On April 18, 2025, Blizzard Entertainment unveiled a trailer for the upcoming season "Stadium" of its popular team-based action game, Overwatch 2, set to launch on April 23. This season promises exciting new content, including the introduction of a new damage hero, Freya, and a unique game mode called "Stadium," which allows for hero customization.
The trailer highlights various updates and new skins that players can expect throughout the season. The new hero Freya, who specializes in damage, will officially debut this season, enhancing the roster of playable characters.
One of the most talked-about features in Season 16 is the introduction of a "Hero BAN" system, which will be exclusive to competitive play. This system will allow players to ban specific heroes during matches, significantly impacting the dynamics of gameplay. Fans are eager to see how this new feature will affect the competitive environment.
In addition to these gameplay changes, the Mythic Shop will feature new skins for heroes. The target hero for this season's Mythic skin is Juno, known as "Heart Hope," while Mercy will receive a Mythic weapon skin called "Merciful Magical Steck." Furthermore, players can look forward to the release of the second installment of the Mythic Special Color, named "Pearl," which can be unlocked by using Mythic Prisms on upgraded Mythic skins.
Season 16 will also bring back the "Overwatch: Classic" mode, which will recreate the October 2020 patch environment, allowing players to revisit a balanced gameplay experience that many remember fondly. This iteration is particularly notable as it includes Echo, the last hero added to the original Overwatch before the sequel's release.
As part of the trailer's conclusion, Blizzard teased an exciting collaboration with the anime series "New Mobile Report Gundam W," which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. This event is set to kick off on April 30, 2025, and fans are already speculating about the type of suits and skins that might be introduced, particularly for Mercy, as hinted by silhouettes shown in promotional images.
Since its debut in 1995, "New Mobile Report Gundam W" has garnered a dedicated fanbase, and its anniversary is being celebrated with various promotional activities, including figures and illustrations featuring main characters in dress attire. The official Gundam W account has been actively sharing updates about the anniversary, including collaborations with other franchises, such as Hatsune Miku.
Overwatch 2 has previously collaborated with several popular franchises, including "My Hero Academia" and "Cowboy Bebop." The upcoming collaboration with Gundam W is highly anticipated, especially considering the series' legacy and its impact on the anime industry.
As players prepare for the new season, excitement is building not only for the gameplay changes but also for the chance to engage with beloved characters from Gundam W. The combination of innovative gameplay elements and nostalgic collaborations is expected to draw both new and returning players to the game.
Blizzard has positioned Overwatch 2 as a free-to-play title available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This accessibility has helped maintain a robust player base, eager to experience the latest updates and events.
In summary, Overwatch 2's Season 16 promises to deliver a wealth of new content, including the introduction of Freya, the Hero BAN system, and the return of the Classic mode. The collaboration with Gundam W adds an exciting layer to the season, celebrating the anime's rich history while providing players with fresh experiences in the game. With the new season just around the corner, players are gearing up for what is sure to be an exhilarating time in the Overwatch universe.
