Now that the Season 15 mid-season update has arrived, Season 16 is next in the calendar for Overwatch 2 players. Although there is still some left before the new season, Blizzard already revealed a big chunk of what's coming this time during the Spotlight event back in February.
While we wait for more news about it, we have gathered all the details about the upcoming additions to the hero shooter.
Release date
According to the in-game battle pass countdown, Overwatch 2 Season 16 is scheduled to start on Tuesday, April 22 at 11:00 AM PT (7:00 PM UTC).
The new season should last around eight weeks, with a major patch dropping in the middle to add all the new content for the second half.
New hero: Freja
Freja is the next hero being added to Overwatch 2. Players had a chance to try the new DPS hero during her weekend trial, but she will permanently be added at the start of Season 16.
In case you haven't seen it, here is the official animated short for the character:
You can visit this article to read more about the new hero, including all about her abilities and perks.
Stadium
One of the biggest additions of the season will be a completely new mode called Stadium. This was showcased during the Spotlight event and players will face off in a round-based mode.
The objectives are variations from the traditional modes that allow for faster rounds. The mode will be playable in special maps specifically designed for Stadium.
After each round, players will receive a certain amount of money to spend on the shop. Players can buy upgrades or even new abilities through the shop, with a wide range of options available for each hero.
On top of all, players can enjoy this mode in first-person or third-person view, being able to switch between the two perspectives at any time. This will be the first time an official mode offers the third-person view, giving users a new way of experiencing the hero shooter.
Skins and cosmetics
The season will feature a Dokiwatch theme, with many cosmetics following this style. The first cosmetic to follow this will be the upcoming Juno mythic skin and here is the concept art revealed at the Spotlight presentation:
Kiriko is another character receiving a Dokiwatch skin, which you can see in the following concept art as well:
Mercy will receive the mythic weapon of this season and this cosmetic will also follow the Dokiwatch theme. Here is the corresponding concept art, giving us a first look at how the heart at the top of the staff will change when the player is healing or damage boosting:
This weapon will arrive in the mythic shop after the mid-season update drops, just as the previous seasons' weapons.
Other details
Here are other minor details that have been revealed about the new season so you do not miss out on anything:
- The hero ban system will be implemented into the Competitive modes.
- A new collaboration with another IP will arrive in the game at some point during the season.
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