“Era of Innovation” – Huge update completely transforms Overwatch 2, including the comeback of loot boxes

Overwatch 2 is getting huge updates with Season 15 and 16: 6v6 returns, the perks system brings hero upgrades, stadium mode brings a breath of fresh air – and loot boxes are back.

Overwatch 2 has languished in insignificance in recent months, and the community largely agreed: Overwatch 1 is the better game.

Many missed the classic 6v6, the balancing never felt quite right, and the in-game shop caused more frustration than joy with its sporty prices. But now Blizzard wants to turn things around – with a gigantic update that addresses the biggest criticisms and drastically changes the feel of the game.

6v6 returns, a brand new perks system brings more depth, and Stadium, arguably the most ambitious game mode in the series, is on the starting blocks.

• Hero upgrades for more depth
• New mode Stadium
• New heroes: Freja and Aqua
• Comeback of the loot boxes

Hero upgrades for more depth of play

With Season 15, starting February 18, Blizzard is introducing the Perks system. This is a new feature that allows your heroes to make individual upgrades during a match. There are two levels:

• Minor perks: Passive bonuses or reduced cooldowns – for example, Torbjörn’s Blacksmith’s Hammer can restore armor to allies or his ÜberCharge can refill the magazine of his Rivet Gun.
• Major perks: Massively alter abilities—such as the ability to mount Torbjörn’s turret on walls and ceilings or to use a powerful level 3 version.

The system will be active in both ranked and quickplay modes.

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New Stadium mode

Stadium joins Quickplay and Ranked as the third main mode of Overwatch 2 and will officially start in Season 16 (April 2025). Here are the key points:

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• Turn-based: To win, your team must win four rounds on the small maps. It’s not a team deathmatch, but you have to complete certain objectives as in the other modes.
• Shop System:You will earn coins during the rounds to strengthen your heroes with unique upgrades.
• Third-person mode: By default, the game is played from the persecutor perspective– but first-person remains optional.

Alongside Stadium, there is another important mode: the classic 6v6 returns as a separate ranked mode , and that’s already in Season 15 on February 18.

New heroes: Freja and Aqua

Two new characters will soon be joining the hero line-up:

• Freja (Season 16): A DPS hero with an explosive crossbow and versatile mobility skills.
• Aqua (Season 18) – an even more mysterious hero with water-based abilities. Details to follow.

Freja will be available to try out in Season 15 during a free test weekend.

You can see all the announced innovations in action in the following video:

Comeback of the Lootboxes

Probably the most controversial new feature is the return of loot boxes– a feature that Blizzard removed in 2022 when it switched to Overwatch 2. Criticism of the expensive in-game store led many fans to wish the old mechanic back.

Now they’re coming back, but with adjustments:

• There are normal and legendary loot boxes, the latter guaranteeing a legendary item.
• If you draw a double item, you’ll get a different item of equal value instead.
• Blizzard is now officially stating drop rates:

Loot boxes are available through the Battle Pass (both free and premium) and weekly rewards. Blizzard also hinted that more options (e.g. Twitch Drops) could be added.

What do you think of the new features? Will you take another look after the failed launch? Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments!