, future integration isn't ruled out. The mode also features a selectable third-person perspective. Launch will include 14 heroes, with more to be added.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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Overwatch Classic: The Return of GOATs

Blizzard continues experimenting with 6v6 modes and Overwatch Classic, a throwback mode reviving the three-tank, three-support "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1. This will arrive mid-Season 16.

Seasonal events (April Fools', Summer Games, Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween) 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-manipulating character, was also revealed.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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The Return of Loot Boxes (with Transparency)

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

Competitive Updates: Bans, Voting, and More

Season 15 resets competitive ranks, offering rewards like Galactic weapon skins. Season 16 introduces hero bans and map voting. China gets a new competitive stage, and Face.it leagues integrate into the competitive ecosystem.

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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The competitive scene expands with a new Chinese stage, increased live events, and a new tournament system. Teams will receive in-game items for fans, with proceeds benefiting the organizations.