Overwatch 2’s New Perk System Will Change Everything You Thought You Knew!

On Wednesday, Blizzard Entertainment’s developer delved into significant updates coming soon to Overwatch 2, their free-to-play shooter game. One of the most notable changes for immediate gameplay is the integration of a Perk system. This innovative feature enables players to gain levels during a match, then pick between Minor and Major perks that significantly modify how a hero performs.

Have you ever thought about giving Winston the ability to strike multiple foes with Chain Lightning? Perhaps you’d prefer Baptiste to be equipped with a Shoulder Turret that enhances his healing capabilities. Or maybe there’s some malice within you (I comprehend) and you’d rather see Ramattra’s Ravenous Vortex detonate in mid-air.

Over the past year, Blizzard Entertainment has been refining a particular system for Overwatch, with the developers stating that it’s only recently started to take its final shape. These features aim to maintain the essence of Overwatch gameplay while introducing something new and exciting, which can be quite challenging. After experimenting with various prototypes, they found that multiple options per game were necessary to ensure the system functions effectively.

In each game now, players will get to select Perks on two different occasions as their character progresses through levels. For the first time, this happens at level 2, offering a selection between two Minor perks that bring about more subtle enhancements. For example, Orisa’s Heat Dissipater minor perk refunds the heat buildup from her Primary Fire whenever she lands critical hits.

At level 3, you get to select from two significant advantages, which can dramatically change how a hero is played. For Orisa, the options are either enhanced Charged Javelins for increased power, or giving up Javelin Spin entirely to gain Protective Banner, offering a strong protective shield instead.

The creators explain that these features are intended to offer players a fresh approach to playing their hero characters, or alternatively, boost the abilities of existing heroes if you prefer not to change. The design of these options is intended to be swift and unobtrusive during gameplay. By default on PC, players can hold down the ‘Alt’ key and click to select an option; console users can press up on the D-pad, followed by using the bumpers to make a selection. If you find these methods too sluggish, there’s also a quick “one-click” Quick Selection option available for your convenience.

When are Perks arriving in Overwatch 2?

Players won’t have to wait too long before they can try out the fresh Perk system, as it will be introduced during Overwatch 2’s Season 15, which starts on February 18, 2025. This is just one of the significant changes coming to Overwatch 2 in the near future. Additionally, a 6v6 competitive playlist for those who prefer the original team composition style in Overwatch will also be available soon. Furthermore, Season 16 will introduce a massive new mode called Stadium, which brings innovative ways to engage in battles, such as incorporating a third-person camera perspective.

In the upcoming seasons, Overwatch 2 will introduce two new characters. The first one is Freja, a bounty hunter equipped with crossbows, due in Season 16. As for the second character, they are a water manipulator, currently referred to as Aqua, and they’re expected in Season 18.

Admittedly, it’s been a while since I last played Overwatch 2, and the explosive popularity of Marvel Rivals has contributed to that gap. However, the updates they’ve been announcing have caught my attention, so I’m planning to jump back in to explore Season 15 and beyond. The new Perk system especially piques my curiosity. If the developers can strike a balance, which is no small feat, it could significantly enhance gameplay dynamics for the better.

Overwatch 2 can be played for free on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscriber, you’ll enjoy extra perks like free cosmetic items and a 10% experience boost when you play.

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2025-02-12 21:41