Overwatch 2 is about to unveil its most transformative gameplay since the series was first announced back in 2014. Get ready to dive into Stadium, a new best-of-seven mode, designed to revamp the Overwatch experience. This mode lets you upgrade your hero over several rounds, injecting powerful new abilities that redefine the way you play.
In a team of five, you’ll earn Stadium Cash each round based on your performance. Your earnings depend on factors like eliminations, healing, and damage mitigation. Use this cash wisely between rounds to buy items that either boost your survivability or increase the damage you deal. You’ll even have a shot at selecting new abilities—imagine Moira wielding three orbs or Reinhardt converting his shield into a healing barrier. Mastering this mode requires keen strategy and adaptability, so gear up for when Stadium officially launches on April 22.
To get an insider’s perspective on these fresh abilities and hero builds, we had a chat with Dylan Snyder, a Senior Game Designer on the team.
So, how did your approach differ when crafting Stadium compared to the core version of Overwatch 2?
Dylan Snyder shed some light: “Stadium is all about stretching the limits of player fantasy, expression, and strategic play while staying rooted in the Overwatch you know and love. We’ve always wanted a space to experiment with our heroes’ larger-than-life ideas. Since the core gameplay prioritizes competitive integrity, Stadium serves as our sandbox—a place to unleash creativity.”
Let’s delve into the variety of upgrades players can expect for their heroes.
Snyder explained, “The Armory is key—it’s where you begin each match and where you return between rounds. We aimed for an engaging yet straightforward way to use Stadium Cash on your heroes. In the Armory, purchase items that range from basic stat boosts to enhancements for specific abilities. Powers are unlocked before rounds 1, 3, 5, and 7, introducing extremely cool ways to play with formidable new abilities. Fancy shooting Ana’s Nano Boost ultimate through walls? With the right items and powers, you absolutely can.”
But what popular builds and abilities are buzzing among developers?
“There are tons,” Snyder shared enthusiastically. “In playtests, we’ve seen a remarkable variety in how people play their favorite heroes. Some team members have embraced a ‘Double Helix’ build for Soldier: 76, devastating for foes lacking in defensive upgrades. Personally, I’m fond of Ana’s Nano Boost build, which lets you buff your entire team across walls. It’s been a lifesaver in clutch moments, especially when taken out during overtime but still able to support the team.”
Are any builds or abilities that took you by surprise?
Snyder had a delightful surprise: “I never expected it, but I’ve fallen for a Junker Queen build. I’m not typically a Junker Queen main, but in Stadium, she’s become my go-to Tank. You can swing her axe more frequently, turning it into a leaping strike. Surprising a Juno or Mercy mid-air with a Carnage swing is always satisfying. Plus, speccing for wounds causing abilities helps me survive longer—a personal victory since staying alive has never been my forte.”
Any tips to get players started in Stadium?
“Definitely use the suggested example builds,” Snyder advised. “Experiment in the Practice Range. Understanding your hero’s capabilities aids tremendously in countering opponents and building team synergy.”
Curious about any features or abilities that might be added in the future?
Snyder kept us on our toes: “I can’t go into specifics just yet. We have a backlog brimming with exciting ideas we couldn’t roll out ahead of Season 16. We’re focused on creating a strong foundation for future seasons, with more heroes, modes, maps, and abilities. Some earlier ideas might still see the light, offering even more variety in the dynamic rounds of Stadium.”
When does all this kick-off? Stadium launches alongside Season 16 on April 22. Expect more heroes to roll out every season—so keep an eye out for more updates! Thanks for joining us.
