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

Overwatch 2's 2025 Transformation: A Seismic Shift in Gameplay

Overwatch 2 is poised for a major overhaul in 2025, marking a significant departure from its current form. Nine years after the original Overwatch's debut and two and a half years after Overwatch 2's launch, Season 15 (February 18th) introduces hero perks, fundamentally altering gameplay.

Hero Perks: A Gameplay Revolution

Each hero will receive two selectable perks—minor and major—unlocked at specific points during a match. Minor perks offer subtle upgrades (e.g., Orisa's primary fire refunding heat on critical hits), while major perks dramatically reshape a hero (e.g., replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier). These are mutually exclusive choices, adding strategic depth reminiscent of Heroes of the Storm's talent system.

Overwatch 2 Perks

Stadium Mode: A New Competitive Experience

Season 16 (April) introduces Stadium, a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Players earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes' attributes and unlock significant alterations (e.g., flying Wraith Form for Reaper). Stadium features a third-person camera option alongside the traditional first-person view. Initially, 14 heroes will be available, with more to be added later.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

Overwatch Classic: The Return of GOATs

Mid-Season 16 brings back Overwatch Classic, reviving the iconic "GOATs" meta (three tanks, three supports) from Overwatch 1. Additionally, a 6v6 competitive open queue with a two-tank limit is planned.

New Heroes and Cosmetics

Season 16 introduces Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter, and teases Aqua, a water-bending hero. Numerous cosmetic additions are planned, including a Pixiu-inspired Mythic Zenyatta skin in Season 15, a second LE SSERAFIM collaboration in March, and future Mythic skins for Widowmaker, Juno, Mercy, Reaper, and D.Va. The return of loot boxes, obtainable through free means, is also confirmed, with transparent drop rates.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

Competitive Enhancements

Season 15 resets competitive ranks, introducing Galactic weapon skins and charms. Season 16 adds hero bans and map voting to competitive play. The competitive scene expands with a new stage in China, increased live events, Face.it league integration, and a new tournament system.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

These sweeping changes aim to revitalize Overwatch 2, addressing competition and fostering renewed player engagement.