Overwatch 2's new Stadium mode is one of the best additions to Blizzard's shooter franchise since it debuted in 2016 — here's why I can't stop playing it since it droppedTech17:41, 23 Apr 2025While Overwatch has had some instances of third-person, this is the first time it's for longer than a single ability(Image: Blizzard)Has there ever been a game you’d love to get into but just find it too hard to do so? For me, it’s League of Legends and DOTA 2.Both games have such fervent fanbases, such complexity and high skill ceilings that I’ll often find myself sitting and watching esports events for each while not really having much idea what’s going on. In short, it’s a boat I missed way back when, and without someone to spend hundreds of hours coaching me, it’s just not something I can catch up to.‌Why do I mention this at the start of an article about Overwatch 2’s new Stadium mode, which launched this week? Because in some ways, this new way to play Overwatch feels like the half Hero shooter, half MOBA I’ve been begging for.Article continues belowLet’s set the scene first — Stadium is the headline addition of Overwatch’s next season, and is a 5v5 mode that’s absolutely packed with ways to play, just as the rest of Overwatch is.Players compete in three different modes, and look to finish top in a best-of-seven format, but the most obvious shift is in perspective — Overwatch 2 Stadium is a third-person mode.‌The idea is that it gives players a much greater idea of where they’re positioned when teamfights get chaotic, and with a whole slate of abilities, it certainly does.Third-person perspective is new for Overwatch(Image: Blizzard)We’ll have more from Aaron Keller and the Overwatch 2 team in the next couple of days, but one of the key things to stress is that it’s not as easy as just switching the camera (check out our full interview).‌It’s a little brain-breaking in the first few matches, but it doesn’t take too long to adjust (although you can switch back if you’d prefer).Another major change is that once you pick your Hero in Stadium, you’re locked in for the entire match, regardless of map, enemy composition, and mode.I was initially a little concerned that locking into a Hero, and coming up against a hard counter and being unable to play around it, would be a major issue, but that’s where the new Armory comes in.‌Reinhardt is pretty versatile with the right perks(Image: Blizzard)One of the biggest distinctions (other than the increase in rounds and fresh perspective) from the core Overwatch 2 experience is The Armoury, where players will spend the cash they’ve earned in each match.These offer a variety of perks, as well as recommended character builds with a specific playstyle in mind. For example, Genji will have a host of purchaseable items, but you can lean into certain ones that push him into a shuriken-focused attacker, or improving his dash abilities.‌Meanwhile my beloved Lucio can buff his attack speed, healing effects, and trigger buffs that feed into wall-running to become even more lethal and supportive in equal measure.Cash comes from performance in a match, so you’ll want to maintain a narrow gap between you and the top players to be able to keep pace — just like you would in a MOBA like LoL or DOTA.Stadium mode is inspired by Hearthstone's Battlegrounds(Image: Blizzard)‌It’s the kind of in-game economy I love in, say, VALORANT, but brought into a game with more of a focus on abilities and a longer time-to-kill.With so many potential upgrades, fans are likely to construct some wild builds that change each season, adding a whole extra layer to Overwatch.Not every Hero is available in Stadium, but Blizzard will add more each season. Notably, former poster girl Tracer isn’t there yet.Article continues belowOverwatch 2 has been in a strange place since it launched, with fans unsure if a full sequel was justified. Make no mistake - the new Stadium mode, plus last season’s perks, mark the biggest shakeup since Overwatch’s switch to 5v5, and it’s a much deeper game for it.Stadium gives me the same feeling that the original Overwatch did in 2016, and I think I’m going to be putting in a lot of hours. I’ll see you out there…For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌