Overwatch 2 Introducing a Game-Changing Perk System

Summary

Overwatch 2 to introduce perk system to revamp gameplay.
Heroes will be able to choose from minor perks at Level 2, and then major perks at Level 3.
Blizzard will regularly update perks.

Blizzard has announced a new perk system for Overwatch 2 that sounds like it's going to shake up the hero shooter dramatically. Overwatch 2 launched with dramatic shifts from the tried-and-true Overwatch formula, most notably abandoning the 6v6 set-up and switching to 5v5.

This change required Blizzard to make serious balance changes to various Overwatch 2 heroes, reworking heroes like Doomfist from a Damage character to a Tank, adjusting various abilities, and more. Blizzard has continued to make major changes to Overwatch 2 in the years since the game's early access launch in 2020, with the biggest one taking place on Tuesday, February 18 at the start of Season 15.

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By Eric Law

Overwatch 2 will be getting a revolutionary perk system when Season 15 starts on February 18 that should be the biggest change to the core gameplay since OW2's early access launch. When this new perk system is implemented, it will make it so OW2 heroes will now have three levels. At level one, they will play how they always have. At level 2, players will be able to choose between two minor perks. Examples given include Lucio's Soundwave getting more knockback, and Torbjorn's hammer being able to restore ally armor health. When Overwatch 2 characters level up again, players will be able to select a game-changing major perk that will allow players to adjust how their hero works in the heat of battle.

All Overwatch 2 Perks

For example, Orisa will be able to trade her Javelin Spin for a Protective Barrier, or she will be able to have a Charged Javelin that can pierce through enemies. Reaper can choose a perk called Dire Trigger that lets him do mid-range damage with his secondary fire, Winston can use Chain Lightning to zap multiple enemies at once, and Hanzo can once again wield his fan favorite Scatter Arrows. Baptiste can use his shoulder turret for added healing when using his Amplification Matrix Ultimate, and Ramattra's Vengeful Fortex allows players to explode Ravenous Vortex in the air to take out flying enemies.

Blizzard's Overwatch 2 Spotlight gave fans a look at some of the other perks players will be able to choose. Torbjorn's major perks let him choose between Anchor Bolts, which allow him to attach his turrets to walls and ceilings, and a Level 3 Turret. Pharah can select Concussive Vacuum to pull her enemies together, setting them up for a devastating Ult, while Ana can choose Headhunter to allow herself to get critical hits on enemies or Shrike, which lets her use Nano Boost on herself - perfect for Ana players that are getting dove in a match.

Blizzard will be adjusting perks regularly, with an especially big update coming in the middle of the year. Overwatch 2 perks are a huge change to the core gameplay, and it will definitely be interesting to see how the community reacts. We'll find out when Overwatch 2 Season 15 starts on February 18.

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