With Marvel Rivals really stealing the limelight in recent months, Overwatch 2 is in need of a big shakeup, and that’s exactly what it’ll get soon with its experimental new Stadium mode. Shorter games, reworked abilities, an optional third-person POV – it’s one of the most radical things Blizzard has done to the game since, well, sticking a ‘2’ on the end of it, probably. Ahead of its rollout next week, a new trailer has dropped for the mode alongside confirmation that less than half of the hero shooter’s 42 characters will be playable in Stadium at launch. However, there’s a very good reason why.
I’m not convinced that it’ll kick start some enormous, mainstream Overwatch 2 revolution, but Stadium does look like a really enticing prospect for a few groups of people. Those that still regularly play the FPS game, especially the competitive-minded grinders, have a new ranked ladder to climb in Stadium and new strategies and abilities to master. Those that have drifted away from Overwatch 2 have an exciting reason to return – come back, check out this transformational new mode, and see if it sticks the landing. And finally, those that enjoy certain third-person multiplayer games (like ones that start with ‘M’ and end in ‘arvel Rivals’) can now enjoy Overwatch 2’s action in that perspective.
Stadium is essentially a mode where you play best-of-seven mini series where matches span some popular and familiar game modes and maps. However, the action has been condensed to create quicker, more frantic matches.
Between rounds, you’ll be able to buy Items that can buff your weapon, improve survivability, and more. Every other round, you’ll get the chance to select Powers which are essentially modified or entirely new versions of passives and abilities, tailored specifically to Stadium.
However, it’s for that reason that there will only be 17 heroes available in Stadium at launch. Tanks get access to D.Va, Reinhardt, Orisa, Junker Queen, and Zarya. DPS players can pick from Ashe, Genji, Cassidy, Mei, Soldier 76, and Reaper. Finally, supports can choose from Juno, Lucio, Kiriko, Ana, Mercy, and Moira.
Blizzard promises that additional heroes will be added in future seasons, but hasn’t alluded to how many will drop each time they expand the roster. It’s absolutely understandable why only a select group of heroes are playable, given that they needed to be balanced and in many cases thoroughly redesigned for Stadium. The lineup covers a lot of the traditionally popular and highly picked heroes too, so there shouldn’t be too many grumbles, but if you’re really bound to a certain character that isn’t featured in Stadium, that might put you off.
Stadium arrives in Overwatch 2 at the start of Season 16 on Tuesday, April 22.
Until then, see if you can shoot up the ranks before Season 15 ends by consulting our Overwatch 2 tier list. Alternatively, jump into another great free PC game to pass the time.
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