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To say Overwatch 2 had a rocky start would be an understatement. We all know how this beloved hero shooter has gone through the “it’s over, we’re back” loop. One day, it’s at the top; one day, it’s falling faster than a roller coaster ride; and the next day, it’s back up again. Yet, that’s a good thing. Live-service games should always experiment until they find that sweet, successful spot, and it seems the hero shooter that started it all is about to reach its highest height yet. Overwatch 2 has announced its Stadium mode, and it already looks like the sequel we were all hoping this game would be at launch.
Overwatch 2 Stadium Arrives on April 22
I might speak for everyone out there, but a game mode that combines MOBA elements and brings a third-persona camera to Overwatch 2 was not on our bingo card, yet that’s what Stadium is.
This upcoming game mode pits 10 players (5v5) in a best-of-7 multi-round bout. As you progress through the match, you’ll get currency to buy upgrades for your hero. These upgrades will eventually create a unique build for your character. This means that every hero will have different passives as the match goes on, adding a strategic layer to the game and to team compositions. Speaking of team compositions, every team will bring one tank, two DPS, and two supports. The official site also says this game will have a role queue exclusively, so keep that in mind when joining in.
When it comes to heroes, Overwatch 2 Stadium will feature 17 at launch. The website claims that more will come in the future, but 17 is a good lineup for starters. Beyond that, there’s a lot of gear that players need to watch out for. Items will come in different rarities, and some will be hero-specific only. Items can also enhance a hero’s abilities and weapons or even increase their survivability. On top of that, players will also be able to buy Powers that grant new passive skills or even new abilities. For instance, one will let Reinhardt send lava across the area.
Is This the Sequel We Were Waiting For?
When Overwatch 2 launched, it didn’t feel like an actual sequel. Instead, it felt like a re-release with a different ribbon on top. However, Overwatch 2 Stadium feels like the brand-new game mode we were all waiting for and makes this game feel like the sequel we all hoped for.
For starters, this game mode looks amazing. While it may seem a bit daunting for those who’ve never touched a MOBA, there are a few accessibility options like recommended builds. Of course, the big highlight here is the addition of a third-person perspective. We’ve all seen how successful that has become in other hero shooters, so it is great to see Overwatch embracing it, too. The best thing, however, is the fact that Overwatch 2 is getting a highly innovative game mode that will bring different types of players to it. And yes, there’s a ranked mode for those who want to duke it out in the big leagues.
Overall, Stadium looks fantastic, and the release date isn’t too far away. So, if you wanted to approach Overwatch 2 from a new perspective, you will literally get it soon. But if you’re a new player who isn’t that keen on the normal gameplay loop, this might be the mode that brings you into this legendary hero shooter.
