Blizzard Entertainment announced a lot of changes coming to Overwatch 2 in their spotlight video, which you can check out below. Some of these changes include perks, new heroes, the return of loot boxes and more.

Perks

Perks are new upgrades to each hero’s ability kit that unlock during the course of a game. According to lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson, perks are “the most significant innovation to core gameplay since Overwatch launched in 2016.”

One example of a major perk is Orisa’s ability to swap out her existing Javelin Spin ability and replace it with a shield, just like the one she used to have in her kit in the original Overwatch. Torbjorn’s major perk will let players throw his turret against a wall or ceiling.

New Game Mode: Stadium

Stadium is an entirely new mode that builds on the gameplay-changing abilities seen in previous limited-time game modes like Mirrorwatch, Junkenstein’s Laboratory, and Trials of Sanctuary.

In Stadium, players will compete in 5v5 matches with fast-paced rounds and a best-of-seven scoring system. Each round starts with a buy mode, in which players purchase hero mods — abilities that affect their weapons, abilities, and survivability — from the Armory. Players earn coins each round, based on their performance and their team’s, that can be spent on additional mods in later rounds.

Stadium will also allow Overwatch 2 players to play the mode in third-person.

New Heros: Freja and Aqua

A new damage hero was also introduced, Freja, a Danish bounty hunter who the devs describe as one of the highest-skill characters in the game. Freja is armed with a rapid-fire crossbow that also fires explosive bolts. She can also launch up into the air, dash-jump like Hanzo, and ensnare enemies with her bolas with her ultimate ability.

There is also a new hero code-named Aqua, who is described as a Chinese water wielder. Senior narrative designer at Blizzard Jude Stacey describes Aqua as having “one of the most unique ability sets we’ve ever developed.”

Return of Loot Boxes

Original Overwatch loot boxes will return to Overwatch 2 in season 15.

New Cosmetics

Season 15 will introduce a new Competitive weapon variant type, Galactic, that showcases “the power of the stars in the palm of your hand.” Competitive players can also earn new weapon charms.

There will also be new Mythic skins for Zenyatta and a new Mythic weapon skin. Additional Mythic skins of D.Va, Reaper, and Juno were shown.

Hero Bans and Map Voting

The upcoming season also adds hero bans. Map voting is coming in “future seasons.”

New and Reworked maps

It was also announced that updated versions of Flashpoint maps Suravasa and New Junk City are on the way. Two more maps can be expected soon: an Atlantic Arcology map and a new metropolitan Tokyo map.