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

As we approach 2025, Overwatch 2 is poised for significant transformations that promise to redefine the core gameplay experience. With nearly a decade since the original Overwatch's debut in 2016 and over two years since Overwatch 2 launched, Blizzard is set to shake things up starting with Season 15 on February 18, introducing hero perks that will fundamentally change how the game is played.

In a recent announcement, game director Aaron Keller, along with other Blizzard team members, unveiled a series of updates and changes aimed at revitalizing Overwatch 2. Amidst fierce competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals, Blizzard is striving to reignite enthusiasm and interest in their hero shooter.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A key feature coming to Overwatch 2 is the introduction of hero perks, allowing players to customize their heroes' abilities mid-match. Each hero will now have the option to choose between a minor and a major perk at designated levels during the game. For instance, a minor perk could enhance Orisa's primary fire by refunding Heat on critical hits, while a major perk might replace her Javelin Spin with a Barrier or make her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, knockback, and allowing it to pierce through enemies. These choices, as described by lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson, are "gameplay-shifting" and reminiscent of the talent options found in Blizzard's Heroes of the Storm.

Overwatch 2 Perks

Stadium: A New Round-Based Mode with Third-Person

Season 16, slated for April, will bring the groundbreaking Stadium mode to Overwatch 2. Described by Keller as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's inception, Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Players can earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes' attributes and unlock hero-shifting traits, like Reaper's ability to fly in Wraith Form. Notably, perks won't be available in Stadium, though Blizzard hints at potential future integration.

Stadium introduces a third-person perspective, allowing players to see more of the battlefield and their modifications in action. This mode will start with a core roster of 14 heroes, with plans to expand the hero lineup, maps, and modes over time.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

GOATs Are Coming to Overwatch Classic

Blizzard continues to innovate with additional play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. A new 6v6 competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team is in the works, alongside more events. For fans of the classic "GOATs Meta," Overwatch Classic will revive the three-tank, three-support strategy from Overwatch 1 during Season 16. Seasonal events such as April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are also on the calendar.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark, capable of shooting explosive bolts and using bolas to immobilize foes. Concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was also revealed, featuring an ornate staff and water manipulation abilities, with more details to be shared later this year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

Loot Boxes Are Back

In a surprising move, Overwatch 2 is reintroducing loot boxes, which had been phased out with the transition to battle passes. These will be available for free through the battle pass's free track and weekly rewards. A key change is the transparency regarding loot box contents, with odds displayed before opening, ensuring players know what they might receive.

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

Season 15 will feature a competitive rank reset, but new incentives like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will motivate players to climb the ranks again. Hero portraits will once more display rank icons. Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive play, a feature common in other competitive games, followed by the addition of map voting to further diversify matches.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

Cosmetics Galore

Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle with an array of new cosmetics. Zenyatta's upcoming Mythic skin, inspired by the dragon Pixiu, will debut in Season 15, joined by new skins for Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is also on the horizon. Looking further ahead, fans can expect a "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper, and a Mythic skin for D.Va.

Blizzard continues its tradition of collaborations, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM, set to bring new in-game skins and cosmetics in March.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

The Competitive Landscape Grows

Overwatch 2'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. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are on the way. Additionally, teams will have in-game items available for fans, with proceeds supporting the organizations directly.