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

As Overwatch 2 gears up for 2025, the game is set to undergo transformative changes that promise to redefine the player experience. Nine years after the original Overwatch launched in 2016 and two-and-a-half years following the debut of Overwatch 2, Season 15, commencing on February 18, will revolutionize the gameplay with the introduction of hero perks.

Blizzard's game director Aaron Keller, alongside other team members, has unveiled an extensive list of updates and new features for Overwatch 2. From exciting collaborations and fresh heroes to an entirely new gameplay dynamic, Overwatch 2 is poised for a major overhaul. This comes as Blizzard faces pressure to reinvigorate interest in Overwatch 2 amidst competition from NetEase's popular hero shooter, Marvel Rivals.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

A pivotal change in Overwatch 2 is the introduction of hero perks, where each hero will have the ability to choose between two types of perks—minor and major—at specific levels during a match. At level two, players can select a minor perk to enhance a fundamental aspect of the hero. For example, Orisa's primary fire might refund Heat on critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can dramatically alter the hero's abilities mid-match, such as replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, thereby increasing its speed, Knockback, and ability to pierce through enemies.

These levels are achieved progressively throughout the match, unlocking what Overwatch 2 lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson calls "gameplay-shifting" alterations. Players will have to make strategic decisions, as choosing one perk means forgoing the other, a mechanic 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

Beyond perks, Season 16, slated for April, will introduce Stadium mode, described by Keller as the "biggest game mode" since Overwatch's inception. This 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode allows players to earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes. Modifications can increase attributes like survivability or damage, while traits can enable significant hero alterations, such as allowing Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form. Although perks won't be included initially in Stadium, future updates may integrate them.

Stadium mode also introduces 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. Stadium will launch with a core roster of 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 additional play modes, including 6v6 and Overwatch Classic. More events are planned for 6v6, and a competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team will be introduced. For fans of the original Overwatch, Overwatch Classic, set to launch mid-Season 16, will revive the iconic "GOATs Meta," bringing back the three-tank, three-support strategy from Overwatch 1. Seasonal events like April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event are also in the pipeline.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce Freja, a crossbow-wielding Danish bounty hunter who can shoot explosive bolts and immobilize fleeing enemies with a bola. Alongside Freja, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was revealed, showcasing his ornate staff and water-bending abilities. 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 notable return, Overwatch 2 will reintroduce loot boxes, previously phased out for 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, and will not require payment. A significant update is the transparency feature, where players can see the odds and potential contents of a loot box before opening it. Senior systems designer Gavin Winter emphasized, "We're keeping it fun while being transparent about what's inside, and the rate of various drops from opening each box."

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

Competitive play in Overwatch 2 is set for several updates. Season 15 will feature a competitive rank reset, 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 again. Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive play, a feature common in other competitive games to mix up strategies. 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

Overwatch 2 is set to dazzle with an array of new cosmetics. Zenyatta will receive a Mythic skin inspired by the dragon Pixiu in Season 15, alongside various skins for heroes like Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. A Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker is slated for mid-Season 15. Looking further ahead, Juno will get a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin, and Mercy and Reaper will have new Mythic weapon skins. D.Va is also in line for a Mythic skin.

Collaborations continue to be a significant part of Overwatch 2's appeal, with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM returning for a second collaboration in 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, particularly in China, with a new stage and increased live events doubling the gameplay and broadcast opportunities. Integration with Face.it leagues and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are on the horizon. Additionally, teams will receive in-game items that fans can purchase, with the proceeds directly benefiting the organizations.