The **Stadium** is officially open, and the **hunt for glory** is just about to begin! As **Overwatch 2** embarks on its **Season 16** adventure, expect a whirlwind of thrilling updates and dynamic gameplay that changes everything we know about the game. **Get ready** to dive into fresh experiences with the **new mode**, the introduction of a **new hero**, and a whole lot of surprises waiting just around the corner. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist, a new player honing your skills, or simply in it for the **spectacular cosmetics**, this season has something for *everyone*—so let’s buckle up!
FORGE YOUR VICTORY IN THE STADIUM
Welcome to **Stadium**, the exciting new competitive mode that is set to redefine your Overwatch experience! Stadium arrives as the **third pillar** of gameplay alongside **Quick Play** and **Competitive**, providing a fresh avenue for players to strategize, customize, and conquer.
This best-of-seven round-based brawl rewards you with **Stadium Cash** each round, allowing you to empower your heroes like never before in the Armory. With **17 heroes** available right from the launch, plus regular updates introducing exciting new characters, items, abilities, and maps, every match promises **unpredictable thrills**. And here’s the kicker: you can now toggle between **first-person and third-person perspectives**! Get ready to experiment, evolve, and climb the ranks in this revolutionary standalone system.
Need some insider tips to help you conquer the Stadium? We’ve got you covered! Check out our expert articles to **gear up** for success and learn how to rewrite the rules of the game.
EXCITING SEASON KICK-OFF: STADIUM INITIATION EVENT
Celebrate the **grand opening** of Stadium with the **Stadium Initiation Event**! Show off your skills, and your victories will earn you more than just **bragging rights**—you’ll unlock exclusive limited-time cosmetics like the **Stadium Rookie Soldier: 76** and **Stadium All-Star Juno skins**. This event is your opportunity to forge a name for yourself in the arena!
Elite-minded players will want to strive for the highly coveted **Elite rank**, which brings permanent accolades like the **Stadium Elite Genji, Orisa, and Moira skins**. So whether you’re strategizing to dominate your opponents or simply racking up wins for thrills and rewards, the **Stadium Initiation Event** is your playground all season long.
UNVEILING A NEW DPS HERO: FREJA
Get ready for a **game-changing** addition to the roster: meet **Freja**, the latest DPS hero! With her **Revdraw Crossbow** and a suite of high-mobility abilities, Freja is built for precision and control. **Fair warning**: she never misses her mark!
Freja’s crossbow dishes out both rapid-fire accuracy and explosive damage, granting her unparalleled control in every skirmish. Utilize her **Quick Dash** and **Updraft** abilities to escape tight spots or pursue targets, and prepare to unleash her **Bola Shot Ultimate**, which tangles enemies in place for breathtaking plays. Are you ready to impress your team and outsmart your foes? Freja goes live with the launch, so brush up on your mechanics!
INTRODUCING HERO BANS!
In an exciting twist, Overwatch 2 introduces **Hero Bans**—a feature that empowers players to influence the game even before the first shot is fired. By popular demand, **Hero Bans** roll out in **Season 16**, breathing new life into Competitive Play!
In this game-changing system, each team will vote to **remove up to four heroes from play**, adjusting team compositions and strategies with a layer of mind games. It’s a perfect blend of collaboration and strategy, rewarding teams that understand hero synergies and coordination.
Are you tired of seeing the same heroes dominate the battlefield? Use this newfound power to **block crucial counters**, eliminate problematic damage dealers, or shield your preferred support duo. With Hero Bans in play, every match will be uniquely refreshing and strategic. Rally your team, plan your bans, and get ready for a revolutionary gameplay experience!
For a deeper dive into the **Hero Ban** system, explore our insightful Director’s Take: Introducing Hero Bans for Competitive Play blog.
JOIN THE DOKIWATCH PHENOMENON WITH MYTHIC HEART OF HOPE JUNO
Step into the enchanting world of **Dokiwatch**, where heroes rise as champions of light and magic. Say hello to **Juno**, the newest **Hero of Heart**, equipped with the **Mythic Heart of Hope** skin that features four stages of transformation! As she evolves from a charming protector into a fearsome warrior—and even a corrupted version influenced by Woe—this skin tells a compelling story of resilience and hope.
- Level 1, Base: Radiate hope with a vibrant pink color scheme and delightful sparkly effects.
- Level 2, Doki Princess: Transform into a regal guardian with a glowing colorway and stylish bob haircut.
- Level 3, Corrupted Evil: Succumb to Woe’s influence, donning a fierce twin-tails hairstyle and chilling color palette.
- Level 4, Radiant Protector: Emanate pure Heart energy with dazzling visual effects and a magical glow.
Don’t miss the **Iridescent Aspect**, which brings an extra prismatic flair to her radiant energy, available first for Juno on April 22. With her transformations, Juno’s journey becomes a personal adventure crafted entirely by your choices.
UNITE THE DOKIWATCH SQUAD!
But wait, Juno won’t be fighting alone! The **Dokiwatch Bundle** enriches the hero roster with an array of magical skin options. Including formidable characters like **Nocturna D.Va**, **Heart of Passion Kiriko**, and **Heart of Grace Widowmaker**, these stunning skins encapsulate pure enchantment.
From April 22 to May 19, this exclusive bundle will be available. Make sure not to let this **magical moment slip away**—beautiful skins like these alongside Mythic Heart of Hope Juno and her magical arsenal represent the charm and might you don’t want to miss!
MORE MAGIC, MORE STYLE: THE SEASON 16 PREMIUM BATTLE PASS
The **Premium Battle Pass** has rolled out a treasure trove of rewards that will empower your gameplay and showcase your style. Unlock **Mythic Heart of Hope Juno** or grab other exclusive content with Mythic Prisms while earning even more by completing Premium tiers.
This season features **Legendary skins** like **Demon Rockers Ashe**, **Lifeweaver**, **Mauga**, and the elegant **Royal Swordsman Genji**, plus the mighty **Heart of Strength Brigitte**! Not to mention, the **Epic Dokiwatch Hollow Heart Moira and Hero of Heart Tracer skins** are waiting for you to earn! With everything your heart desires and a chance for Legendary Loot Boxes, this Battle Pass is quintessential for magic, metal, and mayhem!
Play for free to boost your arsenal with even more rewards, including coins and credits—your path to cosmic enchantment awaits!
Plus, don’t forget to catch the **Twitch Drops** between April 22 and May 5! Enjoy streams tagged in the official Overwatch 2 category to accumulate time toward exclusive rewards ranging from sprays to legendary skins. Watch, earn, and chill!
Season 16 is about to explode onto the scene, bringing brand-new modes, the sharp precision of Freja, and the dynamic strategy of Hero Bans. Get ready to master new strategies, rise through the ranks, and *make your mark*, heroes—an exhilarating adventure awaits!
