SummaryPerks are exciting new abilities for Overwatch 2Lead gameplay designer for Overwatch, Alec Dawson, explains how Perks work.Overwatch 2 Season 15 launches February 18.Hey everyone! Alec here, ready to spill the tea on one of the most exciting new mechanics coming your way in Overwatch 2Perks! If youve been looking to switch things up with your favorite heroes and add even more strategy and adaptability to your matches, well sit tight, weve got something for you today! This is the story of how the Perks system came to life and why we think its going to completely change the way you play Overwatch 2. The Spark That Started It AllThe idea for Perks wasnt just something we pulled out of thin airit came from some important questions we kept asking ourselves in design meetings. Questions like, How can we bring more dynamic gameplay to Overwatch? and How do we heighten the hero fantasy and give you the opportunity to lean into different playstyles? We wanted to find new ways to challenge and delight our players, and giving you more in-game choice seemed like the perfect solution. Enter Perksa system that allows us to inject a layer of strategy into each match without completely reinventing the game you know and love.The Evolution of PerksOur idea of Perks has been kicking around since early last year, with the bulk of the project coming together in the last six months. Like any good project, Perks went through some stages of trial and error, and (spoiler alert) our first attempt showed promise but had numerous issues to work through. Initially, Perks were just a level-up system with pre-determined upgradesyoud hit level three in a match and automatically get some minor power boost. Simple? Yes. Really changing your Overwatch gameplay? Not so much. It became clear that while having something to work toward mid-match was exciting, we were missing the magic of choice. We wanted to amplify the notion that there was more than one way to switch things up for your hero from game to game.Our next iteration introduced a hybrid system with automatic perks for your first two levels and one big choice for level three. This added a glimmer of excitement, but it still felt clunky. Making that one singular, late game-changing choice during the heat of battle sometimes caught players off guard, since they werent doing it earlier in the match. It wasnt fully integrating into the flow of gameplay.So after some serious playtesting and more what if conversations than I can count, we landed on the version of Perks youll see in-game. You now unlock a choice between two Minor Perks at level 2 and a choice between two Major Perks at level 3 all tailored to your hero. Its enough flexibility to feel fresh and strategic while keeping the games fast-paced tempo intact. Major and Minor PerksWith this split of Minor and Major perks, we really wanted to give you an interesting decision at each level. This meant trying to split up which abilities your perks targeted and differentiating the type of power boost each would provide.For Minor Perks, we wanted to treat these as small upgrades, such as Lucios Bass Blowout perk that increases the knockback of his Soundwave. Minor Perks come early in the match and elevate your abilities, but dont completely change their behavior.Major Perks are more about shifting your core gameplay loop, and even adding new abilities to heroes. Reapers Dire Triggers perk gives him a Secondary Fire that does decent mid-range damage, great for getting that last shot on an escaping foe. Hitting your Major Perk on a hero is a big moment in the match and can totally change how you approach an engagement.Keeping Overwatch OverwatchOne of our most important goals with Perks was ensuring they felt true to Overwatch. Weve all enjoyed our wacky arcade April Fools moments, but the core gameplay of Overwatch is sacred territory. We didnt want Perks to completely throw off the balance or make you feel like you were suddenly playing too far away from the heroes you already know and love.Every decisionwhether it was deciding how powerful perks should be, crafting trade-offs, or ensuring balance across heroeswas made to keep the core Overwatch DNA intact. We spent a lot of time debating scenarios where less is more, striking the delicate balance of giving players fun perks without making things chaotic or unfair.Take Orisa, for example. One of her perks trades her Javelin Spin for a Protective Barrier. Thats a sizable change, but it allows Orisa to hold different positions, something that can be clutch on the right map. Since taking Protective Barrier is more of a kiss/curse decision, Orisas other perk Charged Javelin allows you to keep her typical playstyle intact (with a supercharged Javelin of course). When you choose a perk, your choice should reflect the situation at hand, our goal is to make these decisions meaningful without being overwhelming. Building Player Choice into GameplayWith the gameplay structure set, the next challenge was making perk selection easy. Overwatch is fastblink, and you might miss your front-line Winston jumping right into the fight. Asking players to make meaningful mid-match decisions had to be intuitive, not stressful.We designed two ways to pick Perks:Standard Selection: Hold down Alt (or up on the D-Pad for console), then use Left/Right click (or bumpers) to select.Quick Selection (for the dont slow me down squad): A one-button press to instantly pick your perks.Muscle memory and familiarity will build over time, but these options ensure you wont feel overwhelmed in those clutch, intense moments.Developer FavoritesTo get you started, here are some of our favorite Perks from playtesting:Winstons Chain Lightning lets him charge up Secondary Fire to zap multiple enemies near his target. Its not just useful, its pure chaotic fun.We brought back Hanzos Scatter Arrows, giving you clever shot opportunities. Watch out for some wild multi-killsyoull want to clip those plays for sure.Baptistes Shoulder Turret? Yes, its real. When you pop Amplification Matrix, the turret comes out to add (extra) Automated Healing. Its as cool as it sounds.And my favorite: Ramattras Vengeful Vortex, enabling you to explode Ravenous Vortex in the air and send down those pesky flying enemies. These are just a few examples of how Perks can take your hero and amplify the fantasy.Now Its Your TurnPerks are more than just a mechanictheyre a fresh way to flex your creativity, adapt your strategies, and rediscover the game you love. We cant wait to see the builds, plays, and clips you all come up with. This is Overwatch stepping into a new chapter, but still staying true to its heart with teamwork, adaptability, and buckets of fun.Hop into Overwatch 2, try out Perks, and tell us what you think. Who knowsthe next big Perk idea could come from you. See you in game! Season 15 of Overwatch 2 begins February 18. For more information about Overwatch 2, visit PlayOverwatch.com.Overwatch 2Blizzard Entertainment2002Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedXbox Game PassOverwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatchs 40 distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.Overwatch 2 Season 14: HazardGet ready for an explosive season as we introduce Hazard, the new Scottish tank hero, embodying the spirit of anarchy for the greater good. Then test your skills with a unique blend of past and present in the 6v6 Role Queue event, where teamwork and synergy shine within the 2-2-2 setup. Master the elements with an Overwatch 2 x Avatar: The Last Airbender collab event, celebrating unity, resilience, and the power within. Plus, prepare to wield the hammer of Gods as Mythic Thor Reinhardt and earn up to five Legendary skins with the Premium Battle Pass. Packed with nostalgia, customization, and radical gameplay, Season 14 has everything you need to dominate in style!The Overwatch League Token will no longer be purchasable after December 9, 2024. The OWL shop will remain open until at least December 2025, with limited inventory purchasable with players remaining OWL token balances.