When I first launched Overwatch during the beta nine years ago now, I knew I was playing something special. I grew up playing Team Fortress 2 and League of Legends, and Overwatch felt like the perfect blend of those. It became an instant classic for me, and I have loved ruling the skies as both Pharah and D.Va ever since. Over time, more flight-based characters such as Echo and Juno would come out, and each one would reinvigorate my passion for the game. A couple of years ago now, however, Overwatch decided to transition into becoming Overwatch 2. Now, many of the changes they’ve made have begun to get reverted.
Get ready, Heroes! Season 15: Honor & Glory is NOW LIVE 🥳
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) February 18, 2025
Jump in and start experimenting with all 168 Hero Perks today! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2gFRqRKmUg
With Overwatch 2, the game was changed from 6 players versus 6 to 5 players versus 5, forgoing one of the previous tank role slots for a single powered-up tank instead. Soon, they will reintroduce the old composition of twelve player matches. Additionally, loot boxes were replaced with the battle pass system – loot boxes are now back (alongside the battle pass). But the main thing that upset everyone about Overwatch 2 was that we were promised a completely updated game complete with things like perks and upgrades, but ended up getting Overwatch 1.5 instead. This season that changes as Blizzard has finally introduced hero perks. Throughout the match, you earn character experience through a similar system as generating heat. Basically, if you’re doing damage or contesting the objective in some way, you gain experience.
Starting at level 1, you can get up to level 3 to gain new perks that can range from adding shields or mobility to changing entire abilities. Orissa, for example, can exchange her javelin spin for a shield barrier at level 3, effectively regaining her lost ability from Overwatch 1. This is a clever way to add back more overpowered abilities to certain heroes, letting them earn them over the course of a match instead of immediately gaining access. When switching characters, the level will be tied to the character you gained them on. So if you’re a level 2 D.Va and you swap to Orissa, you will be level 1 again. Swapping back to the old character will keep the old experience gained, so going back to D.Va will raise you back to level 2. These levels are maintained throughout the whole match normally, but are reset upon switching sides in competitive play.
Speaking of competitive play, this season is marketed as a competitive reset. Everyone is supposedly starting back from square 0, having to earn back their competitive ratings and matchings. In that regard, there is no better time than now to jump into the fray and figure out just where you stand amongst the ranks of all the global Overwatch competition. I personally will be taking advantage of this as I fly around while using Pharah’s barrage – that’s right, her perk makes her no longer just a sitting duck while using her ultimate. Who else will I see out on the battlefield?
Your journey to the top is about to begin 🏆✨
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) February 18, 2025
Jump into Season 15: Honor & Glory NOW and start your climb through the Competitive ranks 💥 pic.twitter.com/I8nQpSYiCt
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