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, core gameplay will see a significant shift with the introduction of hero perks.

Nearly nine years after the original Overwatch launch and two and a half years after Overwatch 2's debut, Season 15 (February 18th) introduces game-changing perks. Game director Aaron Keller and the Blizzard team announced numerous updates, including new collaborations, heroes, and a revolutionary gameplay approach. These changes aim to revitalize Overwatch 2 amidst competition from games like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Hero Perks in Overwatch 2

Each hero will have two selectable perks – minor and major – unlocked at specific levels during matches. Minor perks upgrade base abilities (e.g., Orisa's primary fire refunding heat on critical hits). Major perks significantly alter gameplay (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: A New Round-Based Mode

Season 16 (April) introduces Stadium mode, a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Players earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance heroes' attributes or unlock significant alterations (e.g., Reaper flying in Wraith Form). While perks aren't initially included, future integration is possible. Stadium features a third-person perspective option alongside the standard first-person view. It launches with 14 heroes, with more to be added.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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Overwatch Classic and 6v6 Updates

Blizzard continues experimenting with 6v6 modes, including a competitive open queue with two tanks per team. Overwatch Classic, arriving mid-Season 16, will revive the "GOATs Meta" (three tanks, three supports) from Overwatch 1.

Seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are also planned.

New Heroes: Freja and Aqua

Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter, arrives in Season 16. Concept art for Aqua, a water-bending hero, was also revealed.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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The Return of Loot Boxes

Loot boxes are returning, obtainable through the free battle pass track and weekly rewards. Transparency regarding drop rates will be provided.

Competitive Updates

Season 15 resets competitive ranks with new rewards (Galactic weapon skins, charms). Season 16 introduces hero bans and map voting.

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 also scheduled for March.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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Competitive Expansion

Overwatch's competitive scene expands with a new stage in China, increased live events, Face.it league integration, and a new tournament system. Teams will receive in-game items for fans, with proceeds benefiting the organizations.