Overwatch 2 Unveils Major Revamp, Bringing Back Loot, Boosts, and Third-Person

Overwatch 2 is undergoing a major transformation in 2025. While new content is expected, core gameplay will be significantly altered with the introduction of hero perks. Nearly nine years after the original Overwatch, and two and a half years after Overwatch 2's launch, Season 15 (February 18th) introduces this game-changing mechanic.

Game director Aaron Keller and the Blizzard team announced sweeping changes, including new collaborations, heroes, and a completely revamped gameplay experience. This overhaul aims to revitalize Overwatch 2, facing competition from titles like NetEase's Marvel Rivals.

Hero Perks: A Gameplay Revolution

Each hero will receive two selectable perks – minor and major – unlocked at specific points during a match. Minor perks offer subtle upgrades (e.g., Orisa's primary fire heat refund on critical hits), while major perks drastically 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.

Stadium Mode: A New Competitive Experience

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

Overwatch Classic: The Return of GOATs

Blizzard is experimenting with 6v6 modes and Overwatch Classic, reviving the three-tank, three-support "GOATs" meta from Overwatch 1. This throwback mode will arrive mid-Season 16.

New Heroes and Cosmetics

Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter, arrives in Season 16, followed by Aqua, a water-bending hero.

Numerous cosmetics are planned, including a Pixiu-inspired Zenyatta Mythic skin (Season 15), a second LE SSERAFIM collaboration (March), and Mythic skins for Widowmaker, Juno, Mercy, Reaper, and D.Va.

Competitive Updates

Season 15 resets competitive ranks, introducing Galactic weapon skins and charms. Season 16 adds hero bans and map voting. The competitive scene expands with a new China stage, Face.it integration, a new tournament system, and in-game team items.

The return of loot boxes, obtainable through free means, with transparent drop rates, adds another layer to the game.