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 dramatic overhaul in 2025, going far beyond typical content updates. The core gameplay is set to undergo a significant shift with the introduction of hero perks, marking a major evolution nearly nine years after the original Overwatch's debut.

Hero Perks: A Gameplay Revolution

Season 15 (February 18th) introduces hero perks – major and minor – selectable at specific in-match levels. Minor perks offer subtle upgrades (e.g., Orisa's primary fire heat refund on critical hits), while major perks drastically alter gameplay (e.g., replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier). These choices are mutually exclusive, adding a strategic layer reminiscent of Heroes of the Storm's talent system.

Stadium Mode: A New Era of Competition

Season 16 (April) introduces Stadium mode, a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Players earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes' attributes and unlock significant gameplay changes (e.g., flying Wraith Form for Reaper). This mode features a third-person perspective option, offering a unique strategic view. Initially launching with 14 heroes, Stadium will expand with more heroes, maps, and modes over time.

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 also planned.

New Heroes and Cosmetics

Season 16 welcomes Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter, and teases Aqua, a water-bending hero. A plethora of new cosmetics are on the horizon, including a Pixiu-inspired Mythic Zenyatta skin and numerous other skins and Mythic weapon skins for various heroes. A second collaboration with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM is also planned for March.

Competitive Updates

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

The Return of Loot Boxes (Free Only)

Loot boxes are making a comeback, but exclusively through free means like the battle pass and weekly rewards, with transparent drop rates.

These sweeping changes signal a significant commitment to revitalizing Overwatch 2 and expanding its competitive landscape.