Overwatch 2 Stadium Mode Launches with 17 Heroes Here's Why

Less than half of Overwatch 2's heroes will be playable in its new Stadium mode at launch but it is still an interesting prospect.

With Marvel Rivals really making headlines in recent months Overwatch 2 needs a major overhaul and that's exactly what will happen soon with it is experimental new Stadium mode. Smaller games, revamped abilities, an optional third-person perspective it is one of the most revolutionary things Blizzard has done with the game since, perhaps, adding a 2 to the end of it. Ahead of it is launch next week a new trailer for the mode has been released and it confirms that less than half of the hero shooter's 42 characters will be playable in Stadium at launch. There's a very good reason behind this, though.

I am not sure this will start any massive mainstream Overwatch 2 revolution but Stadium looks like a really tempting prospect for some group of people. Players who still enjoy FPS games, especially those focused on competition need a new ranking system in Stadium and fresh strategies and abilities to learn. Those who have stepped away from Overwatch 2 have an exciting reason to come back come back check out this transformative new mode, and see if it works. And finally those who enjoy certain third-person multiplayer games (such as those that start with M and end with Arval Rivals) can now enjoy the action of Overwatch 2 from that perspective.

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Stadium is essentially a mode where you play a best of seven mini series where matches are based on some of the most popular and familiar game modes and maps. However the action has been condensed to make it a much faster and more French match.

In between rounds and you will be able to purchase items that can enhance your weapons improve defense, and more. Every other round you will get the opportunity to choose powers that are radically modified or completely new versions of passives and abilities designed specifically for Stadium.

When the game launches 17 heroes will be available in the Stadium. Tanks can choose from D.Va Reinhardt, Orisa, Junker Queen, and Zarya. DPS players can pick from Ashe or Genji, Cassidy, Mei, Soldier 76, and Reaper. Support players can select Juno, Lucio, Kiriko, Ana, Mercy, and Moira.

Blizzard has promised that additional heroes will be added in future seasons but has not revealed how many heroes will be removed each time they expand the roster. It is completely understandable why only a select few heroes are playable as they needed to be balanced and in many cases completely redesigned for Stadium. This list also includes a number of traditionally popular and highly picked heroes so there should not be too many complaints and but if you are really attached to a specific character that isn't featured in Stadium, This might be disappointing, but Stadium will arrive in Overwatch 2 at the beginning of Season 16 on Tuesday April 22.