Overwatch 2 Season 16 launches on April 22, 2025, bringing back the fan-favorite 6v6 mode, introducing a new DPS hero, Freja, and updating hero perks. Get the full breakdown of what’s coming in this game-changing season.
Overwatch 2’s highly anticipated Season 16 kicks off on April 22, 2025, and it’s set to be one of the game’s biggest updates yet. Among the standout features is the return of the beloved 6v6 Open Queue game mode, which will remain available throughout the entire season in both Quick Play and Competitive formats.
Originally introduced as a limited-time event in Season 14 and expanded in Season 15, 6v6 became the third most popular mode in the game, only temporarily overtaken by April Fool’s “Totally Normalwatch.” Despite the dominance of 5v5 with a 3:1 player preference ratio, 6v6 maintained a strong and steady player base. Blizzard noted that even in the open queue format, most teams naturally formed the classic 2-2-2 (two tanks, two DPS, two support) lineup. The inclusion of a two-tank limit in 6v6 also helped prevent the return of problematic metas like GOATS.
Associate Game Director Alec Dawson emphasized the community’s positive feedback, especially from tank players who enjoy teaming up with a “tank buddy.” Additionally, 6v6 matches have led to shorter queue times and more flexibility, including in-match role swapping. Blizzard is now exploring how 5v5 Role Queue and 6v6 Open Queue can coexist long-term.
Season 16 also introduces a range of gameplay updates, particularly to the perk system. Perks are being rebalanced and refreshed to keep the meta dynamic. Notable changes include:
- Sombra’s new major perk, Viral Replication, allows her Virus ability to spread to nearby enemies.
- Mercy’s minor perk, Angelic Resurrection, grants 100 overhealth on cast.
- Juno’s new perks include Locked On, which reduces Pulsar Torpedo cooldowns for each enemy hit, and Re-Boots, enhancing mobility.
- Tracer will see nerfs to her dominant “triple blink” strategies.
- Mei is likely to receive a new perk inspired by her old Deep Chill ability.
A major highlight of Season 16 is the debut of Freja, a mobile, high-skill DPS hero specializing in precision and range. While her Hero Trial win rate hovered at 43%, Freja will receive buffs to her Revdraw Crossbow and Bola Shot to boost her competitive viability.
In addition, a new Stadium Mode will debut, offering a third-person perspective and hero customization via an Armory system, launching with at least 14 playable heroes. Hero bans are also set to be introduced in Ranked mode, encouraging deeper strategy and broader hero usage.
Cosmetic content is also expanding with a new Battlepass, fresh skins (including a Mythic Juno skin inspired by Sailor Moon), and a rumored Overwatch x Gundam Wing collaboration.
With all these updates, Season 16 is shaping up to be a bold step forward for Overwatch 2.
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