Image: Blizzard Entertainment
Overwatch 2 is getting a Perks system and a new mode, along with multiple maps and heroes in 2025.
Blizzard Entertainment has announced a massive gameplay change to Overwatch 2’s core gameplay loop: Perks. Starting from Season 15, players will be able to select hero-specific bonuses to level up and customise their playstyle throughout a match. This was revealed during an Overwatch 2 Spotlight stream, which also unveiled the game’s return of lootboxes, new heroes, new maps, and more.
You can rewatch the stream below:
Overwatch 2 reveals Perks system: How does it work?
Overwatch 2 Season 15 is changing things up in a big way. Season 15, titled Honor & Glory, will launch with an all-new Perks system, allowing players to choose from different upgrades to a hero’s kit when levelling up. Heroes can be levelled up two times throughout a match.
The first time players level up, they’ll be able to choose between two minor Perks which offer lighter upgrades. These can range from small passive abilities to cooldown reductions. Torbjorn, for example, will be able to either use his Forge Hammer to restore ally armour health or refill his gun ammo when activating Overload.
While minor Perks are certainly nice to have, major Perks are a lot more effective towards changing up gameplay. When choosing between major Perks, Torbjorn will be able to either anchor his turret to walls and ceilings or upgrade his turret to Level 3. On the other hand, Ana can choose to headshot enemies or Nanoboost herself when activating her ultimate.
Perks will be available in both Quick Play and Competitive Mode.
A new way to play Overwatch 2: The Stadium game mode
Overwatch 2 is getting an all-new game mode and this time, it doesn’t only involve new objectives and bigger maps. Blizzard describes Stadium as both “the biggest game mode” it has ever made and “more than just a game mode.” That’s because it builds on the game’s new Perks system with even more upgrades and customisable abilities in a best-of-seven game format.
Let’s break it down. Each round, players will be able to earn in-game Stadium coins to unlock new abilities for their heroes. These are a little different from Perks. By mixing and matching abilities, players will be able to create radically different versions of existing Overwatch heroes, such as a genuinely capable battle Mercy with full combat prowess, a Support-like Soldier:76 who buffs allies, and a Reinhardt who doubles down on AoE attacks.
Here’s the kicker: Stadium can also be played in third-person (with first-person still available as an option), which means that Overwatch 2 is no longer a first-person shooter, technically speaking. This mode will have a brand-new menu that allows players to buy and sell their mods of choice - think Paladin’s item shop.
Stadium will launch with “at least 14” core heroes, which means that players won’t have immediate access to the full roster in this mode. Judging by the Spotlight stream, Stadium will be played on existing maps like King’s Row and Throne of Anubis.
Loot boxes are back, for some reason
Hey, remember loot boxes? Those are back - albeit in more limited quantities than before. These cosmetic pinatas will be available for players to earn by completing weekly and event rewards. Additionally, they can earn one Legendary loot box in the free battle pass and another two Legendary loot boxes in the Premium battle pass. Players are guaranteed to get a Rare or better item in every box (no more all-white drops!), an Epic item within five consecutive boxes, and a Legendary item within 20 consecutive boxes.
Here are the exact pull rates:
Loot Boxes
- Legendary - 5.10%
- Epic - 21.93%
- Rare - 96.26%
- Common - 97.97%
Legendary Loot Boxes
- Legendary - 100%
- Epic - 21.93%
- Rare - 96.26%
- Common - 97.97%
Hero Bans are coming in Season 16
Several highly-requested features are coming to Overwatch 2 in Season 16 and beyond. In Season 16, Hero Bans are coming to Competitive Mode (making private player profiles a necessity, lest everyone know your main). After that, a map voting system is coming to the game to allow players to choose their preferred maps.
Overwatch 2 Season 15 launches on 19 February, 2024. For more coverage of Overwatch 2's upcoming heroes and cosmetics, read here.
