Overwatch 2 Unveiled: Radical Revamp Unveils Loot Boxes, Perks, Third-Person View

Overwatch 2 is undergoing a major transformation in 2025. While new content is expected, the core gameplay will be significantly altered with the introduction of hero perks.

Nearly nine years after the original Overwatch's release and two and a half years after Overwatch 2's launch, Season 15 (starting February 18th) will introduce perks, fundamentally changing how the game is played.

Game director Aaron Keller and the Blizzard team announced numerous updates, including new collaborations, heroes, and a completely revamped gameplay experience. These changes aim to revitalize Overwatch 2 amidst competition from titles 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 a match. Minor perks offer subtle upgrades (e.g., Orisa's primary fire refunding heat on critical hits). 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.

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 upgrade heroes, enhancing attributes or unlocking significant alterations (e.g., Reaper flying in Wraith Form). While perks aren't initially included in Stadium, future integration is possible. The mode features a third-person camera option alongside the standard first-person view. It will launch with 14 heroes, with more to be added later.

Overwatch 2 Stadium Screenshots

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Overwatch Classic and 6v6 Competitive Open Queue

Blizzard continues experimenting with 6v6 and Overwatch Classic modes. A 6v6 competitive open queue (max two tanks per team) is planned, and Overwatch Classic will revive the "GOATs Meta" (three tanks, three supports) from Overwatch 1.

New Heroes: Freja and Aqua

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

The Return of Loot Boxes

Loot boxes are returning, but only obtainable through free means (battle pass, weekly rewards). Transparency regarding drop rates will be implemented.

Competitive Updates

Season 15 resets competitive ranks, offering rewards like Galactic weapon skins. 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 in the works.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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Competitive Expansion

Overwatch 2's competitive scene is expanding with a new stage in China, more live events, Face.it league integration, and a new tournament system. Teams will receive in-game items for fans, with proceeds benefiting the organizations.