Starting with Season 15, which kicked off on February 18, Overwatch 2 has returned with a nostalgic mode straight out of the first game: the return of the 6v6 format, which was briefly tested in late 2023. But that's not the only surprise. A brand new Perks system is making its appearance. The latter allows you to modify and improve the abilities of heroes during the game, offering more flexibility and greater depth during clashes.
A throwback... and a big leap forward
Another choice that risks dividing: Blizzard is reintroducing… loot boxes! Abandoned in favor of an online store during the transition to free-to-play, they are back with a guarantee of obtaining rare, epic or legendary items after a certain number of openings. A controversial return, while many players have been criticizing this system for years, deemed too close to the casino.
Finally, in April, a redesign of the competitive mode will allow you to ban certain heroes and vote for game cards, an option that could profoundly change habits. Two new characters will also be arriving, including Freja, a mobile heroine equipped with a dual-mode crossbow.
The biggest new feature is Stadium, a new mode that radically changes the Overwatch experience. This 5v5 mode inspired by Counter-Strike and Valorant works on a best-of-7 basis, with a currency system allowing you to buy upgrades for your hero between each round. The maps and objectives vary each round, alternating between Control, Clash and Push. An unexpected twist for Overwatch, which seeks to: attract a new audience.
In Stadium, there is no question of changing heroes in the middle of a match: each player must deal with their character from start to finish. To compensate, the improvements purchased during the game transform the skills, in order to make each session unique. For example, Kiriko will be able to teleport without needing an ally nearby, while Soldier: 76 will be able to convert his healing station into a mobile personal regeneration effect.
Blizzard clearly wants to break the routine that has been established since the release of Overwatch 2. After years of trying to balance its game by restricting the creativity of the players, the studio is now adopting a more flexible approach, allowing more freedom and customization. A necessary risk for the multiplayer FPS. Overwatch 2 may be cult, but it is no less seriously competed with Marvel Rivals.
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