A major season update is coming to Overwatch 2 on August 26. This update will introduce a new support hero, bring back a popular event, and make significant changes to the gameplay. Blizzard shared the full patch notes on August 22, indicating a season that could change the game’s competitive scene.
The new season, named “Stadium Quick Play,” will feature Wuyang, a new support hero with aquatic abilities. Wuyang, initially called “Aqua,” becomes the 44th hero in the game. His abilities focus on providing healing and crowd control. The season will also see the return of the beloved Summer Games event, running from September 2 to 15. This event will bring back classic game modes like Lúcio Ball and Winston Volleyball, but with a new twist—Lúcio Ball will now be playable in third-person view for the first time.
In addition to new content, the update will include major quality-of-life improvements and gameplay changes. A new “Hero Progression 2.0” system will allow players to earn unique cosmetics and borders by spending time with their favorite heroes. Another important change responds to the long-standing request for a consistent experience across platforms. Console players will now have the option to use a mouse and keyboard, but they will be placed in a separate matchmaking pool to maintain fairness with PC players.
The patch notes also describe extensive balance changes, including adjustments for specific heroes and tweaks to armor and damage reduction. A new “Hero Skill Rating” system will help players understand their performance with individual heroes, offering a clearer view of their competitive journey. The update will also include a soft reset of all competitive ranks, giving players a fresh start as they enter Season 18. With these significant changes, this new season is set to be one of the most transformative in Overwatch 2’s history.