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

As we approach 2025, Overwatch 2 is set to undergo significant transformations that promise to reinvigorate the game's core mechanics and overall experience. Now, nearly nine years after the original Overwatch debuted in 2016, and two-and-a-half years since Overwatch 2 launched, the game is poised for a major overhaul starting with Season 15 on February 18. This season will introduce hero perks, fundamentally changing how players engage with the game.

Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with other team members, recently unveiled a comprehensive set of updates and changes planned for Overwatch 2. These updates aim to not only bring fresh content but also to revamp the gameplay experience, responding to the competitive pressure from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

Each hero in Overwatch 2 will now have the ability to select two types of perks: minor and major. These perks become available at different levels throughout a match. At level two, a minor perk can enhance a fundamental aspect of a hero's abilities, such as Orisa's primary fire potentially refunding Heat upon critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can drastically alter a hero's capabilities mid-match. For example, Orisa could swap her Javelin Spin for her Barrier or make her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, knockback, and ability to pierce through enemies.

These levels and choices are designed to unlock significant gameplay alterations, as described by Overwatch 2's lead gameplay designer, Alec Dawson. Players must choose between perks, a system that echoes the talent options found in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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Stadium is a New Round-Based Mode, with Third-Person

While hero perks are a significant change, Season 16, scheduled for April, will introduce Stadium mode, described by Keller as the most ambitious game mode since Overwatch's inception. Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode where players can earn and spend currency between rounds to upgrade their heroes. These upgrades can enhance attributes like survivability or damage and unlock major hero modifications, such as allowing Reaper to fly in Wraith Form. Although perks are not part of Stadium mode initially, they may be integrated in future updates.

Stadium mode also introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to gain a broader view of the battlefield and observe their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person views. The mode will launch with 14 heroes, with plans to add more heroes, maps, and modes over time.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard continues to innovate with new play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. For those interested in the 6v6 format, more events are planned, and a competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team will be introduced. Overwatch Classic, set to launch midway through Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from Overwatch 1, reviving the three-tank, three-support strategy that defined a significant era in the game's history.

The development team is also planning more seasonal events, such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event, to keep the community engaged.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

The next hero to join Overwatch 2 in Season 16 is Freja, a Danish bounty hunter equipped with a crossbow. She can shoot explosive bolts and use bolas to immobilize fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja's introduction, concept art for the upcoming hero, Aqua, was revealed. Aqua, wielding an ornate staff and manipulating water, promises to bring a unique flair to the game. More details about Aqua are expected later this year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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Loot Boxes are Back

Blizzard is reintroducing loot boxes to Overwatch 2, which were phased out with the transition to battle passes. These new loot boxes will be available through the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards, and will not require payment. A key feature of these loot boxes is transparency: players can view the odds and potential contents before opening them. According to senior systems designer Gavin Winter, this approach aims to maintain fun while being clear about what players can expect.

Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More are Coming to Competitive Play

Competitive play in Overwatch 2 is set to receive several updates. Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, but new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will motivate players to climb back up. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once again.

Starting in Season 16, hero bans will be introduced to competitive play, a feature commonly seen in other competitive games. This addition aims to mix up strategies and keep the meta fresh. Following the implementation of hero bans, map voting will also be added to further enhance the competitive experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

Overwatch 2 is set to introduce a vast array of new cosmetics. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside new skins for characters like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is planned for mid-Season 15.

Looking further ahead, additional cosmetic options include a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, inspired by magical girl themes, and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va will also receive a Mythic skin later on.

Blizzard is also continuing its tradition of collaborations, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM planned for March, bringing new in-game skins and cosmetics.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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The Competitive Landscape Grows

Overwatch's competitive scene is expanding with the addition of a new stage in China and an increase in live events, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. The integration of Face.it leagues into the competitive ecosystem and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are also on the horizon. Teams will receive in-game items that fans can purchase, with the proceeds going directly to support the organizations.