Blizzard Announces Major Overwatch 2 Update: Loot Boxes, Perks, and Third-Person Mode Return

As we approach 2025, *Overwatch 2* is set to undergo transformative changes that promise to redefine its core gameplay. With nearly nine years since the original *Overwatch* debuted in 2016 and two-and-a-half years since the launch of *Overwatch 2*, the game is poised for its most significant update yet, starting with Season 15 on February 18. This season will introduce hero perks, fundamentally altering the way the game is played.

Blizzard's game director, Aaron Keller, along with his team, has unveiled a series of updates and changes planned for the coming months. These updates include new heroes, collaborations, and a completely new gameplay experience, aimed at reigniting enthusiasm and competition against rivals like NetEase's *Marvel Rivals*.

Overwatch 2 is Adding Hero Perks

Each hero in *Overwatch 2* will now have the ability to choose from two perks: a minor and a major perk, which can be selected at designated levels throughout a match. At level two, a minor perk might enhance a basic ability, such as Orisa's primary fire refunding Heat with critical hits. On the other hand, a major perk can significantly alter a hero's capabilities mid-match, like replacing Orisa's Javelin Spin with her Barrier or making her Energy Javelin chargeable, increasing its speed, Knockback, and ability to pierce through enemies.

These perks are unlocked progressively during a match, leading to what Alec Dawson, the lead gameplay designer, describes as "gameplay-shifting" alterations. Players must choose between perks, much like selecting talents in *Heroes of the Storm*, another Blizzard title.

Overwatch 2 Perks

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

Season 16, slated for April, will bring another significant addition with the introduction of Stadium mode. Described by Aaron Keller as the "biggest game mode" since the original *Overwatch* launch, Stadium is a 5v5, best-of-7 round-based competitive mode. Here, players can earn and spend currency between rounds to enhance their heroes, choosing modifications that boost attributes like survivability or damage, and traits that can lead to substantial hero alterations, such as allowing Reaper to fly in his Wraith Form.

Stadium mode will also introduce a third-person perspective, offering players a broader view of the battlefield and their modifications in action. Players can switch between first and third-person cameras. The mode will initially feature 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 other play modes, including 6v6 and *Overwatch Classic*. For fans of 6v6 gameplay, more events are planned, alongside a new competitive open queue with a maximum of two tanks per team. *Overwatch Classic*, set to launch midway through Season 16, will bring back the "GOATs Meta" from *Overwatch 1*, featuring the three-tank, three-support strategy that once dominated the game.

The development team is also gearing up for more seasonal events, including April Fools', Summer Games, and Dr. Junkenstein's Halloween event.

Freja Arrives in Season 16 - and Aqua Follows

Season 16 will introduce a new hero, Freja, a crossbow-wielding bounty hunter from Denmark who can fire explosive bolts and use a bola to hinder fleeing enemies. Alongside Freja, concept art for the next hero, Aqua, was revealed, showcasing his ornate staff and water manipulation abilities, with more details to be unveiled later in the year.

Overwatch 2 New Heroes Screenshots

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Loot Boxes Are Back

The return of loot boxes to *Overwatch 2* marks a notable shift after their removal during the transition to battle passes. IGN confirms that these loot boxes will be free, accessible through the battle pass's free track and weekly rewards. A new feature will display the odds of what's inside each box, adding transparency to what players can expect to receive.

"We're keeping it fun while being transparent about what's inside, and the rate of various drops from opening each box," says senior systems designer Gavin Winter.

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

Competitive play in *Overwatch 2* is set for an overhaul. Season 15 will reset competitive ranks, but new rewards like Galactic weapon skins and special weapon charms will motivate players to climb the ranks again. Hero portraits will also feature rank icons once more.

Season 16 will introduce hero bans to competitive play, a common feature in many competitive games that could shake up the meta. Following the implementation of hero bans, map voting will also be added to give players more control over their gaming experience.

Overwatch 2 Season 15 Screenshots

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Cosmetics Galore

A vast array of new cosmetics was showcased during the stream, featuring new looks for many heroes. Zenyatta will receive the next Mythic skin, inspired by the dragon Pixiu, arriving in Season 15 along with skins for Doomfist, Venture, Tracer, Junker Queen, and more. Midway through Season 15, a Mythic weapon skin for Widowmaker will be available.

Future seasons will bring even more cosmetic options, including a magical girl-inspired "Dokiwatch" Mythic skin for Juno, and Mythic weapon skins for Mercy and Reaper. D.Va will also receive a new Mythic skin. Additionally, *Overwatch 2* will continue its tradition of collaborations, with a second partnership with K-pop group LE SSERAFIM in March, bringing new skins and cosmetics to the game.

Overwatch 2 New Cosmetics

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The Competitive Landscape Grows

The competitive scene for *Overwatch* is expanding, with a new stage in China and more live events planned, doubling the amount of gameplay and broadcasts. The integration of Face.it leagues into the competitive ecosystem and a new tournament system for promotion and relegation are on the horizon. Teams will also have in-game items for fans to support, with proceeds going directly to the organizations.