Overwatch 2 Overhaul: Loot Boxes, Perks, and Third-Person Mode Return

Overwatch 2 is set to undergo transformative changes as it moves into 2025, marking nearly nine years since the original Overwatch launched in 2016 and two-and-a-half years since Overwatch 2's debut. Starting with Season 15 on February 18, the game will introduce hero perks, a feature that promises to significantly alter gameplay dynamics.

Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, along with other team members, has unveiled a comprehensive plan for Overwatch 2's evolution. These updates aim to rejuvenate player interest and enhance the game's competitiveness against rivals like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

Each hero in Overwatch 2 will now have the option to select two perks—minor and major—as they progress through levels during a match. At level two, a minor perk can enhance a basic aspect of the hero. For example, Orisa's primary fire might refund Heat upon scoring critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can dramatically alter a hero's abilities mid-match, such as replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or enabling her Energy Javelin to charge, increase speed, and pierce through enemies.

These levels are earned progressively throughout the game, unlocking what lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson refers to as "gameplay-shifting" alterations. Players must choose between perks, reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.

Overwatch 2 Perks

4 ImagesStadium is a new round-based mode, with third-person

Stadium: A New Round-Based Mode

Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium, a groundbreaking addition to Overwatch 2 described by Keller as the "biggest game mode" since the original game's launch. This 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode allows players to earn and spend currency between rounds to upgrade their heroes. These upgrades can enhance attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can lead to significant hero alterations, such as Reaper gaining the ability to fly during Wraith Form.

Stadium will also feature a third-person perspective option, allowing players to better view the battlefield and their modifications in action. The mode will launch with 14 core heroes, with plans to expand the roster, maps, and additional modes over time.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

11 ImagesGOATs are coming to Overwatch Classic

Revisiting Overwatch Classic and the GOATs Meta

Blizzard is also experimenting with other play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. A 6v6 competitive open queue is in the works, limited to two tanks per team. Overwatch Classic, set to launch mid-Season 16, will bring back the nostalgic "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, featuring three tanks and three supports. Additionally, seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are planned.

New Heroes: Freja and Aqua

Season 16 will introduce Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark, capable of firing explosive bolts and using bolas to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was revealed, showcasing his ornate staff and water-bending abilities. More details on Aqua will be shared later this year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

7 ImagesLoot boxes are back

Return of Loot Boxes

Loot boxes are making a comeback in Overwatch 2, but with a twist: they will be free to acquire through the battle pass's free track and weekly rewards. Transparency is a key focus, with players now able to see the odds and potential contents before opening a box, as confirmed by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.

Competitive Updates

Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, introducing new rewards such as Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to encourage players to climb the ranks. Hero portraits will once again feature rank icons. Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive play, followed by the implementation of map voting, further diversifying competitive gameplay.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

9 ImagesCosmetics galore

New Cosmetics and Collaborations

Overwatch 2 is set to introduce a plethora of new cosmetics, with Zenyatta receiving a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15. Other heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and Widowmaker will also get new skins. Further down the line, Juno and Mercy will receive magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skins, while Reaper and D.Va are slated for Mythic weapon skins.

Collaborations continue to be a highlight, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM scheduled for March, bringing new in-game skins and cosmetics.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

12 ImagesThe competitive landscape grows

Expanding the Competitive Scene

The competitive landscape 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 in the pipeline. Teams will also receive in-game items, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.