After receiving some healthy competition from the likes ofMarvel RivalsandDeadlock,Overwatch 2devs have made it clear that they intend to step things up in terms of upcoming reveals, new mechanics and gameplay modes, and bringing back some of the most well-loved and missed features fromOverwatch 1.
Many new and upcoming features for the next few seasons ofOverwatch 2were revealed through the 2025 roadmap, which was showcased duringthe February 2025 Spotlight Presentation. This includes the likes of new Heroes, new maps, new game modes and gameplay features, upcoming Mythic Weapons / Mythic Cosmetics, and more.
Gameplay feature
Releases
Season 15
Hero Perks are one of the newest additions to have already gone liveas ofOverwatch 2 Season 15. Hero Perks are a new gameplay mechanic included in both Quick Play and Competitive Play, letting players unlock unique passive abilities for the hero they are playing. By healing, dealing with damage, scoring eliminations, and gaining Ultimate Charge, players can progress their in-game level bar.
When players begin a match on a hero or swap midway through to a different character, they will begin at level 1. At level 2, players get to choose one Minor Perk from two different options, and then at level 2, they get to pick one Major Perk from two different options. Perks can be anything from passive damage increase, damage reduction, or even a complete change to one of the key abilities in a character’s kit. This lets players customize their playstyle and even play around counters with more ease, in some situations.
Gameplay reward
Loot Boxes are a fan-favorite mechanic fromOverwatch 1, in which players could play to earn and purchase Loot Boxes to roll for various collectibles. These collectibles include hero skins, icons, voice lines, emotes, and sprays for each character. In Overwatch 2’s Season 15, Loot Boxes have already made their return - but can only be earned rather than bought.
Players can earn Loot Boxes from the Premium Battle Pass and by completing in-game challenges. Aside from purchasing skins with real and in-game currencies, or earning them through Battle Pass tiers or challenge rewards,the return of Loot Boxesgives players yet another way to obtain hero cosmetics, helping to complete each Hero Gallery collection.
Gold Weaponshave been around as a reward that players can purchase with Competitive Points since OW1. In OW2, Jade Weapons were introduced as an additional option, yet there were mixed reactions from players, as they looked exactly the same as the metallic Gold Weapons effect, just in a green color.
However, as of OW2 Season 15, Galactic Weapons have arrived, finally bringing something unique and fresh to the Competitive Rewards and Weapon skins areas of the game. Galactic Weapons colorize the weapons and tools of each hero or villain a deep purple color, complete with a slight animated galaxy/nebula effect. Players can earn Galactic Weapons by playing Competitive Play and accumulating Competitive Points.
Gameplay mode
Season 15 midseason update
6v6 was the standard gameplay format for both Competitive and Quick Play game modes in Ow1, following a 2-2-2 team role lock (2 Tanks, 2 DPs, 2 Support). However, OW2 adapted to a 5v5 format across both game modes, dropping to 1 Tank - 2 DPS - 2 Support. While this change was made with balancing in mind, many users found themselves missing the days of double Tank / 6v6 as OW2 went on.
This led to several 6v6 gameplay tests in Overwatch 2, and finally, resulting in the return of 6v6 to both OW2 Competitive and Quick Play modes. Players will experience this return during the midseason update/patch of Ow2 Season 15 and will be able to choose between 5v5 or 6v6 queues when playing the game. The guidelines regarding 6v6 is no role lock, but a limit of 2 Tanks per team, meaning players can choose to default to 2-2-2, or even try out the various 1-3-2, 1-2-3, and 2-1-3 team comps that made their rounds duringthe 6v6 test events.
Cosmetics & collectibles
Season 15-Season 18
Mythic Skins have been a popular aspect of OW2 ever since they were first released. Mythic Weapons have added some fun cosmetic options and visual effects for players who enjoy maining specific characters or collecting different weapon skins. To help get players excited for the Mythic Skins and Mythic Weapons coming in the next few seasons of OW2, many details were revealed via the 2025 roadmap.
Season 15 has kicked off with a Mythic Zenyatta skin and aMythic Weaponfor Widowmaker. Season 16 will follow with a Mythic Skin for Juno and a Mythic Weapon for Mercy. Lastly, the Season 17 Mythic Skin will be crafted for D.Va, and the Mythic Weapon design will go to Reaper.
