After receiving some healthy competition from the likes of Marvel Rivals and Deadlock, Overwatch 2 devs 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 from Overwatch 1.

overwatch 2 survey skins
Best Overwatch 2 Survey Skins (Feb. 2025)

Overwatch 2's February Skin Survey showcased many eye-catching cosmetic concepts for beloved heroes and villains.

Many new and upcoming features for the next few seasons of Overwatch 2 were revealed through the 2025 roadmap, which was showcased during the 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.

Hero Perks

Pickable Passives to Customize Your Playstyle

ow2 perks-1

Type of Addition

Gameplay feature

Releases

Season 15

Hero Perks are one of the newest additions to have already gone live as of Overwatch 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.

Loot Boxes Return

A Long Lost OW1 Highlight For Many Longtime Players

loot box ow2

Type of Addition

Gameplay reward

Releases

Season 15

Loot Boxes are a fan-favorite mechanic from Overwatch 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 Boxes gives players yet another way to obtain hero cosmetics, helping to complete each Hero Gallery collection.

Galactic Weapons

A Brand New Competitive Reward to Decorate Your Weapons

galactic weapons

Type of Addition

Gameplay reward

Releases

Season 15

Gold Weapons have 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.

overwatch 2 hazard causing chaos
Overwatch 2: Who Are Hazard & The Phreaks?

Overwatch 2's latest hero and lore drop revolves around an individual named Hazard and a group named The Phreaks. Find out about them in this guide!

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.

Competitive 6v6

No More Tanking Alone in Competitive!

ow2 s15

Type of Addition

Gameplay mode

Releases

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 during the 6v6 test events.

New Mythic Skins & Mythic Weapons

Full of Interesting Additions & Customizable Options

mythic zen

Type of Addition

Cosmetics & collectibles

Releases

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 a Mythic Weapon for 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.