Major Overhaul to Perks in Overwatch 2

Blizzard is diving head-first into the world of Perks with Overwatch 2, and they’ve just revealed an exciting roadmap that includes some big updates. While hopes were high when Perks were introduced in Season 15, it’s clear Blizzard intends to keep the system fresh and engaging as they roll out upgrades. We’re talking about buffs, nerfs, and an entirely new lineup as part of an update in the middle of Season 15, fresh additions in Season 16, and a complete revamp planned for Season 18.

The addition of Perks in Season 15 brought a new dynamic to the game. Each hero now offers four Perks: two minor options unlocked at level two, and two major ones available at level three. Whether it’s enhancing stats or introducing brand new abilities, these Perks allow players to switch up gameplay in innovative ways.

But Blizzard isn’t slowing down. During a recent Reddit AMA, the Overwatch 2 creative team, including lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson and senior game producer Kenny Hudson, was all ears, responding to fans’ questions. Hudson mentioned upcoming balance tweaks in the mid-Season 15 patch, which will enhance Roadhog’s Hog Toss and Juno’s Re-Boots, while reigning in Bastion’s Self-Repair Perk. With Season 16 on the horizon, expect to see some of the less popular Perks swapped out for new ones, keeping things lively.

Looking further ahead, Dawson shared some insights into what’s brewing for Season 18—a significant overhaul for the Perks system. Every hero is going to receive at least one new Perk, with potentially 25-50% of all Perks being switched out. This change aims to nudge players out of their comfort zones by updating selections that aren’t as popular without disrupting beloved choices. It’s also a time when the developers will reassess the entire Perks system. This could bring changes like progress gains adjustments or even choice over starting levels.

The community discussions also revealed some interesting trends. Since Perks were introduced, counterswapping has dropped by 25%, indicating players are finding new ways to shake things up without immediately switching heroes. While the team isn’t planning to allow Perk changes mid-match, they might introduce systems to help prevent players from picking the wrong Perk under pressure. Overall, it’s clear that Overwatch 2 wants Perks to make character selection dynamic and impactful.

As for when to expect these updates, the mid-Season 15 patch around March is followed by the launch of Season 16 on April 22. Season 18 is set for late August, coinciding with the release of a new hero for Overwatch 2. With exciting additions like Stadium mode on the docket, 2025 is set to be a monumental year for the game. This steady stream of content and updates underscores Blizzard’s commitment to keeping Overwatch 2 fresh and captivating for its players.