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

As we approach 2025, *Overwatch 2* is set to undergo significant transformations that promise to redefine the gameplay experience. Now, nearly nine years since the original *Overwatch* debuted in 2016, and two-and-a-half years following the launch of *Overwatch 2*, Season 15, starting February 18, will introduce a groundbreaking feature: hero perks.

Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, alongside other team members, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for *Overwatch 2*. The upcoming seasons will not only bring new heroes and collaborations but also introduce an entirely new gameplay dynamic. This major overhaul is Blizzard's response to the increasing competition from other hero shooters, such as NetEase's *Marvel Rivals*, aiming to reinvigorate the *Overwatch 2* community.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

In the new system, each hero in *Overwatch 2* will gain access to two types of perks: minor and major. These perks can be selected at specific levels throughout a match. For instance, at level two, players can choose a minor perk that enhances a basic aspect of their hero, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can significantly alter a hero's abilities mid-match, like replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies.

These levels are progressively unlocked during matches, leading to what lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson calls "gameplay-shifting" alterations. Players must choose between perks, a strategic decision reminiscent of the talent system in Blizzard's *Heroes of the Storm*.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

Season 16, slated for April, will introduce another significant addition to *Overwatch 2*: Stadium mode. Described by Keller as the "biggest game mode" since the original *Overwatch*, Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode where players can earn and spend currency to modify their heroes. These modifications can enhance attributes like survivability or damage, and traits can unlock substantial hero-altering effects, such as allowing Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. While perks are not included in Stadium mode initially, future updates might integrate them.

Stadium mode will also feature a third-person perspective, enabling players to "see more of the battlefield and your modifications in action," according to Keller. Players can switch between first and third-person views, adding a new layer of strategic depth. The mode will debut with 14 heroes, with plans to expand the roster and add more maps and modes over time.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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GOATs are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard continues to innovate with other play modes, including 6v6 and *Overwatch Classic*. More events are planned for the 6v6 format, with a competitive open queue set to launch, allowing a maximum of two tanks per team. *Overwatch Classic*, set to arrive midway through Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from *Overwatch 1*, featuring the three-tank, three-support composition that defined a pivotal era in the game's history.

Seasonal events will also continue, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

The next hero to join *Overwatch 2*, Freja, will debut in Season 16. This Danish bounty hunter wields a crossbow and can unleash explosive bolts and bola enemies trying to escape. Alongside Freja's reveal, Blizzard showcased concept art for their upcoming hero, Aqua, who wields an ornate staff and manipulates water. More details on Aqua will be shared later this year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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Loot Boxes are Back

In a surprising move, *Overwatch 2* is reintroducing loot boxes. Previously phased out in favor of battle passes and other cosmetic acquisition methods, these loot boxes will be available through free means, such as the free track of the battle pass and weekly rewards. Players will now see the odds and potential contents of each loot box before opening them, ensuring transparency about what they might receive, as confirmed by senior systems designer Gavin Winter.

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

Season 15 will see a reset of competitive ranks, accompanied by new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms to motivate players. Hero portraits will once again feature rank icons. A significant update in Season 16 will be the introduction of hero bans in competitive play, a feature common in other competitive games, designed to mix up the meta. Following hero bans, map voting will be added to further enhance the competitive experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

Blizzard showcased an extensive array of new cosmetics during their latest stream. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, along with new skins for heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also planned for mid-Season 15. Looking ahead, Juno will get a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin, and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper are on the way. D.Va will also receive a new Mythic skin.

*Overwatch 2* continues 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

The competitive scene for *Overwatch* is expanding with the addition of a new stage in China and more live events, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are set to enhance the competitive ecosystem. Teams will also have in-game items available for fans, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.